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4. Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries

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4.1. Animal Husbandry

A country rich in livestock is never poor and acountry poor in livestock is never rich

- An Arabian Proverb

4.1.1. Introduction

Animal Husbandry contributes significantly to rural employment and

rural income in Tamil Nadu besides fulfilling the nutritional requirements of

the population. Tamil Nadu is endowed with a large population of livestock. It

ranks second among Indian states in egg production and eighth in terms of

milk production (2005).

The Animal Husbandry sector accounts for about 3.1 per cent of the

GSDP and around 26.6% of the primary sector GSDP. Home based animal

husbandry units are a major support system for the majority of the rural poor

who are either landless or are small and marginal farmers with unirrigated

land.

Livestock Wealth

Tamil Nadu accounts for 4.94% of the country’s cattle, 1.69% of buffaloes,

pigery 2.37%, 9.10% of sheep, 6.58% of goats and 17.71% of poultry. The

total livestock population of the country and of the State is given in the

Table 4.1.1.

Table 4.1.1

The livestock population over the years from 1966 is given in the Table 4.1.2

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Table 4.1.2

The livestock population has decreased consistently over the last decade

from 266.43 lakh in 1994 to 249.42 lakh in 2004. This is mainly due to

distinct decrease in the number of buffaloes which has fallen from 32 lakh in

1994 to 16.58 lakh in 2004. The cattle and sheep population, after registering

a marginal decrease in 1998 has recovered in 2004.

The categorywise cattle and buffalo breedable age female population

during 1994, 1997 and 2004 livestock census is given in Table 4.1.3

Table 4.1.3

The total breedable age female cattle and buffaloes is 41.17 lakh and 9.01

lakh respectively. The cattle wealth of the State is unevenly distributed.

Villupuram, Salem, Vellore, Thirunelveli, Thanjavur and Coimbatore districts

account for 35% of the total breedable age female cattle while Erode, Namakkal,

Salem and Thiruvallur districts account for 44% of the total breedable age female

buffaloes.

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During the last 10 years, the crossbred breedable age female cattle has

increased substantially. This has resulted in a significant increase in milk

production. In fact, the average milk yield per crossbred animal per day has

increased from 5.5 kg to 6.3 kg and buffalo from 3.6 kg to 4.2 kg during the

last decade. This has resulted in increasing the annual milk production in

the state from 39.76 lakh MT to 54.74 lakh MT and increasing per capita

availability of milk per day from 182 gm to 234 gm for the same period.

Present Scenario

Animal husbandry is still mainly in the hands of small and marginal

farmers and landless labourers. Though poultry farming has developed into

an industry, eco-friendly backyard poultry rearing is a profitable enterprise.

It still continues to be the livelihood proposition of several poor farmers in the

rural areas and contributes 6% of the total egg production in the state. However,

no technological breakthrough in breeding or productivity has been seen

during the recent past. Value addition to livestock products at the farm has

not yet been conceived. Hygienic abattoirs and humane handling of animals

are not still fully taken care of. Scarcity of fodder is a major limiting factor in

enhancing farm animal productivity.

Veterinary Institutions: The number of Veterinary Institutions in the

public sector currently are:- a) Polyclinics-6 b) Clinical Centres- 22 c) Veterinary

Hospitals-139 d) Veterinary Dispensaries-1167 e) Sub-Centres-1828 f) Animal

Disease Intelligence Units-19 g) Poultry Disease Diagnostic Labs-2 h) Central

Referral Lab-1 i ) Livestock Farms-11 (of which 3 are sheep farms) j) Poultry

Farm-1 K) Artificial Insemination Centres-3178 L) Frozen Semen Production

Station-3 M) Frozen Semen Banks-12 N) Cattle Breeding and Fodder

Development units-20 and o) Mobile Veterinary Units-55.

4.1.2. Review of Tenth Plan

Objectives

The Tenth Plan envisaged to consolidate the gains achieved in the past

and to improve productivity of livestock by extension of Artificial Insemination

(A.I) coverage from 32% of the breedable population in 2001-02 to 67% by the

end of the Tenth Plan. It was Planned to provide veterinary health services

and breeding facilities at the doorstep of the farmers and improve the efficiency

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of A.I. techniques by awareness creation. It was further aimed to improve the

production capacity of cows and she-buffaloes by import of fresh Jersey/

Friesian breeding bulls, import of frozen semen straws, purchase of pure

Murrah buffalo bulls, undertaking a continuous programme of production of

good cross bred bulls in the livestock farms with improved elite Jersey/Friesian

semen and improvement of local breeds. It was also proposed to form breeder’s

societies for intensifying the breeding programme.

Physical Performance

During the last five years, at constant prices the contribution of Animal

Husbandry sector to the GSDP has increased from Rs.331.98 crore to Rs.347.43

crore, while its percentage share contribution to the agriculture GSDP has

also increased from 22.78 to 26.60.

During the Tenth Plan period, the estimated milk production has

increased from 49.88 LMT to 54.74 LMT and egg production has increased

from 4222.77 million to 6222.54 million. This has resulted in increase in per

capita availability of milk from 219 grams to 234 grams and that of eggs from

68 to 123 numbers for the same period.

Table 4.1.4

As a result of the implementation of the Five YearPlan, it was possible to

artificially inseminate 32 percent of breedable age female cattle and 11 percent

of buffaloes, resulting in a remarkable increase in the crossbred cattle

population from 21.41 lakh to 50.99 lakh between 1998 and 2004. The number

of cross bred cows as well as milk production from crossbred cows has also

increased substantially during the Plan period. This may be attributed to

high awareness and knowledge level among the farmers on scientific livestock

management, disease control, feeding and breeding practices.

Under the scheme for improvement of livestock markets, first aid Centres

have been established in the 20 livestock markets. During the Plan period, a

total of 565 beneficiaries were provided with sheep units. 2920 beneficiaries

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were provided with backyard poultry units. 328 new veterinary dispensaries

were established. 4 new Animal Disease Intelligence units were established.

Augmentation of fodder production was also undertaken.

Credit Flow

The annual credit flow to Animal Husbandry sector was around Rs.300

crore during the Tenth Five Year Plan.

Artificial Insemination Programme

690 mobile A.I. Centres have been established, 1930 stationary A.I. Centres

converted into Mobile A.I. units during the Tenth Plan period.

Disease Control

The incidence of disease was reduced from 403 in 2002-03 to 151 in

2005-06. The Animal Husbandry Department has conducted about 20,020

livestock protection camps during this period.

Insurance

Only 4% of the livestock population is under insurance cover. The reasons

for this low insurance coverage include lack of awareness, affordability, lack of

delivery channels that provide access at the doorsteps, problems in claims /

settlements etc.

Database

The existing database are mostly manually collected and maintained. It

is not comprehensive and standardized.

Financial Performance

An outlay of Rs. 92.34 crore was provided for the sector in the Tenth

Plan. As against this, the expenditure was to the tune of Rs. 63.23 crore

which works out to an achievement of 68.48%. Apart from this, the sector

received a sum of Rs.36.42 crore from the Central Government and Rs. 0.17

crore from autonomous bodies like NABARD. The outlay and expenditure

made during the Tenth Plan period is given in Table 4.1.5.

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Table 4.1.5

4.1.3. Eleventh Five Year Plan

Objectives

The following are the objectives of the Eleventh Five Year Plan:

� To increase crossbred cattle population and milk production.

� To increase the artificial insemination coverage of cattle and to

introduce artificial insemination in goats at the farm itself.

� To provide veterinary services and breeding support at the farmer’s

doorsteps.

� To increase the availability of green fodder by rejuvenation of

pasturelands and by bringing additional private lands under fodder

cultivation.

� To strengthen disease diagnostics, surveillance and monitoring

activities.

� To improve the quality and shelf life of livestock vaccines by improving

the cold chain network and upgrading all vaccine production

laboratories.

� To conduct training courses for farmers and officials

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� To strengthen Management Information System (MIS) and extension

services.

Thrust areas and Strategies

Bringing the landless labourers and marginal farmers into the fold of

organised livestock rearing will constitute a major strategy for increasing farm

income. Based on the agro-climatic conditions and market demand, women’s

self-help groups will be encouraged to take up suitable animal husbandry

activities. The resources available under rural development programmes like

Puthu Vazhvu and SGSY will be effectively tapped to ensure the growth of the

animal husbandry sector.

Strengthening of all frozen semen production stations and converting

stationary A.I. Centres to Mobile A.I. Centres will be taken up to ensure

increased coverage of breedable animals resulting in a significant increase in

production

The Animal Husbandry Department has started delivery of artificial

insemination services at the farm. If the fruits of the veterinary services have

to reach the rural farmer, delivery of most interventions and extension services

should be done at the farm itself.

The fodder availability in the state will be increased by rejuvenation of

village grazing lands, meikal poramboke lands and sowing of fodder seeds by

the roadside. Self-help groups will be encouraged to take up fodder cultivation.

Fodder banks will also be established.

The diagnostic services will be improved by upgrading all Animal Disease

Intelligence Units and Poultry Disease Diagnostic Labs to GMP standards.

Mobile labs with facility to diagnose infectious diseases are also a pressing

requirement for making on the spot accurate diagnosis of diseases.

To augment the livestock productivity and facilitate export of livestock

products, it is essential that livestock diseases should be controlled and disease

free zone be established.

It is proposed to increase the processing capacity and improve the cold

chain facilities so that the quality of products from the animal husbandry

sector is increased. Livestock markets will be strengthened so that animal

husbandry is made a profitable occupation for the farm.

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Latest extension methods will be introduced in the field with extensive

use of multi-media and on line facilities.

Programmes

Ongoing schemes

The ongoing programmes such as livestock protection programme

(Kalnadai Pathukappu Thittam), veterinary sub-centres, livestock disease

control, animal husbandry activities in HADP, WGDP areas, improvement of

statistical cell etc. will be continued during the Eleventh Plan period. The

horse breeding unit at District Livestock Farm, Hosur and development of pig

breeds in the departmental farms will also be continued. An amount of Rs.

47.52 crore have been provided for the ongoing schemes.

Kalnadai Pathukappu Thittam

The aim of this scheme is to provide all veterinary services at the doorsteps

of the farmers. Under this scheme, total health cover, both preventive and

curative is provided to livestock and poultry reared by the farmers in remote

villages by conducting special camps. The special camps are conducted at the

rate of one camp per month in all the 385 blocks. It is proposed to conduct

5500 such special camps every year in all the villages that do not have access

to a veterinary institution. The total cost of the scheme during the Eleventh

Plan period is Rs.12.05 crore.

New Schemes

1) National Agricultrural Development Programme (NADP) /RashtriyaKrishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

An amount of Rs. 300 crore is proposed for National Agricultural

Development Programme / Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (NADP / RKVY)

scheme. With regard to Animal Husbandry Sector, Veterinary Institutions

will be developed. The elaborate details about the scheme are given in the

Chapter 2.1 Crop Husbandry.

2) Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water-bodiesRestoration and Management Project (TN-IAMWARM)

The Animal Husbandry component of this project seeks to achieve the

following objectives viz., to improve the production potential of livestock in the

project sub basins. The aims of the project which fall in line with the overall

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objectives of the Eleventh Plan include providing veterinary service and

breeding support at the farmers’ door steps, ensuring total health care of

livestock to improve the conception and calving rate in bovines, increasing the

availability of green fodder and improving the knowledge level of the farmers

on best animal husbandry practices/techniques. An amount of Rs.34.00 crore

is proposed for this project component.

3) Poultry Development

Poultry is the main source of nutrition and family income in rural areas

of the state. Backyard poultry still accounts for 10-20% of the total poultry

production. The Eleventh Five Year Plan needs to focus on enhancement of

backyard poultry farming method developed by TANUVAS. The critical inputs

(superior germplasm, vaccination) and training inputs (technology

dissemination) will be provided to small farmers especially women self-help

groups who take up the venture. The various activities to be taken up by the

Poultry Development with an outlay of Rs. 3.81 crore are given in the

Table 4.1.6.

Table 4.1.6

To popularise turkey-rearing and create awareness on turkey-rearing as

a profitable backyard business, turkey units are maintained in Poultry Farm,

Kattupakkam and at District Livestock Farm Hosur and Orathanad. This

programme will be continued during the Eleventh Plan period also.

4) Compensation scheme for Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is one of the important zoonotic diseases threatening

poultry. Though the disease has not yet been reported in the State, necessary

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preventive and precautionary measures have been taken after the outbreak of

avian influenza in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Government have earmarked

Rs.0.50 crore for paying compensation to the farmers, if there is a need for

destroying the affected birds.

5) Bovine Breeding Schemes

It is proposed to increase the cross-bred cattle and buffalo population by

inseminating the local breedable cattle by the semen of high quality dairy

and draught breeds such as Jersey and Friesian bulls and Murrah bulls. It is

also proposed to take up selective cross breeding of native pure breeds of

cattle such as Kangeyam and Umbalachery breeds in their respective breeding

tracts.

Artificial insemination coverage of breedable cattle and buffalo population

is planned to be increased to 75% in cattle and 66% in buffalo. It is also

proposed to increase the conception rate in cattle and buffaloes by 42% and

46% respectively as against a national average conception rate of 35%. The

target population as mentioned above will be covered over a period of 5 years

by converting all the stationary A.I. Centres into static cum mobile A.I. Centres.

Additional A.I. Centres will be established by training rural youth and

distributing breeding bulls for natural service to remote areas where delivery

of A.I. services is not possible.

Some of the schemes that will be taken up to achieve the objectives in

the breeding sector are:

It is proposed to strengthen the bull mother farm at the Exotic Cattle

Breeding Farm at Eachenkottai and at the District Livestock Farm (DLF), Hosur

for production of quality breeding bulls. It is also proposed to improve the

facilities in three Frozen Semen Production Stations to enable them to get

ISO Certification.

Under the pilot scheme on genetic selection of semen and embryos, a

genetic semen selection laboratory will be set up at one of the semen production

stations. This will help to establish protocols and study the feasibility of

giving the farmers a choice of the gender of the calves.

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It is planned to extend the procurement and installation of 6000 litre

capacity silos in 19 additional locations keeping in view the existing AI centres

and new AI centres that will be created. Two Liquid Nitrogen road tankers of

10000 litre capacity will also be procured for uninterrupted supply of Liquid

Nitrogen to maintain the quality of the frozen semen.

‘In situ conservation’ refers to the maintenance of threatened, endangered

and vulnerable unique genetic resources in their own/ simulating environment

/ breeding tract. Tamil Nadu is endowed with five fine breeds of cattle namely

Kangeyam, Umbalachery, Pulikulam, Bargur, Alambadi and the Toda breed

of buffalo. Kangeyam and Umbalachery breeds of cattle are already maintained

at Hosur and Korukkai livestock farm. Therefore, it is proposed to conserve

the remaining unique breeds to maintain their genetic purity.

The latest livestock census indicates a steep fall in the population of

buffaloes. To arrest the fall and to stabilize the buffalo population, support

will be provided to rear female buffalo calves upto the first calving under the

Integrated calf development scheme for development of buffaloes. The support

will be given as 50% for feeding of concentrates.

In order to improve the success rate of AI in buffaloes, it is proposed to

undertake hormonal treatment for buffaloes at the rate of 50,000 animals per

year. This will bring the animals to predetermined time of heat by overcoming

longer calving time and silent heat. Further multiple ovulation embryo transfer

(MOET) will be taken up to augment the genetic progress.

As the quality of offspring is dependent on both the dam and sire, it is

necessary that the proven bulls semen should be used on the best cows. To

ensure the selection of animals based on their production traits, the Field

Performance Recording Programme (FPRP) will be implemented through the

Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited. In addition,

selection of animals based on molecular markers known as Marker Assisted

Selection will also be attempted. Further, animals covered by AI will be provided

with the passbook as a part of the identification process. Evaluation of the

production traits of the various batches of off-spring will be continued using

conventional methods as well as open nucleus breeding system. This will

help to augment the development of preferred genetic traits in the cross bred

population.

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Outlay

The total outlay for various schemes for cattle and buffalo breeding will

be Rs. 109 crore of which the State Plan component will be Rs. 34 crore and

the remaining funding will be met by Central funding.

6) Disease Control

In order to control the diseases the following schemes are proposed:

Establishment of 10 Animal Disease Intelligence Units (ADIU)- It is proposed

to establish 10 Animal Disease Intelligence Units (ADIU) in the State in various

districts viz. Ramanathapuram, Kanyakumari, Theni, Virudhunagar,

Pudukottai, Tiruvannamalai, Thiruvarur that do not have an ADIU at present.

Establishment of 4 Regional Disease Diagnostic laboratories - It is proposed

to establish four Regional Disease Diagnostic laboratories at Coimbatore,

Vellore, Madurai and Tirunelveli by upgrading the existing ADIU’s. The provision

of infrastructure and equipment shall be funded by NABARD.

Strengthening of Central Referral Laboratory - The Central referral

laboratory at Saidapet will be upgraded to meet the Good Laboratory Practices

(GLP) standards by provision of buildings, equipments etc.

Vector Control for Control of Blue Tongue - Blue Tongue is a viral disease

of sheep transmitted by a vector that can cause great economic loss to the

sheep farmers. The disease is endemic in the southern districts of Tamil

Nadu and the vaccine is yet to be developed. The control of the disease is

possible only through vector control. Funds will be provided for infrastructure

creation like fogging machines, vehicles for mounting the fogging machines

and chemicals.

The vaccine production facility at the Institute of Veterinary Preventive

Medicine, Ranipet will be improved to meet the GMP standards, so that the

state can be self-sufficient in vaccine production. The production of new vaccine

for various livestock diseases will be taken up in the upgraded facility.

Poultry farming has developed into a highly profitable industry in the

state. From being a mere backyard enterprise, it has developed into a major

economic activity. As a result, Tamil Nadu stands second in egg production in

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the country. The district of Namakkal with about 6000 small, medium and

large poultry farms is the hub of all poultry activities. Though poultry farming

has developed, the disposal of organic waste generated from these farms is

not done properly and this has led to the outbreak of many diseases. Hence,

it is proposed to set up electric incinerators to incinerate the poultry carcasses

at five locations in Namakkal district.

The ongoing immunization programmes of livestock against economically

important diseases (75:25) will be combined and 1 crore animals will be

vaccinated. The vaccination programme will cover economically important

diseases like foot and mouth disease, PPR, BQ and anthrax. It will also aim to

control emerging and exotic diseases under the Assistance to State to Control

Animal Disease (ASCAD) programme which has 75% funding from the Central

Government.

It is proposed to train the veterinarians and para- veterinarians, to

undertake publication of bulletins and conduct campaigns etc. for information

and education regarding prevention of livestock diseases with 100% Central

assistance.

The total outlay proposed for the ‘Livestock Disease Control’ is Rs.30.26

crore which will be met by the State and the Central Government.

7) Feed and Fodder development

Balanced feeding is essential to fully exploit the genetic potential of

livestock. Though the state is surplus in dry fodder availability, the state has

only 47.93% of its green fodder requirement. Many policy initiatives are being

taken to increase the availability of green fodder. This includes a ban on

transfer of grazing land and distribution of tree fodder seed minikits to the

farmers at free of cost, creation of fodder bank and cultivation of silvipasture

in the District livestock farms etc.

Fodder development projects will be implemented with an outlay of Rs.

10 crore and the major initiatives will include silvipasture in common property

resources and private lands, rehabilitation and sustainable management of

degraded rangelands, grasslands, enrichment of crop residues as well as setting

up of fodder production system in farmers holdings.

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8) Development of Meat Animals

Animals will be developed for meat production. This will serve not only to

increase meat consumption in the state but will also improve overall realisation

to livestock farmers by way of exports. The economic goal of the state is

doubling the meat production in 2010 by improving the current status of the

meat production, handling and marketing and by improving the health status

of meat animals.

The estimated demand for meat is 7.7 million metric tons as against the

present production of 4.6 million metric tons within the state. Hence, it is

proposed to augment the mutton production to meet the demand in future.

In order to do this, the local breeds of sheep, goat and swine will be improved

by selective breeding with better germplasm. Scientific Management practices

will be encouraged and access to better veterinary services will be provided

through the local dispensaries. To introduce A.I. in goats, boer goat semen

pellets will be supplied as pilot project in two districts. This technique will

then be disseminated throughout the state for improving the native goats.

Quality of swine will also be improved through cross breeding with exotic

breeds. Integrated system of pig rearing will be implemented through women

self-help groups using the technology developed by TANUVAS.

Adequate slaughter facilities are not available to produce meat under

sanitary conditions. Slaughter takes place in both authorized and unauthorized

places (unorganized slaughter) and effective meat inspection has not been

feasible. In order to produce meat in a hygienic manner, it is proposed to

establish a modern rural slaughter house at each district level so as to meet

the consumer demand and promote organized marketing of meat products

within and outside the State. Further, regulations will be introduced for the

transport of live animals and poultry to prevent illegal and unauthorized

slaughter.

It is proposed to identify disease free zones in Tamil Nadu for promotion

of export of meat and meat by-products. Efforts will be taken for proper

utilisation of these by- products by setting up cottage industries with the

involvement of women self-help groups, unemployed youth, etc. Further, as

the meat industry in the country is largely in the hands of private operators,

the major onus of development rests on the level of investment and commitment

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they show. The government will act as a facilitator to reach the goal of increasing

meat production to attract more investment into this sector. The outlay

proposed for meat and meat product schemes is Rs. 0.27 crore.

9) Human Resources Development/ Skill upgradation

Training will focus on new techniques, artificial insemination (A.I) and

other breeding services, emerging disease in livestock and poultry as well as

areas like WTO, ISO, GLP, GMP, HRD. The skills of livestock inspector will be

upgraded in various spheres like A.I.pregnancy verification, vaccination,

deworming etc.

The farmers will be trained in the best practices of breeding, nutrition,

awareness on common diseases affecting livestock and the measures to control

diseases, bio-security measures, disaster management during natural

calamities, clean milk production, sanitation and hygiene and modern

management practices. These training programmes, will go a long way in

upgrading the skills of the farmers and other stakeholders. Most of the above

training will be imparted using central funding through the Tamil Nadu

Livestock Development Agency. An amount of Rs.1 crore is proposed as state

share for imparting training and improvement of database, e-governance, and

MIS.

10) World Trade Organisation, Sanitary, Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures

and International Regulations

The SPS Agreement under the WTO seeks to lay down the minimum

sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards for the member countries. This is to

ensure the safety of life and health of humans, animals and Plants. It is

proposed to establish a “Hazard Detection Laboratory” and “Disease

Surveillance Units” at regional level for SPS monitoring (focused on live animals

and animal products). Creation of awareness among the farmers and training

for the veterinarians on the above aspects is also proposed. The outlay for this

programme is Rs. 1 crore.

Eleventh Plan Outlay

Totally an amount of Rs. 458.70 crore is proposed for Animal Husbandry

Sector. The details of schemes and their outlays are given in Table 4.1.7.

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Table 4.1.7

Physical Targets in the Eleventh Plan

The physical targets set for the Eleventh Plan period is given Table 4.1.8.

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Table 4.1.8

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4.2. Dairy Development

Cattle rearing was the second important economic activity.Cows and she-buffaloes were reared for milk and the bullsand he-buffaloes were used as draught animals.

- The Artha Shasthra

4.2.1. Introduction

Milk production and trade mainly operates as a cottage industry in the

rural areas. A majority of those involved in this activity are women, for whom it

provides employment and helps to supplement their family income. To

eliminate the middlemen and to protect the interest of the producers in the

villages, milk producers’ cooperative societies have been formed. This has

assured a remunerative price and market support to the producers besides

catering to the needs of the consumers. Dairy Development Programmes are

being implemented in Tamil Nadu through a network of co-operatives designed

on the ‘Anand model’ of Gujarat state. Milk and milk products are marketed

by the co-operatives under the brand name ‘Aavin’.

There are 17 District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Unions functioning in

the state of Tamil Nadu covering 30 Districts with an installed processing

capacity of 17.42 lakh litres per day (LLPD). There are 36 Chilling Centres in

District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Unions with installed chilling capacity

of 13.55 LLPD. The Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited

is the apex body of the 17 District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Unions. The

Federation has four dairy Plants in Chennai, one at Ambattur with a capacity

of 4.00 LLPD, another at Madhavaram with a capacity of 2.00 LLPD and the

third dairy at Sholinganallur with a capacity of 4.00 LLPD. The fourth dairy

at Ambattur is engaged in the manufacture of value added milk products

such as Yoghurt, Ice cream, Khova etc. Artificial Insemination (AI) facilities are

made available by the District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Unions in 2365 AI

Centres all over the state.

4.2.2. Tenth Plan Review

Financial

As against the total outlay of Rs.50.00 crore for the Tenth Five Year Plan

an amount of Rs.5.97 crore was released for various activities.

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Physical

Production

The total milk production of the state is 54.74 LMT in 2005 06 that works

out to 146 lakh litres of milk per day. The per capita availability of milk in the

state has increased from 198 gms/day in 2002 to 234 gms/day in 2006,

falling short only by 16 gms/day against the ICMR nutritional recommended

level of 250 gms/day. The milk procurement by the cooperative societies has

increased from 18.88 LLPD in 2002-03 to 26.10 LLPD in 2006-07 registering

growth of 38% over 5 years.

The corresponding figure of total milk production in India during 2002-

03 was 861.59 LMT which has increased to 1000 LMT during 2006-07,

registering a lower growth of 16.01%. The per capita availability of milk in

India has increased to 245 gms/day in 2006-07 from 230 gms/day in 2002-

03.

It has been observed that 50% of the revenue villages in Tamil Nadu have

come under the ambit of cooperative sector when compared to 5% in West

Bengal, 9% in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, 15% in Rajasthan and 21% in

Uttar Pradesh. The main reason for more coverage in the state is the consistent

thrust given by the State Government and the fact that dairying activities

have ensured regular and assured income to the farmers at times of severe

drought and flood.

Procurement

Tamil Nadu occupies 4th place in milk procurement by cooperatives in the

country. The milk procurement through organized sector has increased to 42

Lakh Litres Per Day (LLPD), with the remaining 46 Lakh Litres Per Day (LLPD)

being handled by the unorganized sector. The balance 58 Lakh Litres Per

Day (LLPD) is retained by the producers.

During the Tenth Plan period, there is an appreciable increase in the

milk procurement in the state. The average milk procurement per day by

Milk Producers Cooperative Societies (MPCS) has increased from 15.79 LLPD

in 2002-03 to 22.10 LLPD in 2006-07 registering a growth of 38% over the 5

years.

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Milk Sales

The milk sale by cooperatives, which was 13.71 LLPD during 2000-01

has steeply increased to 19.29 LLPD in 2006-07, registering 41% growth.

Among the four metropolitan cities in India, Chennai metro dairies have

registered highest incremental milk sales growth rate of 16% in milk sales,

followed by Delhi with 13% (2004-05 & 2005-06 comparative milk sales).

The details of performance including infrastructure created during the

Tenth Five Year Plan period is given in Table 4.2.1.

Table 4.2.1

Problems and Constraints

Though the Dairy sector has shown significant progress, there have been

many problems and constraints which hamper its growth. The milk Unions

face difficulties in handling and transporting milk within and outside the

state for want of sufficient infrastructure during the surplus period. At the

same time, there is a reduction in the pouring members during periods of

scarcity due to competition from the private industry. The lack of awareness

on best practices in milk production and delay in adoption of modern

techniques by the members of dairy societies leads to low quality of procured

milk. The change in National Dairy Development Board policy has led to the

withdrawal of subsidy and interest free loan for purchase of milch animals.

Against this background, the Eleventh Plan is formulated.

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4.2.3. Eleventh Five Year Plan

Objectives

� To assure remunerative price to the milk producers.

� To ensure the availability and supply of clean processed milk as per

consumer’s need.

� To provide necessary milk products of requisite quality to the

consumer at a competitive price.

Strategies

� Veterinary health cover, breeding cover, feed supply etc., will be

provided to animals owned by the milk producers in cooperative

sector.

� Upgradation of milch animals will be taken up so as to improve their

productivity in the long run.

� Establishment of chilling centres/ bulk milk coolers and necessary

infrastructure will be created to enhance the quality of milk

production and marketing. Milk procurement system with quality

testing at village level will be introduced.

� Conversion of surplus milk into milk products will be taken up in an

extensive manner.

� Training to the staff and farmers on best practices in milk production

and modern techniques and methods will be taken up.

Thrust areas

1. Improving Infrastructure for Collection, Transportation, Handling and

Procurement of Milk from farmers, as well as for processing, packing

& marketing of milk and milk products.

2. Emphasis on Clean Milk Production.

3. Initiation of integral quality management & food safety system at

village level and implementation of international quality control

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system in dairies ensuring compliance of International Specifications

(SPS & WTO).

4. Human Resource Development / Entrepreneurship Development

Training in milk societies as well as district milk unions.

5. Creation of Management Information System and Enterprise

Resource Planning in Dairy Industry.

Programmes

Development of Primary Milk - Co-operative Societies and Unions

1) Assistance to Dairy cooperatives for implementation of the

Rehabilitation schemes

The Government of India formulated a scheme called Assistance to

cooperatives to rehabilitate the loss making District Cooperative Milk Producers’

Unions. The Plan envisages 50 per cent grant from the GOI and 50 per cent

from the State Government to wipe off cash loss in District Cooperative Milk

Producers’ Unions and make them viable with suitable Rehabilitation Plan.

The Government of Tamil Nadu has forwarded the rehabilitation project

proposal of Dindigul District Cooperative Milk Producers Union to Government

of India. An amount of Rs.2.50 crore is proposed for this rehabilitation

proposal.

2) Organization of Milk Producers Cooperative Societies (MPCS)

It is proposed to organise 1250 MPCS during the Eleventh Plan period

thereby increasing the number of MPCS from 7800 to 9050 by covering

untapped revenue villages. Under which, it is proposed to provide necessary

infrastructure like SS milk cans, stainless milk collection kit, milk testing

equipment, bulk milk coolers, softy ice cream machine and khova pan etc., to

the MPCS. The scheme is being implemented through MPCS own funds.

Creation of Infrastructure facilities

1) Loans to Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation for

Thiruvannamalai processing unit

It is proposed to establish a Dairy cum powder Plant at Thiruvannamalai

with a handling capacity of 2 LLPD and a drying capacity of 20 MT per day at

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a total cost of Rs. 29 crore. An amount of Rs.10 crore is proposed as loan

component from the state. The remaining amount will be met from NABARD.

2) National Agricultrural Development Programme (NADP) /Rashtriya

Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

An amount of Rs. 10 crore is proposed for National Agricultural

Development Programme / Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (NADP / RKVY)

scheme under Dairy Sector. The elaborate details about the scheme are given

in the Chapter 2.1 Crop Husbandry.

3) Improvement of Dairies

To facilitate hygienic milk procurement, it is proposed to provide stainless

steel milk cans and collection kits, milk testing equipments, milking machines,

water softening units, feed mixing units, computers etc., to 250 MPCS

procuring milk more than 1000 litre and to install Bulk Milk Coolers where

milk is available in surplus.

Totally an amount of Rs. 5 crore is proposed from State funds. The

remaining amount may be met from the societies own funds, from National

Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Central Government fund.

4) Creation of Infrastructure facilities like setting up of chilling

centres & bulk milk cooler facilities etc

The present chilling facility at chilling centres and Bulk Milk coolers are

13.55 LLPD and 0.85 LLPD respectively. It has been planned to instal additional

Bulk Milk Coolers (BMC’s) and chilling centres so that the entire milk will be

received after chilling. The milk procurement at the end of 2011-2012 is

estimated as 35 LLPD.

After enhancement of chilling facilities, 15.83 LLPD of milk will be

handled at chilling centres and 19.17 LLPD of milk is proposed to be handled

at Bulk Milk Coolers. At that stage, dairies shall receive only chilled milk from

BMC’s and chilling centres. It is estimated that out of 35 LLPD of milk, 9.62

LLPD of chilled milk shall be sent directly to Chennai Metro from BMC’s and

chilling centres for sales. The remaining quantity of 25.38 LLPD of milk shall

be processed at union dairies. The present processing facility at union dairies

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are only 19.42 LLPD. The processing facility has to be increased to 24.50

LLPD at union dairies and 7.00 LLPD at metro dairies.

A provision of Rs.5 crore is proposed as the State Government contribution

for creating chilling centres and Bulk Milk Cooler facilities as well as additional

processing facilities. Funds from the unions as well as other sources will also

be tapped for this programme.

5) Product production facilities at MPCS

In order to make the MPCS viable and to popularize the healthy milk

products among consumers, it is proposed to produce and market various

kinds of milk and milk products such as khova, ice cream and paneer making

facilities at MPCS level, which will facilitate increase in milk procurement.

The scheme is proposed to be implemented through the funds of the MPCS.

6) Transport facilities

Since the entire milk is going to be procured at Chilling centres and bulk

milk coolers, the total procurement, which is around 35 LLPD of milk, has to

be transported to dairies, Feeder Balancing Diaries (FBD’s) and other places.

Around 50 Road milk tankers are proposed to be purchased at a total cost of

Rs. 8.00 crore through their own funds.

7) Quality Control

1) Integral quality management system and Food safety

system

In order to avoid microbial contaminants entering into milk through

water, it is proposed to instal mini water purifiers at MPCS level. It is also

proposed to distribute 300 such equipments to MPCS. Further, it is proposed

to purchase mobile vans attached with laboratory for testing milk at the MPCS

level to improve product quality.

2) Quality management system for Food safety

To achieve food safety in milk and milk products, testing facilities through

modern equipments like high performance liquid chromatograph, gas

chromatograph, absorption spectra photo meter, flame emission photo meter

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have been proposed to be installed in the District union dairies, feeder

balancing dairies and metro dairies. This will help to analyze trace

contaminants like pesticide residues, heavy metals, aflatoxin and antibiotic

residues which cannot be detected by conventional testing techniques.

Livelihood Promotion schemes

1) Livelihood improvement for Tsunami affected Districts

It is Planned to introduce a special package for the dairy sector in 12

coastal Tsunami affected districts with 100% financial assistance from the

Asian Development Bank for the creation of infrastructure. Under the

“Restoration of Livelihood of Tsunami affected people” component of this project,

a sum of Rs. 6.20 crore has been proposed for this sector. The following

activities will be carried out:

� 160 New Milk Producer’s cooperative Societies will be organized with

4000 beneficiaries belonging to various Self Help Groups (SHG’s)-

Rs. 0.80 crore worth of society equipments will be provided free of

cost.

� 13 Bulk Milk Coolers will be established at a cost of Rs.2.13 crore.

� Infrastructure assistance worth Rs. 1.79 crore will be provided to 40

SHG’s for the sale of milk and milk products at 40 locations.

� Training will be given to 400 SHG members in dairying at a total cost

of Rs.8 lakh.

2) New Product Dairy, APS (Aseptic packing system) and Powder Plant

It is proposed to establish a new product Dairy at Chennai at an

estimated cost of Rs. 20 crore, a powder Plant at Thanjavur at an estimated

cost of Rs. 25 crore and an Aseptic Packing Station for premium products at

an estimated cost of Rs. 20 crore. The cost for these schemes will be met

using funds from the Ministry of Food Processing, Government of India.

3) Dairy Park

It is proposed to establish a dairy park with an aim to create employment

opportunity, reduce the cost of production of milk and milk products, ensure

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quality and to convert the milk into value added products for better realization.

The Dairy Park will be located in 2-3 acres of land and provided with all

necessary infrastructure for processing milk and manufacturing of milk

products like khova, ice-cream, paneer, gulobjamun, cheese, flavoured milk,

curd, butter, ghee etc. A quality control laboratory and a training centre will

also be provided in the park, for which an amount of Rs. 5 crore is proposed as

outlay.

Eleventh Plan Outlay

Totally an amount of Rs.43.70 crore is proposed as outlay for the Dairy

Development sector. However, additional schemes for the development of this

sector will be taken up through funding from NDDB, NABARD, Ministry of

Food processing, Government of India Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and own

funds of the MPCS and Unions. The scheme wise outlay is given in Table

4.2.2.

Table 4.2.2

The physical target for the Eleventh Plan is given in the Table 4.2.3.

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Table 4.2.3

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4.3. Fisheries

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teacha man to fish and you feed him for a life time.

- Chinese Proverb

4.3.1. Overview

The Fisheries sector has been recognised as an important income and

employment generator as it stimulates the growth of a number of subsidiary

industries besides serving as a source of cheap animal protein. It also makes

a significant contribution to foreign exchange earnings. It contributes around

1.1% to total GDP, around 4.7% to GDP from the agriculture sector and over

Rs.6000 crore to export earnings.

Tamil Nadu with its 1076 km of coastline (13% of country’s coastline), 1.9

lakh sq. km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (9.4% of India’s EEZ) and a

continental shelf of about 41,412 sq km is one of the leading producers of

both marine and inland fish and fish products.

At present, about 13,164 mechanised fishing crafts and 62,594 traditional

crafts (26,601 vallams and 35,993 catamarans) are engaged in marine fishing.

The marine fish catch potential in Tamil Nadu is estimated at 3,89,714 lakh

tons from the EEZ (3,69,676 lakh tons from less than 50 metres depth and

20038 lakh tons from the Deep Sea fishing). The state has the potential to

emerge as a major exporter of marine products. About 72418 M.T.of marine

products are exported from Tamil Nadu. There are 591 marine fishing villages

in the state, with a population of about 6.8 lakhs, of which 2.62 lakh fishermen

are actively engaged in fishing. There are three major fishing harbours at

Chennai, Tuticorin and Chinnamuttom and four minor harbours Pazhayar,

Valinokkam, Colachel and Nagapattinam. Apart from the harbours, other

infrastructure facilities like fish landing centres, cold storages, ice Plants and

link roads have also been created in the state.

The reservoir fisheries management is undertaken in 45 Reservoirs by

the Fisheries Department and in 8 reservoirs by the Tamil Nadu Fisheries

Development Corporation. The inland fisheries sector has about 3.71 lakh ha

of waterspread area comprising of reservoirs, major irrigation and long seasonal

tanks, short seasonal tanks and ponds, estuaries, backwaters, etc., which are

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suitable for both capture and culture fisheries. About 5,000 ha of waterspread

area is being utilised for fresh water aquaculture under the programmes of

the Fish Farmers Development Agencies.

In Tamil Nadu, the total brackish water area available for aquaculture

production is 56,000 ha. of which about 6250 ha. are actually under

aquaculture production. There are 1101 primary fishermen cooperative

societies which include 329 inland fishermen / fisherwomen cooperatives. At

present there are 8 fish seed production centres and 29 fish seed rearing

centres located in various places with a capacity to produce 2750 lakhs of

early fry.

4.3.2. Review of Tenth Five Year Plan

The objectives of the Tenth Five Year Plan were to achieve sustainable

fish production through involvement of marine and inland fisher folk, to

strengthen the infrastructure facilities for fish landing and marketing to

generate additional employment opportunities, to ensure socio economic

welfare of fisher folk and to establish viable fishermen cooperatives. The rationale

for the Fisheries Development Mission in the state was to optimize fish yield

through an integrated approach, to optimally utilize coastal areas, to reduce

post harvest losses and to provide nutritional and food security to the population

through increased availability of fin and shellfishes.

Financial Progress

As against the Tenth Plan outlay of Rs.203.99 crore, an amount of

Rs.244.22 crore was spent during the Plan period. The outlay exceeded the

target by 19%. The outlay and expenditure made during the Tenth Plan period

is given in Table 4.3.1

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Table 4.3.1

The major expenditure was towards Fishermen Welfare Schemes like

construction of houses, Savings cum Relief Scheme, Group Insurance Scheme

and creation of infrastructure like fish landing centres. There is a shortfall of

expenditure under marine fisheries head.

Physical Progress

The marine fish production increased from 3.71 lakh M.T. in 2002-03 to

3.76 lakh M.T in 2006-07 and inland fish production from 1.02 lakh M.T. in

2002-03 to 1.67 lakh M.T. in 2006-07. During the Tenth Plan period, as

against the cumulative target of 19.50 lakh tons of marine fish production,

the cumulative achievement was 18.18 lakh tons, whereas against the

cumulative target of 6.00 lakh tons of inland fish production, the cumulative

achievement was 5.85 lakh tons. The physical progress made against the target

set during the Tenth Plan is given in Table 4.3.2.

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Table 4.3.2

Fishermen Welfare Schemes

Under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fisher folk scheme, as per the Govt. of

India norms, a sum of Rs.75/- per month shall be collected from the beneficiary

fisherman for a period of 8 months in a year and remitted into the Government

account. The total sum of Rs.600/- thus collected will be matched with 50%

contribution i.e. Rs.300/- each by the State and Central Governments. Thus

a sum of Rs.1200/- will be disbursed to the beneficiaries during the lean

months when fishing activity is not possible. During the Tenth Plan period,

8.39 lakh fishermen and 2.69 lakh fisherwomen, totalling 11.08 lakh fisherfolk

were benefited under this programme.

Since, 1975, in order to alleviate the sufferings of fisher folk in the

state, the Government has been constructing houses, free of cost for the

fishermen. Under this scheme, 50,887 houses have been constructed for

fishermen till now. During the Tenth Plan period, around 8,000 houses were

constructed against a target of 10000 houses proposed.

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Under the scheme of Tamil Nadu Fishermen Group Insurance, the State

and the Central Government equally contributes to the annual insurance

premium of Rs.14/- per fisherman. No premium is collected from the

fishermen. Under this scheme, the fisherman’s family will be given Rs.50,000/

- against death/ permanent disablement and Rs.25,000/- for partial

disablement. Through this scheme, about 21.91 lakh fishermen were insured

during the Tenth Plan period.

Tsunami

The earthquake on Indonesian coast caused massive tidal waves of

extreme ferocity which in turn hit the coastline on Tamil Nadu on 26.12.2004

and caused phenomenal destruction. Due to the Tsunami, 507 villages were

severely affected in the coastal districts. About 1.26 lakh huts and houses

were damaged and the death toll was 8010. About 35,530 catamarans, 11,118

vallams, 4430 mechanized boats and 2,200 MT of fishing nets were damaged.

Fishing harbours, fish landing centres, infrastructure facilities have also been

severely damaged. With a view to mitigate the sorrow of the affected fishermen

and to enable them to resume their fishing activities, the Government have

sanctioned various relief assistance to fishermen for repairing/replacing their

damaged fishing craft/gear. An amount of Rs.149.05 crore was disbursed as

relief assistance during the Tenth Plan. An amount of Rs.80.60 crore has

been allotted under World Bank Assisted Emergency Tsunami Rehabilitation

Project to improve the existing fishing harbours. An amount of Rs.12.21 crore

has been allotted under Asian Development Bank Tsunami Emergency

Assistance Project (TEAP) to provide various infrastructure facilities at various

Fishing harbours and Fish Landing Centres and to carry out dredging works.

The Union Planning Commission has provided an amount of Rs. 50 crore for

construction of 10 new fish landing centres in Tamil Nadu.

Problems and Constraints

The major issues facing the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Tamil

Nadu are optimisation of fish yield and stock enhancement in inland and

marine waters, reduction in post-harvest losses and improving fish quality

and safety, the sustainable and responsible utilisation of the aquatic resources,

development of good management practices for aquaculture, regulation of

access to marine fisheries, monitoring, control and surveillance, ensuring safety

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of fishermen at sea and development of best trade practices which include

eco-labelling, etc.

4.3.3. Eleventh Five Year Plan

An integrated approach has been attempted to blend developmental issues

as well as socio-economic issues to form a balanced vision in the Eleventh Five

Year Plan.

Objectives

For the Eleventh Five Year Plan, the following objectives are proposed:

� To increase fish production by encouraging fisherman to exploit

underutilized marine fishery resources in order to reduce fishing

pressure in inshore areas.

� To augment aquatic resource production in inshore areas through

conservation measures, stock enhancement, establishment of

artificial reefs, etc., along the coast.

� To continuously improve the knowledge and understanding of

fisheries resources, their conservation, management and

development and especially promote sustainable eco-friendly coastal

aquaculture.

� To improve and strengthen infrastructure facilities for fish landing

and marketing.

� To augment inland fish production in reservoirs, panchayat tanks

and ponds.

� To uplift the socio-economic conditions of fisherfolk through welfare

measures and by generating employment opportunities and by

ensuring their safety of the fisherfolk.

� To provide hygienic and safe fish and fish products to consumers.

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Strategies

Marine Fisheries

� In order to discourage trawling as well as to equip marine fishermen

for multi-gear, multi-day, multi-species fisheries, non-trawlers will

be encouraged.

� To sustain inshore fishing, sea ranching and artificial reefs will be

promoted. Conservation efforts will also be taken up by regulating

the access of fishing crafts to marine fisheries.

� Sustainable eco-friendly coastal farming with market support

facilities will be promoted especially, in the selective fields of mud

crab fattening, establishment of fin fish hatchery and culture of

mussel, clam, oyster, etc.

� Requisite infrastructure facilities, from shore to ultimate marketing,

with proper cold chain network will be set up.

� Awareness will be created regarding Code of Conduct of Fisheries

and potential fisheries zones will be created.

Inland Fisheries

� Integrated fish farming, cage farming and sewage fed fish farming

will be encouraged.

� Effective measures for utilization of short seasonal water bodies for

fresh water culture by ‘Seed Bank concept’ will be taken up.

� Policy support will be provided for promotion of ornamental fish

culture and trade.

� Promotion of poly-culture of freshwater prawns through effective

extension efforts and rearing of advanced fingerlings in cages in

reservoirs will be encouraged.

� Measures for conservation of endangered native species including

measures for stock enhancement will be given priority.

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� Plan programmes will be implemented through community based

participatory management.

� Manpower Planning in the fisheries sector will be given importance,

along with a thrust for improving the statistical system.

Policy Measures

The following policy measures are to be considered to ensure the

successful implementation of the Eleventh Five YearPlan:

� Evolve leasing policy for waterfronts and open sea for supporting

mariculture activities. Formulate a uniform water bodies leasing

policy to encourage freshwater fisheries;

� Evolve a land classification policy to earmark coastal waste lands for

land based coastal aquaculture;

� Propose suitable amendments to Tamil Nadu Marine Fisheries

Regulation Act 1983, empowering the State Government to impose

mesh regulations on net manufacturers and fisheries operations

and;

� Evolve a policy support programme for reduction of power tariff and

tax reduction to promote inland fish culture, ornamental fish culture,

coastal aquaculture and trade.

Eleventh Plan Programmes

I) Ongoing Schemes

The ongoing schemes such as fish seed production and collection for

stocking and exploitation of fisheries in inland water and marketing, Tsunami

Rehabilitation and Reconstruction programme, Motorisation of craft,

Reimbursement of central excise duty on HSD oil, Construction of houses for

fishermen and National savings-cum-relief scheme for fishermen, Savings-

cum-relief scheme for fisherwomen will be continued during the Eleventh

Five YearPlan. An amount of Rs.186.54 crore is proposed for ongoing schemes.

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II) New Schemes

Marine Fisheries

1. Construction of Fishing Harbours

Tamil Nadu has a long coast of 1076 km. with only three major harbours

at Chennai, Thoothukudi and Chinnamuttom and four minor fishing harbours

at Pazhayar, Valinokkam, Colachel and Nagapattinam. The existing harbours

and landing centres in Tamil Nadu provide safe berthing for only 2,200

mechanized boats which is less than 20% of the total mechanized boats available

in the state. A sum of Rs.200 crore has been proposed for construction and

improvement of three fishing harbours viz., Thengapattinam (Rs.67 crore) and

Colachel (Rs.53 crore) in Kanyakumari District and Poompuhar (Rs.80 crore)

in Nagapattinam district during the Eleventh Five YearPlan period. The total

cost of Rs. 200 crore will be shared equally between the State and the Centre.

2. Dredging of Fishing Harbours and River mouths

Due to littoral drift and wave activity, river mouths and fishing harbours

get silted up, especially in non-monsoon periods. This is a major constraint

faced by marine fishermen, who have to wade through the silt for fishing in

the sea. Periodical dredging of fishing harbours and river mouths will not

only reduce the stress on marine fishermen but also enable them to reach

the fishing ground in minimum time. Therefore an outlay of Rs.50 crore

(shared between State and Centre) is proposed for this scheme in the Eleventh

Five Year Plan.

3. Construction and Development of Fish landing centres

During the Eleventh Five Year Plan period, it is proposed to construct 10

new Fish landing centres in the following places:- Ponnagaram and R.

Pudupattinam of Pudukottai district (Rs.1.50 crore each); Keelavaipar and

Tharuvaikulam of Tuticorin district (Rs.2.00 crore each); Periyamangodu of

Thiruvallur district (Rs.2.50 crore); Chinnangudi (Rs. 7 crore) and Serudhur

(Rs 3 crore) of Nagapattinam district; Koothankuzhi of Tirunelveli district

(Rs. 2 crore); Anumanthai of Villupuram district (Rs. 2 crore) and Kadapakkam

of Kancheepuram district (Rs. 2 crore) with facilities like wharf / jetty, auction

hall, fish drying yard, processing platform, token issuing booth, approach

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road, toilet block etc. with a total outlay of Rs. 118 crore under State and

Centre equally shared scheme.

4. Alternate livelihood support, Eco production of fish seeds and Model

fish processing Market through Japanese aided Programme

To rehabilitate the Tsunami affected fishermen and to provide them

alternate livelihood support, it is proposed to set up a Model Village Fish

processing Marketing Complex (Rs.4.85 crore), production of fish seed in eco-

friendly environment (Rs.5.84 crore) and to provide alternative livelihood

opportunity to the fishermen (Rs.4.36 crore). The above schemes will be

implemented through Asian Development Bank funding. The model village

fish processing marketing complex will be implemented through Japanese

aid. An amount of Rs. 15.70 crore is proposed for this scheme.

5. Promotion of Modern fish techniques and Market

An amount of Rs.5 crore is proposed for schemes for promotion of modern

fish techniques and development of markets such as Tuna fishing, Introduction

of carrier vessels, Artificial reef, Sea ranching, Assistance to fish seed production,

Establishment of fish/shrimp health laboratories, Creation of fish rearing

facilities, Floating cages, Model Demo Freshwater Farm and Aqua Service

Centre. A brief description of the schemes is given below.

Tuna Fishing - Inshore fishing resources have been exploited to the

optimum level. The catch per unit effort has come down drastically, requiring

diversification of fishery. Moreover, the excess capitalization of the inshore

fisheries sector has to be reduced by appropriate measures like multi-day

multi-gear fishery. For this purpose, marine fishermen are to be given financial

support to convert their fishing vessels for tuna fishing. The Tamil Nadu

Fisheries Development Corporation will take up these activities.

Introduction of Carrier vessels - A major constraint faced by marine

fishermen involved in capture fishery is inadequate storage facilities to keep

catches fresh and fetch good value. The concept of carrier vessels is now gaining

ground among fishermen. These carrier vessels hold catches in fresh condition

until they are brought ashore. The major advantage over conventional ice-

staked containers is that the fish floats in the refrigerated water and hence it

is not subjected to stress due to stacking one on top of the other. This enables

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fishermen to fetch higher unit value for their catches. In order to encourage

marine fishermen to accept the concept of the carrier vessel, which will go a

long way in reducing fuel expenses and increase the unit value of the fishes

landed, it is proposed to introduce a scheme for providing subsidy for the cost

of conversion of existing fishing craft.

An artificial reef is a recycled, underwater habitat for marine life and is

helpful in increasing the productivity of the ecosystem. Fishes congregate in

these areas for food, shelter and breeding. Fish production will be increased

by establishing such artificial reefs.

Sea Ranches - The Department of Fisheries has made attempts to enhance

fisheries in inshore waters and thereby help small-scale fishermen, through

a sea ranching programme. South East Asian nations have successfully

experimented with such a stock-enhancing programme for fin fishes also.

Realising the importance of such stock enhancement to ensure adequate

resource replenishment in inshore waters, it is proposed to continue the stock

enhancing programme by concentrating on not only shrimp but also fin fishes

and other commercially important marine species. It is also planned to

coordinate this work with Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)

for monitoring the impact of stock enhancement, so that the experiment can

be suitably modified.

A state level Fish health laboratory is proposed under the Eleventh Five

Year Plan to cater to the needs of fish farmers. This laboratory will act as a

single window to meet all the requirements of fish farmers in diagnosis, health

management practices and safe culture and post-harvest practices.

Assistance to Fish seed producers including Fish farmers - A scientific

assessment of the demand and supply gap in terms of fish seed requirements

in the state will be made based on which a holistic master Plan will be drawn

up to develop the requisite infrastructure for production of fish seeds in the

state. It is proposed to provide assistance in the form of capital subsidy to fish

seed producers for creating infrastructure facilities to bridge the demand gap

for quality fish seed.

Indian major carps, catla, rohu, mirgal, chinese varieties of grass carp,

silver and common carp are being produced by induced carp spawning method

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and reared up to fingerling stage suitable for stocking in ponds. There are 27

State fish seed farms / seed production centres with 15 ha. total area. However,

about 8 ha of the seed farms are not in usable condition. Through rearing,

the Department is producing only 500 lakhs of fingerlings i.e., only 50%

capacity utilisation is achieved. There is a need to upgrade existing rearing

facilities for rearing advanced fingerlings, stunted yearlings etc., which will

grow further and attain marketable size within a short time.

Floating Cages in Reservoirs -There is ample potential left unutilized in

the reservoirs for fish production. This can be achieved only if cage farming

technology is introduced in the reservoirs. A careful study of the reservoirs,

especially with reference to wind action, has to be made and suitable cages

are to be designed. The available indigenous technology can be utilized so

that production in reservoir is enhanced. Cage farming can be adopted in

running water system and irrigation tanks with adequate depth. Considering

the high potential, it is proposed to adopt cage farming in 2500 m² area within

the Plan period, in a phased manner.

Model Demo Freshwater Farm and Aqua Service Centre - To provide

scientific information and extension services, it is proposed to extend an

exclusive demo unit which will meet all the needs of aqua farmers who can

rely upon the centre for information on transfer of technology, management

of seed or fish farming or, in case of disease, suitable remedial and preventive

measures to be taken. Moreover, this centre could circulate periodical handouts

offering guidelines to the needy farmers. This would be a single window offering

all services under one roof for fresh water fish farmers. It is proposed to upgrade

the fish farms at Manimuthar, Bhavanisagar and Thanjavur to the level of a

demo cum model aqua farm to render all the above-mentioned services.

Inland Fisheries

1. Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration

and Management (IAMWARM) (World Bank assisted)

Under the World Bank funded project IAMWARM, it is proposed to develop

the line department activities in 63 sub-basins. The Fisheries activities such

as Aquaculture in farm ponds, establishment of Fish Seed Bank, Fish seed

rearing in cages, improvement to existing Government fish seed farms,

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Ornamental fish culture and supply of fishing implements and Fish Kiosks

will be taken up. Totally, an amount of Rs.17.30 crore is proposed for this

project.

2. Development of Parvicidal fish stock for control and eradication of

mosquitoes

Shallow weed infested derelict ponds, swamps and marshes, temple

tanks, community ponds and puddles are the ideal breeding grounds for

mosquitoes. Several ‘larvicidal fishes’ are effective in eating the larvae of

mosquitoes, thereby preventing its proliferation. It is proposed to stock larvicidal

fishes in the mosquito infested waters. The stock of Gambusia will be

maintained in the department nurseries and will be supplied to local bodies

at a cost of Rs.0.20 crore during the Eleventh Plan.

3. Ornamental Techno Fisheries Park

To support farmers engaged in ornamental fish culture during the Eleventh

Five Year Plan, it is proposed to establish an exclusive service unit, which will

coordinate with ornamental fish farmers to facilitate production and build

rapport with organizations involved in ornamental fish culture. In order to

encourage ornamental fish farmers, it is necessary to give them some capital

subsidy for establishing small-scale ornamental fish culture units. This is

exclusively for encouraging small-scale ornamental fish farmers who undertake

this as a backyard hatchery. Totally, an amount of Rs.1.50 crore is proposed

for this scheme.

4. Fish processing, Product development, Marketing network and Cold

chain

There is no proper fish marketing mechanism in the state. Currently,

fish marketing is left in the hands of individuals who are middlemen, exploiting

both producer and consumer. In seasons of over- production, fishermen suffer

great loss, lacking fair prices for their produce. In the present conditions, it is

very difficult for the government to make inroads into the network of marketers

and undertake fish marketing by itself. It is, therefore proposed to provide

the required wholesale fish market infrastructure in metropolitan areas, so

that fish catches can be pooled and kept in cold store for periodical marketing.

These markets will be linked with all landing centres through appropriate

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transport network and communication. Further, fishermen will get market

information from these wholesale market centres. The stock will be moved to

areas where demand persists. This will ensure that consumers get fish in all

seasons at a fair price and at the same time, ensure that producers and

financiers get a reasonable share of the income.

These fish markets will have the state-of-art technology so that they sell

not only fresh fish but also value added fish and fishery products. An amount

of Rs.2.50 crore is proposed for this scheme during the Eleventh Plan.

5. Additional relief assistance to Tsunami affected fishermen

Shore to vessel communication will help mitigate disaster while fishing

in the sea as well as returning to the shore. Such communication would be

included in contingency rescue Plans in the event of a major disaster. Onboard

GPS and fish finding equipment will enable fishermen to establish contact

with the shore as well as locate the fishing ground without lapse of time. A

sum of Rs.10.36 crore is proposed under the Eleventh Five Year Plan towards

these disaster preparedness and mitigation measures funded under the Rajiv

Gandhi Rehabilitation Programme.

6. Promoting production of Scampi Fresh Water Farming

In order to encourage fresh water farming, integrated fish farming and

poly culture of scampi, it is proposed to give subsidy to those farmers who

come forward to undertake fresh water fish culture. A total outlay of Rs.30

crore (on 50:50 State / Central sharing basis) is proposed. This will be

dovetailed with the Fish Farmers’ Agency Network Programme.

7. National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) / Rashtriya

Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

An amount of Rs.100 crore is proposed for National Agricultural

Development Programme (NADP) / Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

scheme. The detail about the scheme is given in the Chapter 2.1 on Crop

Husbandry.

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Fishermen Welfare Schemes

1. Relief to Inland fishermen during Lean months

Similar to the scheme of relief for marine fishermen during the lean

months, it has been decided to expand the programme to Inland fishermen

also at a cost of Rs.50 crore during the Eleventh Plan period.

2. Fishermen Welfare Board

A separate Welfare Board for the welfare of fishermen, on the same lines

as the Welfare Board for Agricultural labourers has been set up. All benefits

given to the landless agricultural labourers and farmers will be extended to

the fishermen also. Women who are engaged in activities like drying and sale

of fish will also be covered under the above scheme. A sum of Rs.25 crore has

been proposed for this purpose.

3. Creation of Infrastructure for Fisheries Department

An amount of Rs.1 crore is proposed for creation of infrastructure for

automation and e-governance of the fisheries sector, right from the Directorate

of Fisheries to the fishermen’s hamlet level. Priority and funding will also be

provided under this head for development of user friendly software so that the

benefits of this administrative streamlining are enjoyed by the beneficiaries.

4. Human Resource Development & Management

It is proposed to train the fisher boys on the operation and maintenance

of mechanized boats and to operate modern fishing gears. A vocational

programme will be started to train school dropouts in modern fishery

techniques. Further, it also proposed to impart the training to officials on

such techniques and schemes, so that they can disseminate the information

to the stakeholders. An amount of Rs. 2 crore is proposed for these activities

during the Eleventh Plan period.

Totally an amount of Rs.557.70 crore is proposed for fisheries sector. The

detailed financial outlay is given in Table 4.3.3.

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Table 4.3.3

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Table 4.3.4