Govt needs Rp1.6 trillion more to boost fish production

The government is proposing an additional budget of Rp1.6 trillion to boost fish breeding in 2010 and increase its production by 353 percent in 2014, a cabinet minister said.

“The target to boost fish production by 353 percent sounds ambitious but we will boost the production of fish ponds,” Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) Minister Fadel Muhammad said here on Monday.

Speaking after a hearing with the House of Representatives`s Commission IV on fishery affairs, the minister said that more funds in significant amounts were needed to boost the development fish ponds.

He said that the DKP ministry had asked for an additional Rp1.6 trillion in the 2010 state budget.

“The finance minister has agreed to the proposal for additional funds. Now we need the approval of the House Commission IV,” he said.

At the hearing with House Commission IV, the minister told legislators that the 353 percent target could be achieved with hard work and additional funds.

“I would say that this can be achieved with a serious effort and additional funds. I think I am able to do it,” he said.

Cultured-fish Cultivation Director General Made L Nurjana said the Rp1.6 trillion fund constituted an initial capital to do the work for achieving the 353 percent target.

He said that in order to achieve the target of 353 percent in pond-fish cultivation in 2014, a total of Rp6 trillion would be needed. In the first year, a growth of 27 percent could be achieved, he added.

In the meantime, Commission IV member Siswono Yudhohusodo reminded that the government should not make a target which was not easy to achieve. He encouraged the government to be more focused on efforts to improve and empower marginalized fishermen.

“What is it for if we are the biggest producer but the benefit is enjoyed by only several large companies. It is the people at large that should become the actors,” he added.

antara