A project will be launched to farm crabs in the barren paddy fields in the vicinity of the Rekawa lagoon in Tangalle. Around 50 acres of paddy land that was left barren due to the mixing of sea water will be utilized for the project. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries together with the National Aquaculture Development Authority at a cost of Rs. 165 million. The people who own the barren paddy lands will be the investors of the project and it is expected to create job opportunities for 300 youths in the vicinity of the village. State Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic resources Development Dilip Wedaarachchi today engaged in an observation tour of the proposed area. Minister Wedaarachchi said that the project implemented as an eco-friendly project will increase tourism industry in the area. Expressing his views, the Minister said the project will be implemented in three stages. He added that the project in the first stage will cost Rs. 35 million and will be completed at a cost of Rs. 165 million. “We spend this Rs. 165 million to uplift the fishermen of this village, to create jobs and to create village entrepreneurs,” he said. “According to my new concept, I am hoping to farm crabs in 5,000 acres across Sri Lanka through the economic program,” the Minister added.