The Union government has allocated 38,500 crore rupees for the welfare of fishermen and the development of fisheries in the last nine years. This was disclosed by Minister of State for I&B, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy Development Dr. L. Murugan. He said it is a massive increase compared to the allocation made in the previous 65 years. Dr Murugan was addressing a grievance redressal meeting with fisherfolk at Vaithikuppam in Puducherry.<br />'' <br />''The minister said, a seaweed (marine algae) park costing 76 crore rupees is being developed in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu. Five fishing harbours, including in Kasimedu, are being developed at par with international standards, the minister added.<br />'' <br />''Dr. Murugan assured the fishermen of Puducherry that their long-pending demand for a bait curve would be considered. He also informed that projects worth 100 crore rupees for the building of fishing harbours and landing centres in the Kalapet, Rajbhavan, and Manaveli constituencies have been approved.