The state government has taken several initiatives recently for triggering the ornamental fish production and export, Dr B Madhusoodhana Kurup, Advisor to state fisheries minister and Professor, School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) said here. A major derivative of this initiative was formation of aqua-technology park and eventually floating Kerala Aqua Ventures.

International Limited (KAVIL), by the government with public-private participation, providing unique opportunity for the stakeholders of country for investment and trade opportunities in this sector, Prof Kurup, a renowned scientist told reporters

The government had already floated the company with its export hub at Kadungaloor near Kochi and designated satellite farms across the state targeting the production and export of 1000 lakh fishes per annum to different international destinations including EU countries, USA, Japan, Asia etc.

Leaving 51 per cent of the investment to private stake holders, there is overwhelming response from investors across the country to joint the company, he said, adding the state government, Department of Fisheries, Nationalised Banks, KDIDC etc will be the stake holders from the public sector.

The consultant appointed for this company has already submitted the detailed project report to the government. The export hub being developed at Kochi will have facilities to hold 200 lakh fishes at a time coming from various satellite farms across the country for conditioning and acclimation for making suitable them for long distance transportation, he said.

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