Skyrocketing input costs coupled with absence of remunerative price for paddy has been forcing more and more farmers to undertake aquaculture by converting their lush green paddy fields into fish tanks. According to the official records, fish tanks spread in an extent of 4,939 hectares in 2007-08, which rose to 5,720 hectares by 2009-10. At present, aquaculture is on in 12,296 hectares in different parts of the district and nevertheless to say that the agriculture farmers are turning into aqua farmers by converting their farm lands into fish tanks. It has been a year since the State Satellite Applications Centre releasing maps identifying areas where the aquaculture is extensive. Deputy Director of the Fisheries department S. Anjali admits that there are unauthorised fish tanks.

Source: The Hindu October 24, 2016 00:09 UTC