National

The National Fisheries Development Board – North Eastern Region Centre (NFDB-NERC), in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Meghalaya, successfully organized a three-day residential training program on “Induced Breeding & Seed Production of Carps.” The event was held from 26-28 June 2024 at the Meghalaya State Fisheries Research & Training Institute in Barapani.

The training program saw the participation of 25 hatchery owners from across the region, all eager to enhance their knowledge and skills in advanced aquaculture practices. The primary focus of the training was on induced breeding techniques and the seed production of carps, a critical area for boosting fishery productivity and sustainability in the region.

Expert trainers from the NFDB-NERC and the Department of Fisheries led the sessions, ensuring that participants received comprehensive guidance. The program also included field visits to local hatcheries, allowing attendees to observe and learn from successful breeding operations in real-world settings.

One of the highlights of the training was the interactive sessions where hatchery owners shared their experiences and discussed challenges faced in their operations. This exchange of knowledge and ideas was invaluable in fostering a collaborative approach towards improving carp breeding practices in the region.

The participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to attend such a well-structured and informative program. Many highlighted the potential benefits of applying the new techniques and knowledge gained to their hatcheries, anticipating significant improvements in their breeding and seed production processes.

Source: NFDB

The four-day HACCP (Basic) training programme, organized by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), concluded successfully concluded in Mumbai. This intensive training session, which began on June 25, was designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals in the seafood processing industry.

A total of 25 trainees from 22 seafood processing units participated in the programme, gaining valuable insights into the principles and implementation of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. HACCP is a globally recognized method for ensuring food safety, and this training aimed to equip participants with the necessary expertise to manage and mitigate potential hazards in seafood processing.

The concluding ceremony was marked by the distribution of training certificates to the participants. Dr. T. R. Gibinkumar, Deputy Director of MPEDA Regional Division, Mumbai, presided over the event and handed over the certificates. The ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished faculty members, including Mr. V. Vinod, Deputy Director (QC), Mr. Subray Pavar, Assistant Director, Regional Division, Mumbai, and Mr. Vaniya Kishore Kumar, Assistant Director, MPEDA Regional Division, Veraval.

In his address, Dr. T. R. Gibinkumar emphasized the importance of rigorous training and adherence to safety standards in the seafood industry. “This training is a testament to MPEDA’s commitment to promoting food safety and quality in seafood processing. The knowledge gained here will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of best practices within the industry,” he stated.

The faculty members, who played a crucial role in the training, also shared their insights and experiences, highlighting the practical applications of HACCP principles in ensuring the safety and quality of seafood products.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive training and the opportunity to learn from industry experts. They acknowledged the significance of the HACCP system in enhancing their operational standards and ensuring the safety of their products for global markets.

The successful completion of this training programme underscores MPEDA’s ongoing efforts to support and elevate the seafood processing industry in India. By equipping professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, MPEDA aims to ensure that Indian seafood products continue to meet international safety standards and remain competitive in the global market.

Source: MPEDA

In June 2024, a significant discovery was made off the Andhra Pradesh coast near Pudimedaka. During a survey conducted by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI), a survey vessel from Visakhapatnam reported a remarkable find. At a depth of 58 meters, approximately 610 kilograms of Decapterus russelli, also known as Indian scad—a species highly valued in commercial markets—was captured in a single haul lasting 90 minutes. This species, which forms schools in deep sea waters, is commonly found along both the coasts of India and is distributed globally. This discovery suggests promising fishing opportunities for local fishers near the shore in this area. Dr. P. Kumar, a Young Professional with the PMMSY Project based in Chennai, reported this significant finding.

Source: Fishery Survey of India

Mandapam, Tamil Nadu – Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and Shri Subhash Chandra, Director of the Department of Fisheries (GoI), recently visited the seaweed cultivation site at Munikkadu village in the Mandapam region. Accompanied by scientists from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and fisheries officers from the Government of Tamil Nadu, the delegation toured the Palk Bay area, interacting with local fish farmers engaged in seaweed farming.

The visit aimed to assess the impact of seaweed farming on the local economy and environment. Shri Sagar Mehra praised the sustainable and eco-friendly practice, highlighting its benefits for coastal communities and environmental conservation. Shri Subhash Chandra emphasized the importance of government support and scientific research in optimizing seaweed cultivation, advocating for advanced techniques and financial assistance to ensure the sector’s scalability and success.

During the visit, scientists from ICAR-CMFRI shared insights into the latest advancements in seaweed farming, discussing methods to improve yield, quality, and marketability. Interactions with fish farmers provided valuable feedback on their experiences and challenges, with farmers expressing gratitude for the support received from the government and research institutions. The visit concluded with a commitment to strengthen collaboration between government bodies, research institutes, and local communities to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Source: Dept of Fisheries (GoI)

Chennai, 26th June 2024, The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s. Loopworm, an insect biosciences and biomanufacturing startup based in Bangalore. This partnership aims to evaluate the utility of insect-based protein and oil in aqua feeds.

Loopworm, India’s largest insect-based protein and fat producer, processes 6,000 metric tons of insects annually. As protein and fat are the most expensive nutrients in aqua feed, this collaboration is timely given the rapid expansion of aquaculture and the growing demand for high-quality protein and oil. Finding nutritionally appropriate and sustainable alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil is a critical research area, and insects have emerged as a promising ingredient for aqua feed due to their low environmental impact, efficient feed conversion, and minimal risk of transmitting zoonotic infections.

The MoU focuses on evaluating Loopworm’s products in shrimp and Asian seabass feeds. Dr. M. Kailasam, Principal Scientist and Director-In-Charge of CIBA, highlighted that this initiative would provide a cost-effective alternative to fish meal, enhancing sustainability and competitiveness in the aqua feed sector.

Dr. K. Ambasankar, Principal Scientist and team leader for feed technology, discussed the significance of this MoU and its potential impact on aqua feed production. Mr. Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-founder and CEO of Loopworm, shared plans for cost-effective production and scaling up insect protein and oil, emphasizing the future prospects of these sustainable resources for the Indian aqua feed sector. Mr. Abhishek Kandelwal, Lead Business Development at Loopworm, highlighted the importance of long-term collaborative research with CIBA.

The event was organized by the Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) of CIBA, with Dr. P.K. Patil, SIC, ITMU, delivering the vote of thanks.

Source: ICAR-CIBA

All-India CIFNET Entrance Examination for admission to the Vessel Navigator Course (VNC) and Marine Fitter Course (MFC) for the 2024-26 batch. The examination was conducted Saturday ( 29-06-2024) at the CIFNET Headquarters in Kochi.

In addition to the Kochi center, the exams were also held at CIFNET units in Chennai and Vizag.

These courses are highly sought after, and many aspiring candidates participate in the exams across these centers. The CIFNET entrance exam is a crucial step for students aiming to pursue a career in maritime and vessel navigation.

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has ordered a post-mortem of the dead fish found at Mutayalammapalem beach in Paravada mandal, Visakhapatnam district. Samples have been sent to the Kakinada Fisheries Laboratory for analysis. The fisheries department took fish samples from various points on the beach for this purpose.

Experts say that the dissolved oxygen level needed for aquatic life is around four percent. However, recent assessments in eight to nine areas around Mutayalammapalem beach show oxygen levels are only 0.2 to 0.3 percent. This lack of oxygen is believed to have caused the mass fish deaths.

APPCB chief engineer P.V. Mukunda Rao stated that tests will be conducted to find out why oxygen levels have dropped. There are aquaculture units nearby involved in shrimp farming, a pharmacy unit, and the Simhadri NTPC project in the area. “We need to determine if the pharmacy industry, Simhadri NTPC, or the shrimp cultivators are responsible,” said Rao. He also mentioned that climate change’s impact on the local ecology will be examined. Solving this issue will require joint efforts from all involved parties.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Government of Maharashtra Department of Fisheries

This is to inform all interested parties about an important update regarding the advertisement for leasing 03 Government Fish Seed Production Centres and 01 Shrimp Seed Production Centre in the State of Maharashtra. The original advertisement was published in the Times of India on 22/06/2024.

Please note the following correction:

The original deadline for submitting online tenders was mentioned as 04/06/2024 up to 04:00 P.M. This has now been revised.

New Submission Deadline:

Online tenders should be submitted on or before 04/07/2024 up to 04:00 P.M.

For further details and submission guidelines, please visit our official website or contact the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra

Source: Govt of Maharashtra

In a strategic move to enhance both the fisheries and tourism sectors, the Tripura government has announced plans to set up an integrated aqua park in the Unakoti district. This ambitious project, located in the Satero Miyan Haur area of Kailashahar Sub-Division, is set to cover 96.76 acres of land, with the initial phase utilizing around 50 acres leased from approximately 100 villagers. Each villager will receive INR 3,000 annually per kani of land as lease money.

The project, with a total cost of INR 99.99 crore, has already received INR 42 crore in funding for the fiscal year 2023-24 under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). State Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy and SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das recently met with officials at Chandipur to discuss the development of the park.

The integrated aqua park aims to bolster the local economy by promoting pisciculture and creating a tourist attraction. It will feature a range of facilities, including a tourist spot, boating amenities, a restaurant, and a fish feeding factory. Additionally, a carp hatchery will be established to breed quality fingerlings of various carp species such as catla, rohu, mrigal, silver carp, and grass carp.

To further support the fisheries sector, the park will include a recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS), a fish processing unit, ornamental fish breeding facilities, and a public aquarium. These components are expected to draw tourists and enhance the economic conditions of the region.

Unakoti District Magistrate Dilip Kumar Chakma emphasized that the project will significantly impact the socio-economic status of Chandipur and its surrounding areas. A seven-member committee has been formed to resolve land-related issues, ensuring the project’s smooth execution.

This integrated aqua park represents a significant step towards sustainable development, providing new opportunities for local fishermen and boosting tourism in Tripura.

In the tranquil village of Adigam near Kokernag town in Anantnag district, 22-year-old Saiqa Mushtaq has transformed fish farming into a thriving enterprise. What began as a modest initiative a few years ago has now blossomed into a sustainable livelihood for Saiqa and an inspiration for many in rural Kashmir.

Saiqa’s journey into fish farming commenced with the formation of a Self-Help Group (SHG) in her village, a step that proved pivotal in her entrepreneurial career. Today, she dedicates her mornings to nurturing her fish pond, ensuring the optimal conditions for hundreds of fish that grace its waters. Her commitment is palpable as she meticulously tends to the fish, feeding them diligently and monitoring water quality with care.

“I make sure the fish are well-fed and the water conditions are just right,” Saiqa shared. “It’s hard work, but seeing the fish thrive is truly rewarding.”

Local officials have lauded Saiqa’s efforts, hailing her as a beacon of successful youth entrepreneurship in the region. Her story underscores the potential of aquaculture in fostering sustainable livelihoods in rural areas, particularly in Kashmir where the demand for fresh fish is on the rise.

Saiqa’s initiative has not only supported her own family but has also contributed significantly to the local economy. Her fish pond yields approximately 1000 kilograms of fish annually, generating an income of Rs 5,00,000. Furthermore, her enterprise provides employment to 2-3 individuals from the community.

Encouraged by her initial success, Saiqa has expanded her operations by establishing another pond in her village. Her vision extends beyond mere profit; she aims to empower rural women through initiatives like SHGs, urging them to explore avenues beyond traditional employment.

“The potential is immense, and rural women can easily set up such units,” Saiqa remarked. “It is more beneficial to leverage government schemes than to solely pursue government jobs.”

Saiqa’s story resonates with the broader efforts of the Indian government, particularly through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aimed at enhancing the fisheries sector’s growth nationwide. Her entrepreneurial spirit embodies resilience and innovation, offering a blueprint for sustainable development in rural India.

As Saiqa Mushtaq continues to flourish in her venture, she remains a testament to the transformative power of local initiatives in driving economic prosperity and community empowerment in the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir.

Source-Greaterkashmir.com