The National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (Narbard) has identified tremendous potential in the breeding and trading of ornament fish, especially in West Bengal. According to a report prepared by Narbard’s regional office, the global trade in ornamental fish is over $5 billion and its annual growth rate is more than six per cent. Considering the global market for ornament fish to continue growing at the percentage rate the demand is likely to grow to $7 billion from the present level of $5.26 billion. Despite rich fantastic resources, favourable climate factors, available manpower, India is a marginal player in the global trade with a market share of only 0.007 per cent. It may be possible to raise it to 0.1 per cent in next five years accounting for export for worth Rs 30.45 crores as against the present level of Rs1.58 crore. This may not be difficult considering our shares in global fish production and untapped in resources, the report has stated. West Bengal’s share in the national trade in ornamental fishes is an overwhelming 90 per cent, but this level may not trade is based on captures from nature in the eastern and north-eastern State. Moreover, there are about 500 units in the districts of Howrah, Hoogly, South 24 Paraganas and North 24 Paraganas. |
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