National

Chennai is set to strengthen its ornamental fish trade with the establishment of a new trade centre in Kolathur. Spread over 3.93 acres in Siva Sakthi Colony, this upcoming facility will serve as a commercial hub for the vibrant ornamental fish market. Chief Minister M K Stalin recently laid the foundation stone for the centre, which forms part of a broader initiative to improve infrastructure and community amenities in North Chennai.

The centre will feature a two-storey building designed to accommodate 188 shops, with 70 on the first floor and 54 on the second. In addition to these shops, the facility will offer office spaces, a canteen, and parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) believe the new centre will transform Kolathur into a bustling hub for ornamental fish trade, supporting local entrepreneurs and boosting the regional economy.

Besides the fish trade centre, Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated six other development projects in North Chennai, including a community hall, a modern laundry hub, and improvements to local lakes such as Puzhal, Retteri, and Kolathur lakes. These initiatives fall under the North Chennai Development Scheme, a project with a budget of INR 1,000 crore aimed at addressing infrastructural gaps in the area.

The development of Puzhal lake will include a high-level walkway, natural viewing areas, a children’s play park, and modern drainage systems, all designed to rejuvenate the area and provide residents with better recreational options. The North Chennai Development Scheme is focused on the region’s equitable growth, with plans for model schools, housing developments, and skill development centres.

In March, CM Stalin launched 219 projects worth INR 4,378 crore to enhance the quality of life in North Chennai. The ornamental fish trade has long been a significant part of Chennai’s economy, and the new centre aims to support existing businesses while attracting new entrants, creating job opportunities for locals.

With this ambitious initiative, Kolathur is poised to become a major hub for ornamental fish trading, while the broader infrastructure projects promise to improve the lives of residents in North Chennai.

SOURCE: PRP NEWS TIME

Dhaka has officially banned the export of Padma hilsa fish to India, casting a shadow over Durga Puja celebrations, particularly in West Bengal. The previous government, under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had permitted hilsa exports to India between August and October as a goodwill gesture. However, the new interim government, which took charge after the fall of Hasina’s administration, has decided to prioritize domestic consumption, especially for lower-income households, over exports.

Farida Akhter, an advisor to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, confirmed the halt, stating that the move aims to stabilize hilsa prices within the country. However, reports indicate that “growing anti-Indian sentiments” may have influenced the decision. Sources suggest that despite the ban, prices of hilsa have not yet dropped significantly in Bangladesh. While the price had initially fallen to Tk 1,600 per kilogram, it has since risen to Tk 1,800-1,900.

Last year, under the Hasina government, 79 exporters were allowed to send 3,950 tonnes of hilsa to India during Durga Puja, which was well-received by consumers in India.

Meanwhile, following her ouster, Sheikh Hasina fled to India after a violent uprising on August 5, which claimed the lives of nearly 300 people, including students. Bangladesh is reportedly considering asking New Delhi to extradite Hasina, who faces murder charges along with several of her former cabinet members.

Source: bt Bangladesh Today

Fish markets play a crucial role in providing fresh seafood to local communities, supporting the livelihoods of fishermen and vendors. They serve as essential hubs for the distribution of a wide variety of fish and seafood products. Additionally, fish markets contribute to the local economy by driving commerce and offering a range of job opportunities.

oday, we will explore India’s top fish markets, which are vital for supplying fresh seafood and supporting local economies.

Maharashtra has the largest fish market in the country. Crawford Market in Mumbai is the biggest fish market in India. It is one of the oldest markets in Mumbai, where you can buy everything from live fish to dried seafood.

The second largest fish market is in Khedshivapur, Pune. Fish lovers flock to this market for fresh fish and it is also famous for seafood.

The third largest fish market is the Kolivada Fish Market in Mumbra, Mumbai. This market offers a variety of fish and is well-known for its selection.

In Hyderabad, Machibazar ranks as the fourth largest fish market in the country. It is popular for fresh fish and offers a range of seafood including rui and katla.

Goa has the fifth largest fish market in India. The Panaji Fish Market is known for its diverse range of fish.

Kerala’s fish market ranks sixth. In Kozhikode, the fish market is famous for all types of fish, including the popular Karimeen.

The seventh largest fish market is in Malpe, Karnataka. This market is well-known for Malpe fish, attracting fish enthusiasts from distant places.

Source: E TV

ICAR-CIFRI organized an impactful Awareness Programme in Joygopalpur, Basanti, within the Sundarbans region. This initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance among the rural tribal communities of the Sundarbans.

The programme saw a robust turnout, with 130 tribal fishers from the Basanti area participating actively. The event was designed to equip these fishers with essential knowledge and skills that would empower them to improve their livelihoods and promote sustainable practices in their local fisheries.

The focus of the awareness programme was on enhancing the self-sufficiency of the tribal fishers by providing them with training on modern fishing techniques, sustainable practices, and the importance of environmental conservation. The sessions included practical demonstrations and discussions on innovative methods to increase productivity while ensuring ecological balance.

By promoting self-reliance and better management practices, ICAR-CIFRI aims to strengthen the socio-economic conditions of the rural tribal communities in the Sundarbans, helping them to build a more sustainable future for themselves and their families.

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the fisheries sector’s crucial role in the Indian economy, reporting a robust growth rate of 9%. This growth is seen as essential for India’s transformation into a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. The government plans to leverage the sector’s potential by creating an International Processing Hub, focusing on digitizing fisheries through Smart and Integrated Harbours that incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies. New initiatives include the development of Nucleus Breeding Centres for shrimp, aimed at boosting sector productivity.

The Union Minister also discussed plans to enhance fishing infrastructure in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, with a particular emphasis on expanding tuna exports. He praised the contributions of start-ups in the fisheries sector and encouraged seafood exporters to modernize processing plants to increase value addition and economic returns. To tackle challenges related to disease-free broodstock and seed, a committee will be established to offer comprehensive recommendations.

Shri George highlighted increased financial allocations to the Department of Fisheries and enhanced funding under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). On August 30, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 218 new projects in Palghar, Maharashtra, worth Rs. 1564 crore, projected to create over five lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance has reduced import duties on feed inputs and ingredients to support the aquaculture sector.

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) organized a Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion, which saw participation from key industry stakeholders, including SEAI, AISHA, PFFI, IMIA, OFTRI, and various government agencies and research organizations. The consultation focused on strengthening shrimp farming and value chains, and emphasized best practices, sustainable aquaculture technologies, and infrastructure development to boost productivity and food safety.

The consultation highlighted India’s significant position as the world’s second-largest fish producer, having reached a historic production milestone of 17.5 million tons in 2022-23. The sector contributes about 8% to global fish production and plays a vital role in national income and food security. It supports approximately 30 million people, including many from marginalized communities. The sector’s impact is significant, with a 1.09% share in Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.72% in agricultural GVA.

The meeting provided a platform to discuss strategies for expanding India’s global seafood market footprint, maximizing export potential, and supporting the livelihoods of fishers, coastal communities, and fish farmers. Through these efforts, the Indian government aims to foster inclusive growth, resilience, and enhanced contributions to the blue economy.

The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, has been honored with the prestigious National Award for e-Governance 2024 (Silver) for its National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD). The award, under Category IV (Research on Citizen-Centric Services by Academic/Research Institutions), was presented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India.

The Silver Award, which includes a citation and a prize of Rs. 5.0 lakhs, was conferred during the 27th National Conference on e-Governance held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The event was graced by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who presented the awards.

Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), and Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NBFGR, were present to receive the award on behalf of the institute.

ICAR NBFGR Receives National Award for e Governance

ICAR-NBFGR is currently coordinating the second phase of NSPAAD, which is funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. The program is implemented through ICAR-Fisheries Research Institutes and College of Fisheries across various states.

The institute has also developed the “ReportFishDisease” app to enhance farmer-based reporting of fish diseases and provide timely scientific advice, further strengthening its commitment to aquatic animal health management.

In a significant crackdown on the sale of unsafe seafood, officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) seized 103.5 kg of stale and rotten fish from wholesale and retail markets in Coimbatore on Tuesday. The surprise raids were conducted by six teams, consisting of 12 officials from the FSSAI and the Fisheries Department.

The operations targeted the wholesale fish market at Lorry Pettai near Ukkadam and the retail fish market on the Ukkadam-Perur bypass. The teams inspected 35 wholesale fish stalls and 16 retail outlets between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

During the inspections, five wholesale stalls were found selling stale and rotten fish, resulting in the seizure of 65 kg of fish. An additional 38.05 kg of spoiled fish were confiscated from four retail shops. In total, the 103.5 kg of fish seized, valued at approximately ₹50,000, was destroyed.

FSSAI officials served notices to the nine shops found in violation of food safety regulations under Section 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which deals with penalties for failing to comply with directions from a food safety officer.

District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati stated that similar surprise checks would continue across the district to combat the sale of unsafe seafood. He also encouraged customers to report any grievances to the FSSAI through the WhatsApp helpline at 94440-42322 or via the TN Foodsafety Consumer App.

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A beluga whale named Hvaldimir, who gained international attention after being suspected of espionage for Russia, has been found dead in southern Norway. The non-profit organization Marine Mind, which had been monitoring the whale, confirmed the discovery.

Hvaldimir’s body was found floating in the sea by a father and son while fishing over the weekend, as reported by Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. The whale was retrieved using a crane and brought to a nearby harbor for examination by experts. Marine biologist Sebastian Strand, who worked closely with the whale, noted that no significant external injuries were visible, making the cause of death unclear.

“Unfortunately, we found Hvaldimir floating in the sea,” Strand stated. “He has passed away, but it’s not immediately clear what the cause of death is. It’s absolutely horrible. He was apparently in good condition as of Friday, so we just have to figure out what might have happened here.”

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Marine Mind described Hvaldimir as “a beacon of hope, a symbol of connection, and a reminder of the deep bond between humans and the natural world.”

Hvaldimir first made headlines in 2019 when he was spotted near the island of Ingoya in northern Norway. The whale was found wearing a harness stamped with “Equipment of St Petersburg,” leading to speculation that he had been part of a Russian military program. This suspicion, combined with his friendly behavior towards humans and apparent training, led Norway’s domestic intelligence agency to consider him a potential spy, prompting the nickname Hvaldimir—a blend of the Norwegian word for whale, “hval,” and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first name.

After his discovery, Hvaldimir became a well-known figure, drawing crowds of onlookers and eventually leaving Hammerfest harbor to travel along the Norwegian coast. His ability to feed himself and survive in the wild was confirmed, and he was later spotted in Swedish waters, where he was filmed playing catch with a rugby ball.

Despite the theories surrounding his origins, including one that suggested he might have been a therapy animal for disabled children at a Russian center near the border, no conclusive evidence was ever provided. Moscow has remained silent on the allegations of Hvaldimir’s involvement in espionage.

Hvaldimir was found dead in the bay of Risavika, near Stavanger, on August 31, 2024. His death marks the end of a mysterious and captivating chapter in marine wildlife history.

In a significant event aimed at bolstering the fisheries sector, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi engaged with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) during a demonstration of advanced aquaculture models, including the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) and Biofloc technology. The interaction took place alongside key dignitaries, including Hon’ble Ministers from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (FAHD), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Minister of State for FAHD, and Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India.

During the event, which was held in Palghar, Maharashtra, Prime Minister Modi personally distributed Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to fishers, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting the livelihoods of those in the fisheries sector. The distribution of KCCs is expected to provide fishers with greater access to credit, thereby enhancing their capacity to adopt modern and sustainable fishing practices.

This initiative is part of the broader PMMSY scheme, which aims to modernize the fisheries sector, increase fish production, and create employment opportunities. The presence of senior officials and ministers at the event underscores the importance of these initiatives in driving economic growth and ensuring the welfare of the fishing community in India