Farming

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 23 — The Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Administration, in collaboration with the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), has launched a Seaweed Cultivation Demonstration Project at Chidiyatapu. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Secretary Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, in the presence of key officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Fisheries) Smt. Nandini Paliwal, Secretary (Fisheries) Shri Vishwendra, and NIOT Director Prof. B. Ramakrishnan.

In his address, Shri Keshav Chandra highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for expanding seaweed farming nationwide, citing its utility in industries like cosmetics, bio-plastics, and food. He emphasized the project’s role in showcasing the viability of cultivating Gracilaria edulis, a locally available seaweed species, across a 10-hectare area without disrupting the islands’ ecosystem.

The Chief Secretary noted that the first phase involves cultivating seaweed over 5 hectares managed by NIOT, with an additional 5 hectares overseen by the Fisheries Department. He expressed optimism about scaling the project across sites such as South Point, North Bay, and Shoal Bay, positioning the A&N Islands as a national leader in seaweed cultivation.

The ease and efficiency of the cultivation process, with harvests ready in just 30 days, were underscored as a key benefit for the local fishing community. The Chief Secretary also participated in deploying seaweed tube-nets into rafts and toured stalls displaying seaweed products.

An MoU was signed between NIOT and the Fisheries Department to formalize the project. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Fisheries) Shri Vishwendra explained that the initiative emerged from regular review meetings led by the Chief Secretary. He added that the project aligns with the new ‘Comprehensive Fisheries Development Policy,’ aiming to promote sustainable marine practices.

Prof. Ramakrishnan from NIOT highlighted that A&N Islands boast a rich seaweed biodiversity, with 244 species identified among the 865 found in India, showcasing the region’s potential in seaweed cultivation.

Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is spearheading an innovative initiative by converting disused mine pits into productive fish farms. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, these projects not only exemplify sustainable industrial practices but also promote biodiversity, boost fish production, and uplift rural communities by providing new sources of income.

The company’s pisciculture efforts utilize water-filled pits left from mining operations, turning them into thriving aquaculture sites. This approach addresses environmental challenges while simultaneously enhancing the local economy. By engaging local residents in fish farming, CCL offers new livelihood opportunities, significantly contributing to the region’s socio-economic development. Several key projects reflect the success of this model.

The Religara project in the Argada Area of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, covers 9.71 hectares and operates with 20 fish cages, generating an annual yield of 9.6 tonnes. The initiative directly supports around 100 residents from the nearby villages of Religara and Baskudra, with additional assistance from the district administration. In the same region, the Gidi A project spans 28 hectares, housing 22 cages and producing 0.72 tonnes in its initial year. This project benefits communities in Tehratand, Kendiyatola, and Gidi Basti. Further beautification efforts, backed by ₹45 lakh, are planned, and a proposal to designate the site as a Ramsar Wetland underscores its environmental significance.

Another noteworthy initiative, the Bokaro OCP project, spans 4.22 hectares and utilizes 27 cages to produce 81 tonnes of fish annually. It supports 30 families by farming species such as Pangasius, Rohu, Tilapia, and Katla, contributing to local fish supplies and providing steady income for those involved. Similarly, the Central Saunda project, established in the Barkasayal Area in November 2023, has installed 40 cages for Tilapia farming. The venture aims to benefit approximately 250 villagers, further strengthening the local economy through sustainable aquaculture.

The Karkatta projects in the NK Area play a pivotal role in regional aquaculture. Karkatta A covers 1.8 hectares with 15 fish cages, generating 200 tonnes of fish annually, while Karkatta C, spanning 4.5 hectares, operates 50 cages with an impressive annual yield of 800 tonnes. Together, these projects offer significant production outputs and provide crucial economic support for nearby communities.

CCL’s fish farming initiatives represent a groundbreaking model for sustainable resource management within the coal sector. By revitalizing abandoned mine pits, these projects not only generate livelihoods for rural populations but also promote environmentally responsible practices. With several projects scheduled for completion by 2025, CCL is setting a new standard in balancing economic empowerment and biodiversity conservation, demonstrating that industrial innovation and community welfare can thrive hand in hand.

The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has achieved a breakthrough by successfully cultivating mud crabs in earthen ponds. This innovative approach showcases the potential of mud crab farming to bolster the livelihoods of coastal communities and promote environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.

ICAR-CIBA’s programme has proven highly effective, raising hatchery-grown mud crab juveniles weighing just 2 grams to marketable sizes of over 500 grams in only 165 days. The initiative yielded a total harvest of 70 kilograms, with an impressive average body weight of 720 grams per crab. The survival rate reached 45%, a noteworthy achievement given the challenges associated with mud crab farming, with 300 crabs reared per acre.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, ICAR-CIBA Director Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal emphasized that mud crab aquaculture not only addresses rising seafood demand but also promotes ecological balance and economic sustainability in coastal areas. “Mud crab farming plays a crucial role in diversifying brackishwater aquaculture, ensuring resilience in the sector while providing sustainable livelihoods to coastal communities,” he explained.

The success of this initiative was demonstrated in Pattipulam village, located in Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district, under the Scheduled Caste Special Programme. Local residents actively participated in the project, gaining hands-on experience through a harvest-cum-field day event organized at the site. The event highlighted the profitability of mud crab farming and its potential as a sustainable livelihood option for coastal communities.

As seafood demand surges globally, such initiatives are essential for securing food security and economic opportunities for future generations. ICAR-CIBA’s achievement underscores the value of sustainable aquaculture practices, opening new avenues for income generation while ensuring ecological balance in India’s coastal regions.

Amid growing concerns over rising production costs and the impact of climate change on shrimp farming, the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), based in Chennai, has pioneered a cutting-edge shrimp production system. This novel approach can yield an impressive 100 to 120 tonnes per hectare across three crop cycles, each lasting 100 days, annually.

On Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Minority Affairs, George Kurian, attended the 8th consecutive harvest of the system at CIBA’s Muttukadu Experimental Station. This new method, termed Super Intensive Precision and Natural Shrimp Farming (SIPNSF), is designed to address the mounting challenges faced by the shrimp farming industry.

CIBA Director Kuldeep K. Lal emphasized the urgency for innovation in shrimp farming due to profitability concerns. “Despite the industry’s substantial contributions, farmers have faced hurdles such as disease outbreaks, escalating production costs, stagnant farm-gate prices over the past 15 years, and erratic weather patterns caused by climate change, including extreme temperature fluctuations, unpredictable rainfall, floods, and cyclones,” he said.

The new system, developed by principal scientist K.P. Kumaraguru Vasagam, features high-density polyethylene (HDPE) circular tanks, a central nursery, advanced energy management, and an integrated wastewater treatment solution. “This technology allows farmers to better synchronize their crop cycles with market demands, optimizing shrimp size and output,” said Vasagam. He believes the system could lead to a significant breakthrough in the shrimp farming sector.

Minister Kurian urged the Indian shrimp farming community to adopt and expand this innovative production model, which holds the potential to significantly transform the industry’s future trajectory.

Dubai, a shimmering gem in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and ambition. Renowned for its breathtaking skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and vibrant culture, this city has transformed from a modest trading post into a global powerhouse in commerce, tourism, and innovation. But beyond its glitz and glamour, Dubai embodies a spirit of resilience.

It thrives in an environment characterized by vast deserts and limited water resources, yet it has mastered the art of turning challenges into opportunities. The UAE, of which Dubai is a key part, is home to a forward-thinking populace that continually seeks sustainable solutions to ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.

One such visionary is Abd Rahman Rashid Al Shami, an Emirati entrepreneur whose groundbreaking work is revolutionizing agriculture in the region. In the outskirts of Al Ain, he has created an innovative aquaculture system that marries fish farming with sustainable crop cultivation, effectively addressing the pressing issues of food and water scarcity in the desert.

Al Shami’s farm, a remarkable oasis nestled over 100 kilometres from the sea, is a living example of ingenuity. Utilizing advanced techniques, he has developed a method that produces three times the yield of traditional farms while cutting water consumption by a staggering 90%. This unique system yields an impressive 150,000 kg of fruits and vegetables and 50,000 kg of tilapia fish annually.

Crops like dates, pomegranates, watermelon, and mangoes thrive alongside zucchini, cabbage, and others, demonstrating that this system can grow food year-round, even in the harsh desert climate.

Central to Al Shami’s farm are 12 high-efficiency fish pools, each housing up to 50,000 tilapia. The fish waste, rich in ammonia, is cleverly repurposed to fertilize the crops. The water used in the pools is recycled through a drip irrigation system, ensuring minimal water loss. Additionally, an onsite bacteria production facility converts inactive bacteria into active agents. These are then added to the water to enhance the nutrient cycle. The bacteria turn ammonia into nitrates, which the plants absorb as essential nutrients.

Beyond vegetables and fish, the farm raises Lamborghini chickens, a rare Indonesian breed distinguished by its black feathers and high market value, sometimes fetching thousands of US dollars. These chickens add another income stream to the farm’s diverse production system.

The farm’s innovation extends further with its self-sufficiency in animal feed. The fish feed on floating ferns, known as Aola, while livestock like the Lamborghini chickens consume alfalfa, both of which are cultivated in-house. This closed-loop system not only reduces operational costs but enhances the sustainability of the farm.

Al Shami’s approach to farming has earned him numerous accolades, and he believes that his system offers a viable solution for water-scarce and desert regions worldwide. By promoting local organic and sustainable food production, he addresses the UAE’s reliance on imported food, as over 80% of the nation’s food is brought in from abroad. He envisions his farm as a model for tackling the growing challenges of food security and environmental conservation in arid regions.

His innovative aquaculture farm demonstrates that sustainable farming techniques can revolutionize food production in even the harshest environments, offering hope to regions struggling with water scarcity and food insecurity.

Sacramento, California: In a landmark move for animal welfare, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bipartisan bill on Friday that makes it illegal to farm octopuses for human consumption within California. The new law prohibits both the raising of octopuses in state waters and aquaculture facilities, as well as the sale of farm-raised octopuses, regardless of their origin.

The legislation highlights the advanced intelligence and sensitivity of octopuses, recognizing them as conscious, sentient creatures capable of feeling pain, stress, fear, and even forming social bonds. The bill notes research that has shown octopuses possess long-term memory and the ability to distinguish between individual humans. In one notable study conducted at the Seattle Aquarium, eight giant Pacific octopuses were introduced to two different people — one who provided food and another who scratched them with a bristly stick. By the end of two weeks, the octopuses had clearly learned to avoid the person with the stick while welcoming the feeder.

Advocates of the law argue that farming octopuses for food is both inhumane and environmentally unsustainable. They cite growing research indicating that octopus aquaculture is cruel and inefficient, positioning California as a national leader in ethical aquaculture practices. California becomes the second state, after Washington, to enact such a ban. Similar bills are under consideration at the federal level and in Hawaii.

“California often sets the standard for the rest of the country,” said Jennifer Jacquet, a professor of environmental science and policy at the University of Miami. “This legislation reflects the growing consensus that Americans want to preserve octopuses in the wild.”

Source: Los Angeles Times

A three-day skill development training on scientific techniques in freshwater fish farming was held at Kanubari in Longding district from 16 to 18 September. The program was organized by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)-North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC), based in Guwahati, Assam, in collaboration with the district’s fisheries department.

Fisheries Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, who was present at the event, urged the trainees to adopt scientific fish farming methods to create self-employment opportunities. He highlighted the need for hard work and innovation to make the district self-sufficient in fish production.

The training sessions covered both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, with experts from NFDB-NERC, the fisheries department, researchers, and progressive fish farmers from Assam sharing their insights. Topics included the design and construction of fish farms, induced breeding of carp, hatchery management, and the production of high-quality fish seeds. The participants also witnessed demonstrations of live fish seeds of improved varieties, learned about integrated farming practices, composite fish farming methods, and water quality management in fishponds.

Twenty-five fish farmers took part in the training, acquiring practical knowledge that will help them boost their aquaculture activities and enhance their livelihood.

Lawnu ZPM Nyeman Wangsu inaugurated the program, which represents a significant effort in promoting scientific pisciculture in the region and equipping farmers with modern farming skills.

Source: The Arunachal Times

Image Source: Govt of India, Dept of Fisheries

Sirsa, Haryana in a remarkable success story under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Mrs. Kuldeep Kaur, a homemaker from Sirsa, Haryana, has transformed her life through aquaculture. Faced with unsuitable agricultural conditions, Mrs. Kaur ventured into shrimp farming, a decision that has not only secured her financial stability but has also contributed to the local economy by creating employment opportunities.

Under the guidance and support of the Department of Fisheries, Mrs. Kaur initiated her shrimp farming journey in the financial year 2021-22. She embraced saline/alkaline white shrimp cultivation, which is well-suited to the local conditions. The total project cost amounted to Rs. 15 lakhs, out of which she received Rs. 7.94 lakhs as financial assistance under the PMMSY scheme.

With this support, Mrs. Kaur established two pond units dedicated to shrimp farming. Her hard work and dedication bore fruit as she successfully produced 6.8 tonnes of high-quality shrimp in her first cycle. This impressive yield earned her a net profit of Rs. 12.20 lakhs, significantly enhancing her annual income.

Beyond her own success, Mrs. Kaur’s venture has also had a positive impact on her community. Her shrimp farm now employs four individuals, providing them with stable livelihoods. Encouraged by her success, she is now planning to expand her operations by incorporating species-specific farming, further contributing to the growth of the aquaculture sector in Haryana.

The PMMSY scheme has played a pivotal role in enabling Mrs. Kaur’s success, showcasing the potential of aquaculture as a viable and profitable alternative to traditional agriculture. Her story stands as an inspiration to others, demonstrating how the right support and determination can lead to remarkable achievements in the field of aquaculture.

Location: Sirsa, Haryana
Project: Saline/Alkaline White Shrimp Farming
Benefits Received: Rs. 7.94 lakhs under PMMSY, FY 2021-22
Production: 6.8 tonnes of shrimp
Net Profit: Rs. 12.20 lakhs
Annual Income: Up to Rs. 27.20 lakhs
Employment Generated: 4 jobs
Future Plans: Expansion with species-specific farming.

This success story underscores the effectiveness of the PMMSY scheme in empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve prosperity through sustainable aquaculture practices.

Source: Govt of India, Dept of Fisheries