Odisha government is promoting fish farming through biofloc technology in the state. Fish productivity is 20 times higher in biofloc farming than in pond farming. The scheme is aimed at increasing fish productivity and making the state self-sufficient in fish production. The state government is extending technical support and subsidy to interested progressive farmers and entrepreneurs.
Odisha has witnessed a fourfold increase in fish production in the last two decades with an annual production of 9.89 lakh metric tons of fish during 2021-22. Out of it, around 2.55 lakh metric tons have been exported to abroad and neighbouring states.
However, due to the demand for freshwater fish in the state, around 50,520 metric tons of freshwater fish have been imported from other states, said Odisha Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department in its report. In 2010-11, around 6062 metric tons of fish were exported to foreign countries which decreased to 2911 metric tons in 2017-18. The fish export witnessed an increase to 21205 metric tons in 2018-19. Similarly, in 2019-20 the export was 20,495 metric tons. It was 19,194 metric tons in 2020-21 and 19,750 metric tons in 2021-22, the report said.
The state has exported 76,356 metric tons of prawn to foreign countries in 2021-22. Besides, 1,34,321 metric tons of fish, 20,893 metric tons of prawns, and 3,728 metric tons of crab have been exported to neighbouring states this year.