Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Fish-rearing project to be expanded - The Star

Jun 11, 2008 By EMBUN MAJID

THE modern fish-rearing project to be introduced in Naka, Kuala Nerang, will be expanded to Kubang Pasu, Sik and Baling to help the hardcore poor earn extra money.

State Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Mohd Johari Baharom said the project, using new technology, would be conducted by the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) and Fish Protect Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

“I have discussed with LKIM to set up the facilities in the three districts.

First-hand look: Mohd Johari (left) listening to a briefing by LKIM chairman Datuk Adam Abdul Hamid (right) during his visit to the proposed fish breeding project site.

“We hope to work with Kedah Development Authority (Keda) concerning the land to conduct the project,” he told newsmen after visiting the fish-rearing project in Naka.

The aquaculture technology from Australia involved the rearing of barramundi fish (siakap) in indoor ponds under controlled environment.

The fish will not be exposed to climate changes and also natural disasters compared with conventional cage and pond methods.

Johari, who is also a Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said 300 hardcore poor people in the Padang Terap district have been chosen to receive monthly cash aid derived from the project starting from the first harvest in Naka, while their children would also be trained to work in the project.

He said the same benefits would also be extended to participants in the other three districts.

The RM10mil project in Naka on a 1.6ha land will have 20 indoor tanks.

Mohd Johari said the first harvest was expected in July next year.

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