In a press release today, the Tamil Nadu government said that the government led by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had been implementing various schemes to uplift the socio-economic condition of fishermen, improve fish resources, increase foreign exchange inflow through export of fish to and to create direct and indirect job opportunities for fishermen. To impart the education necessary to improve fish resources, Ms Jayalalithaa had last year ordered opening of a Fisheries University in Nagapattinam.

In continuation of this, Ms Jayalalithaa has accorded administrative sanction to set up a Fisheries Technology institute at Ponneri in Tiruvallur district which is the largest producer of fish in the state. The institute will be set up at a cost of 34 crore 8 lakh rupees. She has also ordered release of 7 crore rupees for the first phase work.

The government has also alloted 20.78 acres of land at Ponneri to set up the institute. Students will be trained in prawn-rearing, ornamental fish rearing and fish-breeding technology. Diploma courses in various disciplines including Maintenance of fishing vessels and fishing equipment management will be offered.  Students who study here will be get good job opportunities both in India and abroad.
This measure taken by the government will help introduce modern technologies in fishing industry and will also help increase the production of fish, the release added.