National

The Pernem fish market in Goa has been severely affected by flooding following hours of relentless heavy rain, bringing attention to the ongoing infrastructure challenges faced by the region, especially during the receding monsoon season. Fish vendors, with a significant number of them being local fisherwomen, struggled to navigate and sell their catch in a market that was entirely submerged under water, exacerbating their already tough working conditions.

Local vendor Jotsna Kamulkar expressed her frustration over the situation, emphasizing that the issues related to the market’s infrastructure were well-known long before the onset of the monsoon season. “We urged the municipality and local leaders to address these problems, but unfortunately, nothing significant was done. Now, we are left with no choice but to sell fish in this flooded water,” she lamented. Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among vendors who feel neglected by local authorities.

The recent heavy downpour not only led to rapid waterlogging in the fish market but also created a ripple effect throughout the region, making various parts of Goa difficult to navigate. The flooding contributed to significant traffic congestion, hindering the movement of vehicles and pedestrians alike. Commuters faced delays and challenges as roads became inundated, highlighting the pressing need for improved drainage systems and infrastructure to manage such weather events.

The plight of the fisherwomen and other vendors has ignited calls for urgent action from government and local authorities. Many have urged the need for a new fish market that can withstand adverse weather conditions, ensuring that vendors can operate safely and effectively, regardless of the monsoon season’s impact. They argue that without better infrastructure, their livelihoods remain at risk, and the safety of both vendors and consumers is compromised.

In response to the flooding, the vendors are organizing to present their demands to local government officials, advocating for immediate attention to the market’s condition and the development of more resilient structures. They believe that establishing a reliable and well-maintained fish market is not only crucial for their business but also essential for maintaining the community’s seafood supply chain, which plays a significant role in the local economy.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the flooding, the situation serves as a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure development in Goa, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall. The collective voice of the fish vendors underscores the importance of proactive measures to address the infrastructural weaknesses that leave them vulnerable during critical weather events.

Source: The Goan

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, invites students to participate in a Logo Design Contest for its prestigious SHAPHARI Certification.

About MPEDA:

MPEDA, established by an act of Parliament in 1972, is the nodal agency promoting the holistic development of India’s seafood industry. As part of its mission, MPEDA has introduced the SHAPHARI Certification, ensuring shrimp farms and hatcheries adhere to the highest standards of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP).

About “SHAPHARI” Certification:

“SHAPHARI,” meaning superior quality in Sanskrit, certifies shrimp farms and hatcheries producing antibiotic-free shrimp, ensuring compliance with GAP. The certification is valid for 2 years and enhances the export value of Indian shrimp products.

Logo Concept:

The logo should represent shrimp produced for export from a SHAPHARI-certified farm or hatchery.

Reward:

The winner will receive a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/-.

Eligibility:

• Open to students pursuing UG/PG courses from recognized universities or institutions.
• Participants must submit their college ID or a declaration by the head of the institution along with the logo.

Technical Requirements:

• Submit the logo in JPEG/PNG/SVG format with a resolution of at least 600 DPI.
• The design should be adaptable to various platforms, including websites, social media, stationery, and banners.

Submission Link:

Submit your entries via the following link within 15 days from the date of this announcement: Click here to submit

Selection Criteria:

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, composition, and technical excellence by a selection committee. The decision of the committee is final.

For more details, visit: MPEDA SHAPHARI
For clarifications, contact: Deputy Director (Aqua), MPEDA at aqua@mpeda.gov.in

Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Udhayanidhi Stalin, officially opened the renovated Nadukuppam fish market in Triplicane’s Teynampet zone on Friday. The project, completed at a cost of Rs 26.42 lakh, was part of the civic body’s efforts to enhance facilities for the local fishing community.

Renovation work, carried out by the civic authorities, covered an area of 21,710 square meters and involved upgrades to the water supply, sewage systems, electrical connections, and restroom amenities, aiming to improve the market’s infrastructure.

In addition to the market overhaul, Udhayanidhi also inaugurated a new handball court and an indoor sports complex worth Rs 47 lakh under the “Namakku Namme” scheme. These sports facilities, developed with support from Child Life NGO, include spaces for carrom, table tennis, and badminton, according to a press release from Ripon Building on Friday. During his visit, Udhayanidhi also toured a local child welfare center, interacting with children and reviewing the services available to them.

Several notable figures attended the event, including Chennai Mayor R Priya, MP Dayanidhi Maran, Deputy Mayor M Magesh Kumaar, GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran, and other senior officials.

Earlier, in August, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated a modern fish market on Loop Road near Pattinampakkam. Constructed at a cost of Rs 14 crore, the market includes 384 shops but is yet to become fully operational for local fishermen.

Despite multiple initiatives launched by the State government to achieve self-sufficiency in fish seed production, aquaculturists are grappling with a significant crisis due to delays in procurement and distribution of fish seeds. Many fish farmers, who have already prepared their ponds, pen units, and enclosures, are awaiting hatchlings, which the Fisheries Department has yet to supply.

Farmers warn that further delays in ranching could result in heavy losses, as rising temperatures will adversely affect the growth of fish. “Many of these projects are at a standstill, severely impacting our livelihood. If the seeds are distributed right before the summer, there won’t be enough water to sustain them. Like agriculture, fish farming follows a strict calendar, and failure to adhere to it will have disastrous consequences,” explained Purushothaman, an award-winning fish farmer from Kannur.

The Crisis Deepens

The State government had introduced the Backyard Fish Seed Production Scheme, which aimed to produce over 600 lakh seeds of pearl spot and murrel, benefiting nearly 620 farmers. The scheme was designed to ensure a steady supply of high-quality seeds to boost aquaculture production. However, aquaculturists like Sivaprasad from Alappuzha, who runs a licensed hatchery producing pearl spot seeds for the Janakeeya Matsya Krishi initiative, have been left in limbo. He said, “June, July, and August are ideal for ranching, but no steps have been taken to procure the seeds this year. We’re stuck with hatchlings, and maintaining them costs over ₹50,000 per month.”

Unable to sell their seeds to the State, farmers are being forced to sell to other states at significantly lower prices. Farmers had even approached authorities with a proposal to provide seeds on credit, but the response has been unsatisfactory.

Department’s Response

Officials have cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay in implementing the seed production schemes. “We are working on several projects, including brackishwater culture, shrimp farming, and cage culture. We understand the concerns of the farmers, and this issue will be resolved soon,” said a senior Fisheries Department official.

As aquaculturists await action, the crisis has left hundreds of fish farmers and seed producers uncertain about their future.

Source: The Hindu

Andhra Pradesh’s fisheries and food processing sectors are being positioned as a national model, said Minister Kollu Ravindra. Speaking at an event in Kurumaddali village, Pamarru constituency, Krishna district, on Thursday, Ravindra praised the government’s efforts to turn the state into a hub for the aqua industry. The event also marked the virtual inauguration of the Syam Aqua Processing Plant by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Minister Srinivasa Varma was present at the occasion.

Minister Ravindra highlighted that Andhra Pradesh’s extensive coastline, stretching nearly 1,000 kilometers, supports millions of livelihoods. Between 2014 and 2019, the state generated thousands of crores in revenue through seafood exports to international markets.

He attributed the rise of aqua hubs along the coast to support from both the central and state governments. However, Ravindra noted the challenges faced by the aqua sector, particularly issues around high feed costs, poor quality seed, and exploitation by syndicates and Many farmers, burdened by debt and financial losses, were forced to abandon their operations.

The minister expressed concern about the current reluctance of investors, mentioning that renowned companies like Lulu have opted not to invest in Andhra Pradesh.

Union Minister Srinivasa Varma, however, assured that the central government would continue to support the development of the state’s fisheries sector by providing subsidies for the food processing industry. He also emphasized the need to integrate the food processing sector with the MSME sector to boost growth. Varma welcomed the establishment of the Syam Aqua Processing Plant, which promises to generate employment for 2,000 people. While prawn processing is already underway in the state, Varma stressed the need to establish fish processing units as soon as possible to further enhance the sector’s potential.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), in collaboration with IIT Madras, is now offering a range of online courses through the SWAYAM-NPTEL platform, according to a release from KUFOS. These courses, aimed at enhancing knowledge in food processing and seafood industries, include Food Packaging Technology, Canning Technology, and Value Addition in Seafood.

The Food Packaging Technology course covers crucial topics such as the functions and applications of food packaging, selection of appropriate packaging materials, and adherence to regulatory standards for food safety. The course also offers practical insights into packaging evaluation techniques used in laboratories.

The Canning Technology and Value Addition of Seafood courses provide comprehensive knowledge on canning processes, types of cans, canning machinery, and associated quality control measures. These courses are particularly beneficial for professionals in the food and seafood industries.

The course layout includes modules on:

1. Introduction to Food Packaging: Overview of packaging materials such as paper, glass, metals, and plastics.
2. Food Packaging Systems: Rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible forms of packaging tailored for various food products.
3. Design and Testing of Packaging Materials: Focus on packaging performance and safety standards.
4. Advances in Packaging Technology: Active and modified atmosphere packaging, biodegradable plastics, and aseptic packaging.
5. Packaging Equipment and Machinery: Overview of vacuum packaging machines, bottling systems, and other advanced packaging tools.

The courses are free to enroll, and learners have the option to receive certification by registering for a proctored exam, which will be held on November 3, 2024, for a fee of ₹1000. The exam will be conducted at designated centers across various cities, with registration details to be announced on the SWAYAM-NPTEL website.

To qualify for a certificate, participants must complete assignments and pass the exam, with the final score comprising 25% assignment marks and 75% exam marks. More details, including exam schedules and cities, will be available once registration opens.

For further information, visit the SWAYAM-NPTEL website.

To address illegal and unsustainable fishing practices, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has revoked the registration of a fishmeal processor in Karnataka. The action, taken under Section 36 of the MPEDA Rules 1972, is part of a broader effort to promote responsible practices in the fishmeal industry.

The Indian Marine Ingredients Association has welcomed MPEDA’s enforcement action, praising the authority for targeting non-compliant processors. On September 16, Association president Mohamed Dawood Sait emphasized the importance of rooting out such units to ensure the industry’s move toward full sustainability. “This is crucial for the fishmeal industry’s progress,” Sait noted, adding that responsible practices were a priority for all processors.

India is the third-largest producer of fishmeal globally, and the sector has also entered the Chinese market. Sait pointed out that by 2025, international conventions will require all fishmeal producers to obtain certification verifying the source of their raw materials. In line with this, Association members predominantly use low-value and discarded fish caught accidentally by trawlers, which helps support fishermen by providing a market for fish without commercial value.

However, the issue of unsustainable fishing practices remains contentious in coastal areas. In August, tensions flared along Kerala’s coast as conflicts erupted between traditional fishermen and those involved in juvenile fishing and pelagic trawling. Traditional fishermen, angered by the unsustainable methods, seized boats and gear allegedly used in these operations. Authorities have since intervened, and their involvement is expected to create a more peaceful platform for addressing these concerns.

A group of traditional fishermen has also petitioned the Chief Minister, urging him to take direct action against juvenile fishing and other environmentally harmful practices.

With the MPEDA’s recent enforcement, there is hope that stricter adherence to sustainable methods will help mitigate such conflicts while fostering the long-term growth of India’s fishmeal industry.

Himachal Pradesh’s Technical Education Minister, Rajesh Dharmani, has urged the Fisheries Department to prioritize fish processing to address the surplus in the market by focusing on value-added products. During a meeting on Tuesday evening, Dharmani stressed the importance of aligning fisheries initiatives with tourism, according to an official release issued on Wednesday.

The Minister highlighted the need for schemes that engage young people, encouraging their participation in fish farming. He pointed out that the state government is offering subsidies of up to 80% for fish pond construction, making it a lucrative opportunity for local communities.

Dharmani suggested linking these schemes with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) to provide additional benefits for those involved in fish production. He also proposed establishing fish vendor zones along key tourist routes, including the Mandi Bharari-Aauhar-Manali corridor, given Bilaspur’s proximity to popular destinations like Chandigarh, Manali, Dharamshala, and Shimla.

“These initiatives could attract tourists to experience local fish dishes, creating new employment opportunities for youth and fishermen,” Dharmani said. He further directed the department to host fish food fairs to boost the visibility of local products.

The meeting also addressed the low fish production in Chamera and Ranjit Sagar Dams, as well as the limited local interest in fish farming in Kol Dam. Dharmani called for intensified efforts to increase fish production in these areas to generate more employment for local communities.

To modernize the fisheries sector, the Minister directed officials to integrate the state’s fish farm directory and vendor locations with online platforms, including Google Maps, to enhance accessibility for tourists and consumers alike.

According to the official report, Himachal Pradesh produced 17,721.64 metric tonnes of fish during 2023-24, generating revenue of Rs 273.49 crore, marking an increase of Rs 12 crore from the previous year.

Source: The Week Magazine

The fisheries sector is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the nation’s food security and nutritional needs, according to C.N. Ravishankar, Director and Vice-Chancellor of the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai. Speaking at the convocation of Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU) on Wednesday, Ravishankar underscored the sector’s significance in national food security, highlighting that global fish production has surged to 223.2 million tonnes. As the world’s second-largest fish producer, India plays a crucial role but faces challenges, including reducing post-harvest losses, which currently stand at 15-20% in the country.

Ravishankar commended TNJFU for its impressive growth, noting that it has expanded to 40 constituent colleges within a decade and climbed from 40th to 32nd in the national rankings among agricultural universities. He also praised the university’s collaboration with CIFE, with 50% of TNJFU students annually pursuing M.F.Sc. degrees through this partnership.

Governor and Chancellor R.N. Ravi awarded 58 medals for academic excellence during the ceremony. M. Ramya Veena stood out, securing 13 medals, including the Usha Thandav Rajagopalsamy gold medal and the Dr. J. Jayalalithaa endowment award. Other notable achievers included S. Kaviya and H. Lisha, who won three and five medals, respectively.

Vice-Chancellor N. Felix highlighted the university’s accomplishments, including the recruitment of 92 fisheries graduates into the fisheries department and the launch of several initiatives such as the technology innovation fellowship scheme and a dedicated patent facilitation cell.

A total of 332 graduates received their degrees during the convocation, with 151 earning B.F.Sc., 23 B.Tech. (Fisheries Engineering), 9 B.Tech. (Energy and Environmental Engineering), and 19 M.F.Sc. degrees. An additional 59 candidates were conferred degrees in absentia.

Source: The Hindu

The Fisheries Department in Annamayya district is intensifying its efforts to assist local fish farmers and workers through a range of government-supported schemes. District Fisheries Officer, S. Sushmita, emphasized the department’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods and improving income opportunities for fishing communities across the district.

During a recent press briefing, Ms. Sushmita explained the department’s structure, which includes fisheries offices in Bahuda and Pileru, an Assistant Fisheries Office in Rajampet, and the Fisheries Development Office located in Madanapalle. Key locations like Madanapalle, Sambepally, Chitvel, Nandalur, Obulavaripalle, Pullampet, Penagalur, Railway Kodur, Rajampet, and Veeraballi have sub-divisional offices to oversee regional operations.

Key responsibilities of the department include managing the leasing of ponds, fish farming activities, and issuing fishing licenses for boats in authorized reservoirs. Ms. Sushmita highlighted the importance of proper licensing, mentioning that Annamayya district oversees two licensed reservoirs and 149 ponds, all requiring permits for fishing operations.

A central focus of the department’s strategy is the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which promotes income-generating activities like fish breeding and seeding in identified ponds and reservoirs. Along with encouraging fish cultivation, the department is actively educating workers about new government schemes and best practices in fisheries management.

To support the local fish trade, the district operates 31 fish shops, and the department has deployed a fleet of 15 two-wheelers, one three-wheeler, and two four-wheelers for efficient fish transport. This initiative has also created additional employment opportunities for drivers and labourers involved in fish farming and distribution.

Ms. Sushmita reiterated the department’s dedication to ensuring that fishing boat owners can easily access government schemes and urged Managing Committee members to regularly attend association meetings for the smooth execution of these programs.

The department’s focus on infrastructure and worker education reflects its commitment to enhancing the fishing community’s well-being in Annamayya district.