Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: Odisha will get a Fisheries & Animal Resources University in a few years, said Gokulananda Mallick, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development.

"Works for the Fisheries & Animal Resources University has already started. The department -- Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department -- has already sent a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi," said Mallick.

He said that Odisha is aiming to start exporting sweet water fish or freshwater fish in five years time. "We want the state to become self dependant or self reliant in the production of freshwater fishes," said Gokulananda Mallick.

"An Aqua Park has been planned in Sambalpur and it will be built on 100 acres of land," revealed the Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development.

Mallick said that Odisha government is focussing on the production of freshwater fish. "We are aiming to begin freshwater fish export in five years time. We will encourage the fishermen in this matter," stated the Minister of State (Independant Charge).

According to Mallick, Odisha is currently producing 11.5 tonnes of sweet water fish. "People of Odisha are having 18 kg fish per head. Keeping this in mind, the Odisha government has taken many projects into its hand," explained Gokulananda Mallick.

"A project, worth Rs 2,300 crore, has been started. We are working towards creating more fish markets as well as jetties across the state," he signed off.

An event was organised in Bhubaneswar Thursday by the department on the occasion of World Fisheries Day. Gokulananda Mallick felicitated Odisha's successful fish farmers in the event.

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