Policy to usher in ‘blue revolution’ in the making

• Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh stresses potential of blue revolution
• Promises to ensure preservation of eco system, livelihood
• Minister calls revolution ‘aquaplosion’

Hyderabad: Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Monday said that the government was planning to evolve a policy to usher in blue revolution in the country.

The Union Minister who is on a visit to Hyderabad to attend the 33rd session of the Asia Pacific Fishery Commission of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations said that the potential resources for 'blue revolution' in the country should be fully exploited. He said the government is planning to evolve a policy for aquaculture growth.

The Minister said "the underexploited potential resources of the country can usher in a 'blue revolution' or 'aquaplosion' by utilising the same. The resources are to be judiciously and rationally utilised for aquaculture. We are also planning to develop a policy for aquaculture growth in the country considering its vast potential," he said.

Noting that sustainable growth of fisheries and aquaculture is possible only, if the sector's socio-economic benefits accrue to a large social spectrum, he said. The policy makers should aim at ensuring the desired growth duly preserving the natural resource base and millions of livelihood.

While drawing up strategies for increasing fish production, he said the approach should be ecosystem based and environment friendly to ensure sustainability at large. Being a country in possession of rich and varied aquaculture resources, India would like to join other nations in the region to play a lead role in aquaculture and fisheries and its sustainable development and management, he said.

The meeting hosted by India was attended by 21-member countries of the Asia Pacific region.

Later, the Union Minister met Telagna Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. He discussed with him on how to promote agriculture in Telangana. KCR explained to the Minister on the TRS government’s plans to promote basins, ridges and tanks in the region for development of agriculture. He said the government would complete all irrigation projects and promote minor irrigation.

The Union Minister also called on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.