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Rameswaram: Fishermen from Rameswaram staged a protest near the local bus stand on Friday, urging the Union government to organize a high-level dialogue between Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities. The demonstration followed the recent detention of 16 Indian fishermen and the confiscation of two mechanized boats by Sri Lankan authorities on October 23.

Expressing growing frustration over repeated arrests, fishermen’s associations voiced concern about their safety, accusing Sri Lankan officials of heavy-handed treatment. “The Indian government must act swiftly and decisively. Staying silent makes us feel abandoned as citizens,” said Sesu Raja, a fishermen leader, reflecting the community’s mounting anger.

He further criticized the pattern of frequent arrests, hefty fines, and harsh penalties imposed by Sri Lanka. “Punishments like six-month or two-year jail terms for repeat offenders have become commonplace. These actions severely disrupt the livelihood of fishermen who are just trying to earn daily wages. Many have fallen into deep depression after being imprisoned, leaving their families in dire straits.”

In the past, diplomatic efforts by the Indian government had secured the release of detained fishermen, but the situation has worsened since June, when Sri Lanka intensified arrests following the annual fishing ban. Confiscated boats are now being auctioned off, adding to the financial strain on Indian fishermen.

With fishing in the Palk Bay becoming increasingly perilous, fishermen leaders have called for urgent intervention. “We have fished in these waters for generations, and our right to fish near Katchatheevu cannot be taken away,” Raja asserted.

Adding to their woes is the growing use of high-powered Chinese engines on some mechanized boats, which has escalated tensions. “These engines have only complicated matters, making the situation even more challenging for us,” explained Emerit, another fishermen representative.

The community has urged the Tamil Nadu government to push the Union government for a diplomatic solution. They insist that direct dialogue between fishermen from both countries is essential to reaching a sustainable resolution. “If governments allow fishermen to negotiate directly, we can find common ground and end these disputes,” Raja said.

The protesting fishermen warned that if the government fails to respond meaningfully, they would be compelled to escalate their agitation. “We need action, not promises. Without a resolution, our livelihoods and future remain at risk,” they cautioned.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed rumours circulating about Tilapia fish being linked to cancer, urging citizens to consume the fish without concern.

During a meeting with senior officials at the state secretariat, Banerjee raised the issue, asking, “Is there any scientific basis to the claim that eating Tilapia harms the body?” After officials confirmed that no evidence supports the rumour, the chief minister expressed her frustration.

“Who spread this misinformation? Why hasn’t any action been taken against them?” she questioned, emphasizing the importance of curbing such falsehoods. “There is no need to fear. Tilapia does not cause cancer—people can enjoy it without hesitation,” she reassured.

Banerjee further instructed officials to take proactive steps, directing them to release Tilapia fish into ponds as part of the ‘Jal Dharo, Jal Bharo’ initiative, which aims to promote sustainable water management and fish farming.

This statement comes amid efforts to combat misinformation and promote healthy dietary practices in the state.

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government is driving growth in the fisheries sector by offering an 80% subsidy on pond construction and projecting potential profits of ₹10.5 lakh per year for fish farmers with one hectare of pond area, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced.

Farmers can construct ponds ranging from 500 square meters to one hectare under the scheme. The government provides ₹9.92 lakh as a subsidy for a one-hectare pond and ₹49,600 for a 500-square-meter pond. The initiative is being implemented in eight districts: Bilaspur, Mandi, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, Sirmaur, Chamba, and Una.

Key fish species cultivated include Rohu, Katla, Mrigal, Common Carp, and Grass Carp, which command high market demand. Even smaller 500-square-meter ponds can yield profits of over ₹50,000 annually, while larger ponds can generate up to ₹10.5 lakh.

The chief minister noted an increase in carp production from 6,767 metric tonnes last year to 7,367 metric tonnes this year, with around 2,600 fishermen involved in fish farming.

To further enhance the sector, the government is distributing high-quality fish seeds and has set up a training centre in Gagret, Una. Additionally, an MoU with the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar will supply advanced fish species like Jayanti Rohu and Amrit Katla, which show 20-25% faster growth and better disease resistance.

These efforts are aimed at improving livelihoods for fish farmers while ensuring sustainable aquaculture practices across the state.

The Manipur Technology Innovation Hub (MTI-HUB) proudly announced the successful completion of the state’s inaugural two-day training program on freshwater pearl farming. The program empowered local farmers and entrepreneurs with essential skills in mollusk selection, pearl implantation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. For the first time in Manipur, participants have now launched pilot pearl farming projects in local water bodies, setting a groundbreaking precedent for the region.

The introduction of freshwater pearl farming brings new opportunities for the agricultural landscape of Manipur, providing a viable and eco-friendly income stream for farmers. By integrating pearl cultivation with traditional agricultural systems, the initiative enhances livelihoods while maintaining harmony with the environment. The program’s success reflects the growing enthusiasm among rural communities for embracing innovative and sustainable business models.

Farmers who completed the training are now well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to Manipur’s emerging reputation for advanced agricultural practices. The initiative, spearheaded by MTI-HUB, emphasizes not just economic growth but also environmental responsibility, ensuring minimal disruption to the state’s delicate ecosystems.

MTI-HUB has pledged its continued support to these new pearl farmers through follow-up training sessions, mentorship programs, and market development efforts. The organization aims to connect local producers with both national and international markets, unlocking new revenue streams and fostering long-term success.

Ajit, one of the key facilitators of the program, expressed optimism about the future of pearl farming in Manipur. “The mussels used in pearl culture, such as Lamellidens marginalis, are already present in our water bodies, making Manipur an ideal location for this venture,” he stated.

He further explained that advancements in pearl farming technology could significantly enhance both the quality and yield of pearls, boosting profitability and ensuring the state remains competitive in the growing pearl industry. “This initiative lays the foundation for an aquaculture-based economic renaissance in Manipur, seamlessly integrating innovation with tradition,” Ajit remarked.

With hands-on experience now under their belt, farmers are ready to explore the full potential of this nascent industry, establishing Manipur as a new hub for freshwater pearl production. MTI-HUB’s mission to drive sustainable development and economic progress is now firmly in motion, heralding a new era of prosperity for the state.

New Delhi: In a bid to unlock the untapped potential of seaweed cultivation in India, the Central Government has issued new guidelines for the import of live seaweed varieties. This is the first time such regulations have been introduced, with the aim of enhancing domestic seaweed production to meet the growing demand from various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paint, paper, and mining.

India’s vast coastline has the capacity to produce nearly 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed annually. However, the country currently produces only 34,000 tonnes, far below its potential. Globally, seaweed production stands at 35 million tonnes (wet weight) every year, valued at approximately $16.5 billion.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying noted that India is home to about 844 species of seaweed, but current farming efforts focus on a limited range of native varieties, resulting in reduced growth rates and vulnerability to disease. “The introduction of new strains through controlled importation will help address these issues and improve productivity,” said a ministry official.

Seaweed-based industries in India have been unable to operate at optimal capacity due to shortages of raw materials. The government has now set a goal to increase production to 1.12 million tonnes by 2025. As part of this effort, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) has geotagged 342 locations along the Indian coastline that are ideal for cultivating marine plants and algae.

The guidelines, released on October 23, aim to mitigate the risks associated with importing new seaweed varieties by implementing stringent quarantine measures and shipment protocols. The official emphasized the importance of managing biosecurity risks to prevent the introduction of pests, pathogens, and diseases that could harm native marine ecosystems.

Currently, live seaweed is not covered under India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) guidelines for the import and export of agricultural products. However, the new seaweed import framework includes detailed procedures for quarantine, handling, and shipment to ensure that wild seaweed populations remain unaffected.

A recent policy paper by NITI Aayog, titled ‘Strategy for the Development of the Seaweed Value Chain,’ emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of seaweed farming. It highlighted that seaweed cultivation offers an alternative source of income for coastal communities, reduces dependence on conventional fishing, and supports the sustainable growth of marine industries.

The paper also stressed the significant nutritional value of seaweed, commonly known as sea vegetables, which are now gaining popularity as nutraceutical supplements. Rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, and packed with vitamins such as A, B1, B12, C, D, E, and folic acid, seaweeds also contain essential amino acids critical for metabolism and overall health.

The NITI Aayog report further noted that expanding seaweed production could play a crucial role in addressing India’s nutritional challenges, offering both sustainable livelihoods and improved food security. With these new guidelines in place, the government hopes to facilitate a thriving seaweed industry and boost coastal economies while ensuring responsible management of marine ecosystems.

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Karimnagar: Fishermen in Karimnagar district have expressed dissatisfaction with the State government over the distribution of undersized and low-quality fish seedlings. Members of several fishermen cooperative societies have refused to release these seedlings into water bodies, citing concerns about their size and the timing of delivery.

Cooperative societies from Manthani, Palakurthi, and Anthergaon mandals in Peddapalli district recently turned away vehicles delivering the seedlings, rejecting the consignment outright.

As per standard guidelines, fish seedlings measuring 80mm to 100mm should be released into perennial water bodies, while smaller seedlings, around 35mm to 40mm, are reserved for seasonal tanks. However, fishermen allege that the government disregarded these norms by supplying smaller seedlings unsuitable for the water bodies in question.

The timing of the supply has also drawn criticism. Fishermen noted that July and August are the ideal months for stocking water bodies, as fish seeded during this period typically grow to optimal sizes. Had the seedlings been supplied by August, the fish would have already reached 300 to 400 grams by now. Instead, the government’s distribution began only in mid-October, a delay that fishermen say will hinder growth potential.

In light of these issues, cooperative societies are demanding financial compensation from the government, arguing that many of them have already stocked the water bodies at their own expense earlier in the season.

Fisheries department officials acknowledged the delay, attributing it to holdups in finalizing the tender process. Last year, approximately 6.32 crore seedlings, valued at Rs 6.38 crore, were distributed across 2,965 water bodies in the former Karimnagar district. However, the current year’s late and substandard supply has strained relations between the department and the fishing community, with fishermen now seeking remedial action.

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Una: The Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department has initiated the production of high-quality fish feed to advance aquaculture activities in the state and increase the earnings of fish farmers.

The newly introduced fish feed, branded as ‘Cifabrood,’ is being produced at the department’s fish farm in Deoli, Amb subdivision of Una district. According to Vivek Chandel, Director of the Fisheries Department, the specialized feed not only ensures a well-balanced diet but also improves the fertility of mature fish, enhancing the productivity of fish farms.

Chandel emphasized that ‘Cifabrood’ is designed to improve fish health and fertility, providing farmers with an economically sustainable solution. “The feed will be offered to fish-rearing farmers at an affordable rate, helping them boost farm profits,” he added.

With aquaculture gaining traction as a profitable venture, especially among entrepreneurial farmers, Chandel expressed optimism that ‘Cifabrood’ would further accelerate the ‘Blue Revolution’ in the state and open new employment avenues, particularly in rural areas.

The director further explained that the feed formulation was developed by the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, a research wing under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR). The technical know-how was transferred to the Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department under a bilateral agreement, ensuring the feed meets high-quality standards for local fish farming.

With the launch of this initiative, the Fisheries Department aims to empower farmers and contribute to the sustainable development of aquaculture in Himachal Pradesh.

East Singhbhum, Jharkhand: The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Kolkata Centre, conducted a three-day skill development training program on ‘Modern Methods of Freshwater Aquaculture’ from October 16 to 18, 2024. The initiative targeted 20 tribal fish farmers from East Singhbhum, aiming to equip them with advanced aquaculture techniques. The training sessions were held at the Department of Fisheries, East Singhbhum.

The event was honored by the presence of Dr. C. N. Ravishankar, Director and Vice-Chancellor of ICAR-CIFE.

The program’s primary objective was to enhance the capacity of scheduled tribe farmers by introducing them to scientific practices that promote sustainable fish farming. During the inaugural session, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) provided insights into the current status of aquaculture in the region and outlined its future potential.

Participants were trained in various aspects of aquaculture, including composite fish culture, feed management, pond maintenance, and monitoring water and soil quality to boost productivity. The hands-on sessions featured demonstrations of water quality testing using ICAR-CIFE kits and techniques for preparing farm-made fish feed. Key topics such as disease management and integrated fish farming were also covered, aimed at improving the livelihood, nutrition, and economic stability of farm families.

At the valedictory session, the DFO from the Department of Fisheries addressed the participants, stressing the importance of adopting scientific methods, particularly in carp farming, to enhance pond performance. Farmers shared positive feedback during the concluding session, expressing enthusiasm about implementing the knowledge and skills acquired to improve their aquaculture practices.

Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant conducted an on-site review of the proposed Goa Agriculture College and the existing Fisheries Training Centre in Old Goa on Tuesday. Accompanied by senior officials, Sawant evaluated the progress and discussed strategic plans for transforming the site into a state-of-the-art fisheries education hub.

“Our goal is to upgrade the facility with modern infrastructure, introduce advanced training modules, and encourage innovative practices to empower the local fishing community,” Sawant said.

The existing Fisheries Training Centre will be restructured into a professional fisheries college, equipped with modern lecture halls, dedicated departments specializing in fisheries science, well-equipped laboratories, and other essential facilities, according to the chief minister. He emphasized the importance of expediting the project to ensure that the institute becomes operational by the upcoming academic year.

Sawant also clarified the administrative realignment necessary for the project. “The land is currently split between the directorate of fisheries and the directorate of animal husbandry and veterinary services. This will be consolidated under the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), ensuring that the new fisheries institute operates under the agriculture department,” explained Director of Agriculture, Sandeep Faldesai.

While the Goa Agriculture College is temporarily housed within a hall at the Ela Farm, Sawant assured that a dedicated building would be constructed to accommodate the growing needs of students and faculty.

Chennai: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone, has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to revise its draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) maps, highlighting the need for complete information to protect ecosystems and support fishing communities. The tribunal stressed the importance of ground truthing—verifying satellite data with on-ground inspections—to accurately mark ecological zones and critical fishing areas.

The directive follows complaints from fishing communities, who argued that the maps failed to comply with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019. The NGT noted the absence of essential details, including fishing zones, village boundaries, and breeding areas, which are vital for sustainable development and resource management along the coast.

Maps for key districts such as Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Villupuram were found to be incomplete, excluding significant ecological features like turtle nesting grounds, sand dunes, and mangrove buffers. Concerns were also raised over the lack of proper long-term housing plans for fishermen, especially in light of climate change and rising sea levels.

In response, the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNCZMA) maintained that the maps included fishing harbours, evacuation centres, health facilities, and sensitive ecological areas. It assured that any missing components could be added based on inputs from relevant agencies.

The NGT has instructed the TNCZMA to collaborate with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), a research body under the Union Ministry of Environment, to address the identified gaps before finalizing the maps.

The tribunal also addressed disputes over map scales. Fishing communities requested maps at a 1:4,000 scale for better precision, while the TNCZMA clarified that the 1:25,000 scale was used for consultations, with detailed 1:4,000 scale maps to follow.

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