Updated on Saturday, July 04, 2009, 19:45 IST

Bhubaneswar, July 04: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Saturday asked experts to thoroughly study the possible impact of climate change on fisheries and suggest appropriate remedial action to protect the sector from its impact.

Inaugurating a two-day national conference of state fisheries ministers here, Pawar pointed out that climate change had a significant impact on agriculture, livestocks, fisheries, forestry and general health of people.

"Measures to overcome climate change should be brought out in a comprehensive manner to take appropriate remedial action to protect fisheries from its impact," he said.

Stating that Centre would continue to support livelihood promotion of traditional fishermen and small traders, Pawar said corporate sector would also be encouraged to invest in infrastructure in domestic marketing and commercial operation though PPP model.

"Bulk of our fish is consumed fresh and near the source of production. Therefore, setting up effective forward linkage are extremely critical," Pawar said.

India being third largest producer of fish in the world and holding second position in aquaculture, fisheries sector had made significant contribution to nutritional security in the country, he said, adding, Centre has targetted food fish production at 10 million tons by 2012.

Bureau Report