Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, May 14, 2015 :

Odisha will shortly come up with a road map to boost up fish production in the state in a systematic and scientific manner in consultation with experts.

The state with huge potential in augmenting fish production has notched up a record growth of 13% in fish production during 2014-15. Besides, the state owned Odisha Pisciculture Development Corporation Ltd. (OPDCL) has been chosen for International Star Award for leadership in quality production during current year.

However, the specter of ‘Hidden hunger’ or micronutrient deficiency is still haunting millions of people in the state, particularly women and children, who suffer from chronic deficiencies of vitamin A, iron, and zinc. While rice is an affordable staple food for the country’s poor, it lacks the vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy and balanced diet.

Micronutrient deficiencies cause irreversible damage in children, stunting their growth and inhibiting their brain development and cognition, making it difficult for them to learn at school and perform at work later in life. The rural people need to be provided with micronutrient-rich vegetables and small indigenous fish species into the homesteads and diets.

A high level meeting held under chairmanship of chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati here on Thursday deliberated on the issues relating to building familiarity with the international fish organizations, identifying fishery strength of the State, spot out areas for future collaboration, work out details of project variables and bringing in more private sector investment to step up fishery production in the state.

Secretary fisheries and animal resource development Bishnupada Sethi outlined the issues for discussion which was attended among others by the experts from World Fish Center, Malaysia, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture [CIFA] and International Finance Corporation [IFC].

Chilika Development Authority (CDA) chief executive, Ajit Patnaik, who was also present in the meeting, gave details on the innovative technique of preparation of dry fish through solar dryer successfully implemented through CDA initiatives.

The experts from WFC underscored the need for development of quality seed, certification of seeds supplied by hatcheries, expand the brood bank for quality brood stock, application of research outcomes at field level, adoption of scientific techniques and development of ‘organic brand’ for Chilika fishes.

Dr Michael Phillips, Director Aquaculture & Genetic Development, Ms. Shakuntala Haraksingh, Senior Nutrition Advisor, and Dr Vishnumurty Mohan Chadag, senior Scientist, Aquaculture & genetic Improvement all from World Fish Center along with senior officers from the department of fisheries participated in discussion.