National

The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (Lucknow) held a special introductory program related to the skill development of the Scheduled Caste fish farmers. Our event, in collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Masodha, under the Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology in Kumarganj Ayodhya, centers on capacity building, awareness, and input distribution in fisheries.

As the chief guest at the function, the Vice-Chancellor of ANDUAT, Dr. Bijendra Singh, was accompanied by others. The minister was promoting the practice of backyard fish farming among the farmers to start a “Mekong River Para.”

Along with Dr. T.P. Das, Director of ICAR-RNAI, Dr. U.K. Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NBFGR, was the guest of honor. The message he conveyed was that ornamental fish farming and the adoption of improved cultivation methods can serve as avenues for fishermen to earn at least a living. Dr. Sarak pointed out the necessity of local bio dispersion of fish through the participation of the local people.

The campaign also explored spawning preservation and maintenance of biodiversity while tackling climate change and livelihood activities related to fish processing and shrimp value chains. The experts gave interactive lectures and relevant practical demonstrations on topics like advanced fish farming technology, combating diseases, and working as an alternative to antimicrobial resistance.

Besides that, the program also supplied fishery inputs to the beneficiaries, such as ornamental fish, glass aquariums, fodder, and medicines, as well as refrigerators.

As a result, 50 fish farmers from the Scheduled Caste community attended the program and benefited from the new experience and resources, which will help them not only to support themselves and their families but also contribute to the sustainable development of the fisheries industry.

The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) working in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) in Meghalaya launched a training programme geared towards establishing fishery-based enterprises and value chains for fishery products in the North East.

The five day training programme, which goes by the title “Advances in Fish Harvest and Post-Harvest Technologies,” is being attended by Subject Matter Specialists from 26 Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya.

Mr. George Ninan, the Director of CIFT, pointed out the importance of the value chain for fish and fishery products and said the development of the enterprise in the fisheries sector in the North East will be the main aim of the institute. He pointed out the role of CIFT-ATARI Meghalaya partnership towards the utilization of the fishery resources of the area.

A.K. Mohanty, the Director of ATARI, remarked that fish production in the North Eastern states has been gradually rising as a result of naturally favorable conditions, governmental support, and increased consumer demand. Yet, there is a deficit of about 43 thousand tonnes of fish in the region; this causes imports of fish from Bangladesh and other Indian states.

Mohanty pinpointed the major possibilities in the fisheries sector of the North East where he referred to the abundant water resources, wide array of fish species, strong demand, export chances, and potential of technology and ecological development.

The recent National Workshop organised by NITI Aayog in association with the Andhra Pradesh Government focused on the future of inland fisheries in India. During the course of two days, representatives from the various states met to deliberate on sustainability factors including logistics and infrastructure, export competitiveness, livelihood issues, and policy challenges within the inland fishing sector.

Minister of Union Parshottam Rupala emphasised that traditional fishermen have to receive active guidance and skill development to improve their ability to compete in a modern market. He also advocated that every Amrit Sarovar be set up and connected to each other to create an inland fishery.

While Prof.Ramesh Chand, NITI Aayog, applauded the success of the fisheries sector in Andhra Pradesh and the necessity of equalising regional differences in productivity and output.

Technical sessions at the workshop focused on topics such as “Sustainability in Inland Fisheries. The agenda included seminars on “FFPOs/Cooperatives-Led Development Models” and “Issues and Challenges in the Inland Fisheries Industry in India.” Such sessions enabled dialogue among policymakers, industry players, and fisheries startups, with the ultimate goal of crafting practical recommendations and formulating future growth strategies for the sector.

The event ended with the determination of future steps and the creation of new contacts that are expected to serve as support for drawing powerful growth opportunities in the sector.

The interim budget for the financial year 2024–25 stands at a 15% increment for the Department of Fisheries, which is placed at Rs 2,584.5 crore. Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, pointed to the advent of the Fisheries Department as a reason behind the 2-fold increase in both inland and aquaculture production and also sea food exports since 2013–14.

For the battle against climate change, Odisha has its first reefs of artificial and ocean forests. Dinabandhu Sahoo, a marine scientist and a professor at Delhi University, created different strategies for dealing with temperature rising, cyclonic storms in coastal regions, ocean acidification, loss of biodiversity, etc., fighting with climate change. Prof. Sahoo has devised unconventional methods that are being localized in individual Odisha coastal villages that are far away. Sahoo, a civil engineering professor at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and his partner, Dr. Sanjukta Sahoo, developed several types of artificial reef structures in the laboratory.

Subsequently, they put up six synthetic reefs in Odisha’s sea, the first in the state, having carried on the testing for several months. Sahoo, the former vice chancellor of FM University, believes that artificial reefs will enhance biodiversity, assist in the restoration of damaged marine ecosystems, and, in turn, raise the productivity of fisheries too.

The construction and mounting of artificial reefs is a multi-billion-dollar industry. To make their economies more profitable and to reap great revenues, some countries, especially the United States, France, Japan, China, Korea, and Australia, have put in place millions of artificial reefs on their coastlines. Roughly a half million reef balls have been used in 3,400 artificial reef and beach restoration projects in more than 70 nations worldwide.

The 480 kilometers of coastline in Odisha provide it with a potential place for viability studies. Further, the reef structures made of particular materials and designs may also lessen waves and are known for their capability to shield the coast from cyclonic storms. Moreover, as recognized by Dr. Sanjukta Sahoo, it is an ideal environment for seaweeds and some aquatic plants that can absorb carbon dioxide from water more effectively.

In the area of Peda Waltair, tension flared up on Thursday night when a fight started between two factions in the fishermen community over the application of ring nets to fishing. The police officers showed up promptly, and they were able to defuse the situation to stop any further escalation.
Arjili Dasu, the spokesperson of the Fishermen’s Welfare Association, underscored the importance of the government’s involvement to overcome the problem and foster green programs. “To put an end to this issue in a lasting way, the government needs to act,” said Dasu.

Janakiram, the AP Mechanized Boat Operators’ Welfare Association President, considered it just a dispute among the two families within the same community. Janakiram said, “This dispute is not a community-wide issue; it is an internal matter between two groups.”

Upon contacting an official from the fishing department for comment, it was found out that the alternative fishermen’s groups have been given orders that they are not allowed to use ring nets, which is in line with the guidelines.

Having our State Chief minister Mr. Siddaramaiah announced a huge budget of ₹3,000 crore for this year for the fisheries sector has been the best thing for our state. This move will make the fishing bigger and better, the main benefit being the welfare of fisherman will improve. The all year harboring ports plan for Uttara Kannada district, especially Keni and Pavinakurve was once again revealed, expecting a ₹20,000 cr. investment all along the coast. Moreover, KSRTC launched the state’s first sea ambulance costing ₹7 crore, which will help emergency medical response to be facilitated along the Karnataka coast.

The Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah announced during the event that the government would double the seasonal fishing ban compensation for fishermen under scheme Matsya Asha Kiran Scheme which during earlier used to ₹1,500 but now will be ₹3,000. Also planned are projects like offering help in modernising the fish seed production centres; establishing a fisheries research centre at Manki/Kasarkod in Honnavar taluk; and developing aqua parks and fishing harbours at the best strategic locations.

In an attempt to create conducive conditions for investment, Karnataka expects to prepare the Karnataka Inland Waterways and Water Transport Development Policy. The anchoring projects, like a deep-sea and all-weather port at Keni and a mega port at Pavinakurwe, among others, are acquired indirectly through the public-private partnership (PPP). Sagar Mela is also moving ahead and 26 works costed Rs.1017 crores in total with state contributing Rs. 530 crore to the projects.

With these measures, the state is proving that its interests of the entire coastal line are taken care of and leading to an added growth in fisheries and the marine trade Being lean on the available financial resources, the state formulates a policy framework and projects which ensure a decent living for coastal communities and economic development.

The Coastal Aquaculture Authority, Chennai, has begun nationwide registration of all coastal aquaculture for implementing 100% registration of coastal aquaculture for the farm. For the first time the event was organized in the Nagapatinam of Tamil Nadu state, with the objective of increasing the knowledge of farmers about the registration.

The move is following an amendment to Coastal Aquaculture Act that allows farmers to register their farms on their private properties which are currently undeveloped and grant the farmers exemption from late renewals provided they pay double the registration fees for the late renewal. Through this move, it is anticipated that more than 35,000 farms will experience a positive inflow. Brochures in native languages are also issued to further improvement in the campaign.

The CAA Act, 2005 envisages regulations for the establishment of aquaculture units along the coast, thus rendering non-registration of the same an offence. The purpose of the Act is to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and to preserve the vast water body that is the coast. CAA targets to hold such programmes in association with and respective state departments of fisheries and MPEDA in all states.

The campaign endeavours to become a platform that provides assistance to farmers, making 100% the registration of coastal aquaculture units to meet the criteria for all the farmed products.

Farmers from various districts of Tamil Nadu participated in the program, submitting applications for registration and renewals. Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare facilitated the process, with representatives from NAFA, CAA, MPEDA, and Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University also in attendance.

Subsequently, the campaign aims at simplifying farm registration procedures, encouraging both legality and traceability among the aquaculture players thus implementing sustainable practices and the need for environmental protection.

The Ministry of Fisheries (DoF), is set to sign a MoU between them and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on February 19th, 2024, which marks a great step for the Indian fishing industry. This collaboration is expected to promote enhanced network and market reach for those involved in the sector.

The upcoming MoU stands to the advantage of FFPOs, fishermen, fish farmers including all such actors, by being the only point of contact for them with the buyers from across the country. ONDC digital platform users will not only have easier access to a wide range of buyers, but also be able to make cross-geographical transactions and both ends of transactions will take place in a seamless manner.

At the same time, the partnership aims at tackling acute issues with local fishing industries , market limits constraints and supply chain inefficiencies. Through the platform integration, that is the initiative, local fishers and fish growers are empowered as they can sell their products to a wider market with competitive pricing.

Furthermore, the collaboration shows that the leadership is committed to nurturing innovation in view of adopting digital technologies as a measure for sectoral growth. Employing technology in the culture of fish can be a new pathway towards economic development and sustainable practices. While India is carving its niche towards global leadership in fisheries development, cooperation like the impending MoU between DoF and ONDC make them some great motivators for such progress.

Exploiting digital connectivity and facilitating joint efforts, the country can have a smarter and stronger fishing business. Anxiety is looming among stakeholders as the agreement draws near; hence they expect its revolutionary effect for a market which is going to have improved accessibility, increased efficiency of the system, and better livelihood for all.

Mr. Saji Cherian, the minister, has made a statement that he intends to launch 1000 beachfront  seafood restaurants in Kerala, the state where Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram has already demonstrated the success of freshwater eateries. This took place on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the first fishing rope factory run under the Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsfafed) in Paravur, Alappuzha.

The Fisheries Department has had its fish dish restaurant for two months now. It is situated in Azhakulam, near Vizhinjam, mentioned that classes and other helping units would be created to make it easier for the seafood restaurant chain to succeed. Further, an investor forum in fisheries will be arranged in September of this year.

The newly operated twine plant will supply twine to Matsyafed’s fishing net manufacturing units in Kochi, Kannur, and Thirvanaanthapuram. Nylon twine yarn is created from manufacturing caprolactam chips by twisting.

H. Salam, MLA, was the chairman, along with A.M. Ariff, MP, P.P. Chitharanjan, MLA, K.G. Rajeshwari, district president of Alappuzha panchayat, Sajitha Satheesan, panchayat president of Punnapra north panchayat, and others present.