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In a significant crackdown on food safety, the health wing of the Kochi Corporation seized and destroyed approximately 200 kilograms of stale fish at Palluruthy during a routine check on Wednesday morning. This inspection, carried out in collaboration with a food testing unit, is part of the corporation’s ongoing special drive to ensure that only fresh and high-quality fish are sold in the city.

The operation involved inspecting five stalls in the area. Of these, four were found to be operating under hygienic conditions. However, one vendor was discovered selling stale fish at a lower price. “The fish was stored in a freezer, and its appearance and foul smell made it evident that it was unfit for human consumption. Therefore, no further tests were required,” stated Kochi Corporation health inspector Sudheesh Kumar G.

The vendor, identified as Usaff, fled the scene during the inspection of other stalls. “We are actively searching for him. Once apprehended, appropriate action will be taken,” Sudheesh added.

This special drive is part of an effort to curb the sale of fish laced with harmful chemicals such as ammonia and formalin. The corporation has received numerous complaints from the public regarding the use of these substances and the sale of rotten fish, particularly by street vendors. In response, the corporation’s health wing has formed a three-member squad to inspect fish markets within its jurisdiction.

“We inspected markets in Thoppumpady and Chambakkara areas and routinely carry out inspection drives two to three times a week. Notices are issued, and fines are imposed on stalls selling stale fish. However, the condition of the fish seized from this particular stall was the worst we have encountered so far,” Sudheesh concluded.

Source: The New Indian Express

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended two boats carrying nine Indian fishermen for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) near Delft Island. The detained fishermen have been taken to Sri Lanka for further legal proceedings.

On Monday, over 500 boats from Rameswaram set out to sea for fishing. While fishing near the IMBL, some boats reportedly crossed into Sri Lankan waters. The Sri Lankan Navy patrol unit pursued the boats, and upon finding them still in Sri Lankan waters, captured two Indian boats with a total of nine fishermen near Delft Island. According to a fisheries department official in Ramanathapuram, all the arrested fishermen are from Rameswaram in the Ramanathapuram district.

The first boat’s crew includes Sahaya Robert (49), Yacob (24), Muthuramalingam (65), Radha (44), and Sekar (40). The second boat’s crew comprises Harikrishnan (50), Pon Ramaraj (26), Ramkumar (24), and Libin Sai (25). The fishermen have been taken to Sri Lanka for legal proceedings.

The fishermen’s association from Rameswaram has condemned the arrests. Last week, fishermen led by DMK and Congress party leaders staged a significant protest against the Sri Lankan Navy’s actions. Notably, the Indian fishermen arrested in July by the Sri Lankan Navy have not yet been released. The fishermen’s association has urged the Union government to intervene and secure the release of the detained Indian fishermen and the confiscated boats.

Source: The New Indian Express

On July 18, 2024, the Human Resource Development Cell of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, organized an enlightening talk titled “7 Steps to Peaceful Financial Life” for its staff. The program began with the ICAR song, setting a positive tone for the event. Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the critical role of financial literacy in enhancing both personal and professional lives.

The event’s highlight was the insightful talk by Shri. Nikhil Gopalakrishnan, CEO of Pentad Securities, Kochi. As the resource person and guest speaker, Shri. Gopalakrishnan shared valuable knowledge on achieving financial stability. He detailed practical steps and strategies for effective financial management, stressing the importance of distinguishing between needs and wants, and the significance of family budgeting. His emphasis on planning, disciplined spending, and strategic investing provided a comprehensive guide to achieving financial peace and security.

Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT is handing over the memento to the invited speaker, Shri. Nikhil Gopalakrishnan

The talk sparked active discussions among the audience, reflecting their engagement and interest in the topic. Dr. Remya S., Senior Scientist and Nodal Officer of the HRD Cell, welcomed the participants and introduced the esteemed resource person. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Priya E. R., Scientist and Co-Nodal Officer of the HRD Cell, followed by the national anthem.

The event underscored the importance of financial literacy and provided practical insights for staff members to achieve financial peace. By focusing on disciplined financial practices and strategic planning, ICAR-CIFT’s initiative has empowered its staff with the knowledge to secure a stable financial future.

In a significant boost to the fisheries sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a substantial increase in the budget allocation for the Department of Fisheries during the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament on Tuesday. The allocation has been raised by 54 %, amounting to Rs 2,616.44 crore, up from Rs 1,701 crore in the Revised Estimates for 2023-24.

A key highlight of the budget is the plan to establish a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs) aimed at improving the genetic quality of shrimp brood stocks. This initiative is set to enhance the productivity and quality of aquaculture species while reducing the reliance on imported shrimp broodstock. The establishment of these state-of-the-art facilities is expected to bolster the shrimp industry, which plays a crucial role in seafood exports.

Finance Minister Sitharaman also outlined measures to facilitate financing for shrimp farming, processing, and export through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). This move is anticipated to open new avenues for the production of high-quality shrimp and value-added products, catering to both domestic and global markets.

To further support the shrimp industry, the budget proposes reductions in import duties on several key inputs. The Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on shrimp broodstock (both Litopenaeus vannamei and Black Tiger/Penaeus monodon) will be halved from 10 % to 5 %. Similarly, duties on polychaete worms and shrimp and fish feed will be reduced from 30 % to 5 %, and from 15 % to 5 %, respectively. Additionally, various inputs such as mineral and vitamin pre-mixes, krill meal, fish lipid oil, and crude fish oil will be exempted from customs duties. The removal of import duties on value-added fish processing ingredients, including pre-dust breading powder, is also among the key announcements.

In a broader move to enhance the fisheries sector, the government will introduce a National Cooperation Policy aimed at systematic and orderly development of the co-operative sector. This policy is expected to empower fishers and fish farmers, improve their bargaining power, and strengthen market linkages for better value creation and realization.

These strategic developments in the Union Budget 2024-25 are poised to significantly impact India’s fisheries sector, promoting growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

The Fish Processing Division and Zonal Technology Management Agribusiness Incubation Centre of ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi, have launched a high-end workshop titled “Business Avenues in Fish Processing and Value Addition.” Organized under the Accelerate Vigyan Scheme by the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB), New Delhi, this workshop aims to provide hands-on experience to postgraduate and Ph.D. students from various academic institutions.

Scheduled from July 23 to July 31, 2024, the program targets motivated students with a keen interest in fisheries value addition and business. The workshop’s primary goals are to familiarize students with conventional and advanced fish processing and preservation methods, develop skills in creating value-added fishery products, educate on packaging materials and regulatory aspects, and inform about entrepreneurship support schemes. Through these objectives, the workshop aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fisheries value addition business.

Dr. R. Dinesh, Director of ICAR IISR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, inaugurated the workshop, highlighting its role in fostering innovation and sustainable practices in fish processing. Dr. George Ninan, Director of CIFT, delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the entrepreneurial opportunities within the fisheries sector. Dr. J. Bindu, Principal Scientist and Head of the Fish Processing Division at ICAR CIFT, along with Dr. C.O. Mohan and Dr. S. Remya, also contributed to the inaugural session.

The workshop features sessions on business opportunities in fish processing and value addition, the importance of fish for livelihood and nutritional security, low-temperature preservation techniques, and specialty products from fish and shellfish. These sessions are conducted by experts from ICAR CIFT and other organizations such as MPEDA, FSSAI, and KSUM.

A total of 25 students from various states are participating, aiming to build skills and knowledge that will propel them into successful entrepreneurial ventures in the fisheries industry.

Shares of major shrimp industry players surged following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement of significant support for shrimp farming in the Union Budget 2024-25. Presented at the Lok Sabha, the budget outlined the government’s plan to assist the shrimp-farming sector through financing and marketing initiatives spearheaded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Key Announcements:

• Customs Duty Reduction: The basic customs duty on certain brood stocks, shrimps, and fish feed will be reduced to 5%.
• Industry Impact: Following this announcement, shares of leading seafood producers and exporters witnessed substantial gains on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE):
  • Zeal Aqua: +9.27%
  • Kings Infra Ventures: +8.15%
  • Coastal Corp: +7.55%
  • Apex Frozen Foods: +7.51%
  • Waterbase: +5.51%

Record-Breaking Exports: India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high in 2023-24, overcoming challenges in key markets. The country exported 1,781,602 metric tons (MT) of seafood worth ₹60,523.89 crore (US$7.38 billion), with frozen shrimp dominating both in terms of quantity and value. The USA and China were the top importers.

Comparative Performance:

• 2023-24 Export Volume: 1,781,602 MT
• 2023-24 Export Value: ₹60,523.89 crore (US$7.38 billion)
• 2022-23 Export Volume: 1,735,286 MT
• 2022-23 Export Value: ₹63,969.14 crore (US$8.09 billion)
• Year-on-Year Volume Increase: 2.67%

These developments indicate robust growth prospects for India’s shrimp industry, buoyed by favorable government policies and strong international demand

In an effort to mitigate escalating conflicts with fishermen communities in Chennai, mechanised boat owners in Puducherry have agreed to refrain from venturing beyond the Union Territory’s territorial limits in violation of existing laws. This agreement was reached during a consultation convened by the Department of Fisheries.

Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare reported at least three recent incidents where fishermen from Puducherry and Karaikal were accosted, and their vessels were seized or driven back by local fishermen in the neighbouring State. Traditionally, mechanised trawlers from Thengaithittu were permitted to operate beyond the boundary reserved for traditional activities off Mammallapuram and Kasimedu as a gesture of amicable accommodation. However, recent tensions have risen when fishermen from the Karaikal-Nagapattinam region trawled in nearshore waters at Pazhavarkedu, causing conflicts with traditional fishers in Tamil Nadu.

In Puducherry, marine regulation laws reserve up to 3 nautical miles from the shoreline for traditional fishing activities, allowing mechanised trawlers to operate beyond that up to 12 nautical miles within territorial jurisdiction. In Tamil Nadu, the Marine Fisheries Regulation Act of 1983 reserves up to five nautical miles for traditional fishing, with mechanised trawling permitted up to the territorial limit of 12 nautical miles.

“For the past two years, mechanised trawlers from the Karaikal-Nagapattinam region have undertaken multi-day fishing trips in nearshore waters reserved for traditional fishing off the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh,” an official stated. “A few days ago, some trawlers were stopped and chased back while fishing close to the Pulicat coastline.”

In one incident, two boats from Puducherry that operated beyond the nearshore limits were seized by Kasimedu fishermen and later released following the intervention of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu officials, with an assurance that the fishermen would avoid Chennai waters.

The Fisheries Department promptly convened a consultation led by Mohammed Ismail, Fisheries Director, and K. Deivasigamani, Joint Director, with representatives of the over 100 registered mechanised boat owners berthed at Thengaithittu to ensure adherence to territorial limits. G. Rajendiran, Fisheries Deputy Director (Mechanisation), emphasized that Puducherry fishermen are not permitted to cross the border at Kanagachettikulam, beyond which lies Tamil Nadu marine jurisdiction.

Recent incidents involving nearshore fishing by trawlers from the Karaikal-Nagapattinam area, resulting in livelihood losses for traditional fishermen and damage to gill nets, have exacerbated the situation.

The Fisheries Department has also written to the Port authorities to initiate measures to prevent non-local fishermen from using the Uppalam harbour as an anchorage point for illegal fishing forays into coastal waters of Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Chennai, and areas in Andhra Pradesh, causing substantial livelihood losses for traditional fishermen in these regions.

“We also plan to have a joint consultation with representatives from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to develop a sustainable mechanism to avoid potential conflicts,” the official added

Source: The Hindu

The United Nations has officially endorsed the new Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture developed by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These guidelines are set to establish global best practices for aquaculture, ensuring the sector’s growth aligns with environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

NOAA, recognized as a leader in aquaculture science and policy, played a crucial role in shaping these guidelines. By addressing the specific needs of North American aquaculture while considering global requirements, NOAA experts ensured a comprehensive approach. “Guidelines are needed to ensure aquaculture grows sustainably,” stated NOAA in a press release. “This framework addresses these challenges by outlining a plan that benefits people, the ocean, and coastal economies.”

Aquaculture, the fastest-growing food production sector globally, is driven by technological advancements and a rising demand for seafood. However, this rapid expansion brings challenges, similar to other agricultural practices. NOAA’s guidelines aim to mitigate these challenges, promoting practices that contribute to global food security, elevate economies, improve living standards for seafood farmers worldwide, and enhance resilience to climate change.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently reported that aquaculture now produces more seafood than traditional wild harvesting. With a growing global population increasingly relying on farmed seafood for safe and nutritious food, ensuring sustainable aquaculture growth is crucial. NOAA experts emphasize the importance of sustainable practices, stating it is “of the utmost importance” to balance the sector’s growth with the need to protect our environment and support coastal economies.

This endorsement by the United Nations highlights the significance of NOAA’s guidelines and their potential to revolutionize global aquaculture practices, fostering a sustainable future for the sector and the planet.

On July 19, 2024, the School of Fisheries at Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Bhubaneswar, successfully concluded a three-day residential training program on “Fish Processing & Value Addition” for 25 fisherwomen from Gajapati. Sponsored by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), this initiative aimed to enhance the skills and livelihoods of local fisherwomen, promoting sustainable practices and economic empowerment.

The training program featured comprehensive sessions on advanced fish processing techniques and value addition, tailored to meet the specific needs of the participants. Over the course of three days, the fisherwomen received hands-on training and expert guidance from industry professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to apply these new skills in their communities.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Supriya Pattnayak, Vice Chancellor of CUTM, Bhubaneswar, who served as the Chief Guest. Dr. Pattnayak released the training manual, thoughtfully prepared in the vernacular language to ensure accessibility and comprehension for all participants. She also distributed certificates to the fisherwomen, acknowledging their dedication and successful completion of the program.

The program’s success highlights the importance of targeted training initiatives in empowering women and fostering sustainable fisheries practices. The participants expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm, eager to implement their newfound knowledge in fish processing and value addition to improve their livelihoods and contribute to their local economies.

The collaboration between NFDB, CUTM, and the fisherwomen of Gajapati underscores the power of education and community support in driving positive change. As these empowered women return to their communities, they carry with them the tools and confidence to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

The nearly 300-year-old fish market at Kalibabur Bazar in Howrah witnessed a unique event as Kolkata-based postmodernist artist Hiran Mitra conducted a live painting exhibition. This exhibition, part of the ‘Art in Every One’ initiative by the multidisciplinary arts group Howrah Jonaki, took place from July 9 to July 11.

Hiran Mitra showcased 31 new paintings at various spots within the fish market, offering a vibrant display of art amidst the daily hustle and bustle of fish trading. This event marked the second edition of the ‘Art in Every One’ initiative, following a successful first showcase in late 2023 and early 2024.

Born in 1945, Hiran Mitra graduated from Kolkata’s Government College of Arts and Crafts and has made a name for himself by blending elements of performance art into his paintings. The idea for this public art exhibition originated from Mitra’s desire to present his work outside traditional gallery spaces, making art more accessible to the general public, explained Biswajit Das, the creative director of Howrah Jonaki.

According to Das, the market sees a daily footfall of around 15,000 people. “Many people, including vendors, were curious about the artwork, while others didn’t engage with it at all,” he said. Sukumar Mondol, a fish seller at Kalibabur Bazar for nearly three decades, expressed his pride in hosting Mitra’s art in the market, though he noted that many buyers were puzzled by the unusual display.

Arabinda Bandopadhyay, a ninth-generation descendent of the market’s founder Kali Banerjee, emphasized the family’s deep connection to the arts and their support for such initiatives. He believes that showcasing art in heavily populated public spaces allows more people to experience it.

This event highlighted the intersection of daily life and high art, demonstrating that creativity can thrive even in the most unexpected places.

Source-The Hindu