National Aquatic Resources Development Authority sources said the authority will produce 90,000 MT of freshwater in 2018 and 157,000 MT in next year. By 2025, 352,000 MT will be caught, they said.
The Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Rural Economy Development Ministry has launched two major freshwater fish harvesting projects called Diyawara Piyasa and Wewak Samaga Gamak on the instruction of Minister Vijitha Vihayamuni Soyeza, the sources said.
The Diyawara Piyasa costs Rs. 185 million and it will provide fund for fisher folks to construct houses and improve the condition of their sanitary facilities.
Seventy two low income families were granted Rs. 21.45 million and each family will receive Rs. 100,000. Rs. 26.62 million will be provided to improve sanitary facilities.
Fisheries Ministry sources said Rs. 393 million will be granted to enhance living standards of fisher folk.
Anuradhapura District Aquatic Resources Development Officer S.D.C. Thusitha Kumara said 16,000 MT of freshwater fish will be produced in 2018. Forty-eight societies with 5,000 memberships exist in the district and many of them have no livelihoods.
Under Diyawara Piyasa, Auruwewa, Wahalkada, Rajangane, Mahawilachchiya and Kalaoya will be developed at a cost of Rs. 25 million. Rs. 3.6 million was granted to renovate houses and each family will get Rs. 30,000, he said.
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