Friday 10th October 2014
By Dharmasiri Abeyratne
The government has earned a revenue of Rs. 1.3 billion last year from exporting ornamental fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.
This is the biggest ever export income received from ornamental fish. With the support and guidance from the ministry, the Kalutara district has become the main district for ornamental fish farming, the minister said.
The minister was addressing a ceremony to offer financial assistance to increase ornamental fish production in Kalutara.
Accordingly, fishermen were assisted under the Divi Neguma national program to start ornamental fish projects and increase the capacity and facilities in existing farms.
Under the project, Rs. 522,000 was issued to start ornamental fish farms while Rs. 228,790 was granted to upgrade existing projects.
The minister added that the ornamental fish farming sector is rapidly increasing and progressing.
An average ornamental fish farmer earns over Rs. 150,000 per month.
Many projects have commenced on small scale and developed gradually.
Therefore, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to earn well by engaging in ornamental fish farming.
