Microgrants boost Iraqi fishing industry

BAGHDAD, April 25 (UPI) -- Emergency reconstruction programs targeting fish farms in Iraq's central Babil province could bring 5,000 jobs to the region, U.S. officials say.

U.S. officials with Multi-National Division-Center released more than $100,000 in microgrants through the Commander's Emergency Reconstruction Program.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, who commands MND-C, authorized the CERP distribution to provide the initial costs to Iraqi business owners in the fishing industry.

A statement from the military says the goal of providing jobs to local Iraqi communities not only provides a boost to the economy, but is part of the overall counterinsurgency strategy to keep frustrated citizens from joining militants.

The farms could supply nearly 5,000 jobs to the regions and at least 500 more in secondary industries, the U.S. military said in a statement.

The fish farms not only have a local economic impact, but boost secondary markets as well. A "Buy Iraq" program encourages the farmers to buy feed from local mills. Farmers also brokered a deal with an industrial manufacturer in Iskandariyah to supply transport tanks.