FAO to assist develop fisheries sector

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said it will support the Sri Lankan government to develop its fisheries sector, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to FAO.

FAO South Asian Region Director Patric T. Evans had told Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna that the FAO will assist Sri Lanka to increase its fish productivity through technical assistance and financial aid.

Evans had said this to the Minister after a discussion held between them at the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry in Colombo. Dr. Senaratna said Agriculture and fisheries will be key sectors to be developed to reach the level of being a self-sufficient country.

He said a fish production of 339,730 metric tonnes was made in 2009, and the government will increase it by 10 percent in the next five years.

"We have implemented many programs to develop fisheries in the North and East after the end of terrorism," he said.

The Government will provide fishing gears, houses for fisher families and modern technology, the Minister said.