Fish seed released into River Krishna

Vijayawada: The department of fisheries dropped fish seed into Krishna River here on Saturday on the occasion of Meenotsavam. Speaking on the occasion, District Additional Joint Collector N Ramesh Kumar said that the seed released in the river would be of great help for fishermen and also for food lovers. He said that the exercise of dropping fish seed into the rivers and irrigation tanks was aimed at helping fishermen gain economically besides protecting ecological balance. He said that over 14 lakh fish seeds were released into the river so far. The seed is expected to grow in the next six months, he said. Deputy Director of Fisheries Department T Kalyanam said that the government was trying to help fishermen in every possible way. The department was supplying fish seed, feed and nets on subsidy to fishermen belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. A subsidy of 50 per cent on supply of fish feed, nets and other material was offered to fishermen of other castes, he said. The Deputy Director said that the department had planned fish markets in all the major towns along the coast. In Krishna district, five markets were opened so far to help fishermen market their catch, he said. Assistant Director of Fisheries Department G Venkatrao, Development Officer M Pardhasaradhi, urban Tahsildar R Siva Rao, Fishermen Cooperative Society president G Subba Rao and others were present.