Bengal govt clears policy for private participation in fisheries sector
The West Bengal Inland Fisheries Policy, 2023 was adopted by the state cabinet on July 24, clearing the deck for private participation on a large scale in the fisheries sector.
Special incentives will be provided for owners of large waterbodies having an area of more than 5 acres.
Insurance of fishing stock will be provided to mitigate the risk involved in aquaculture for private individuals involved in the fishery sector, both to the owners of waterbodies and members of the fish farmers’ production organisations (FFPOs) that these owners will have to form to get the benefits of the new policy.
Another important aspect about private participation in the sector, as outlined in the policy, is the setting up of scientific demonstration centres by private entrepreneurs on government-owned waterbodies larger than 10 hectares.
