National

Ludhiana: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann, is embarking on a significant initiative to augment farmers’ income and promote diversification within the state’s agricultural sector. In a strategic move, the government is poised to increase the fish farming area from the current 16,812 hectares to an expanded 20,000 hectares. This expansion is anticipated to substantially elevate fish production to 2 lakh tonnes.

The announcement came from Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Punjab’s Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries, on the occasion of “National Fish Farmers Day.” This day is celebrated to honor the contributions of Professor Dr. K.H. Alikunhi and Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury, who achieved the first successful induced breeding of carp fish in India on July 10, 1957.

Minister Khudian extended his congratulations to fish farmers and stakeholders, emphasizing that fish seed production will be further increased to 25 Crore, up from the current 20 Crore, in the coming years.

Encouraging farmers to embrace fish farming as a viable income source, Minister Khudian revealed that a subsidy of Rs. 20 Crore has been disbursed to 366 beneficiaries for various projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme.

Highlighting the government’s efforts in developing the fisheries sector, the Cabinet Minister disclosed that an insulated van with a subsidy has been provided for the transportation of fish and related products. Additionally, the state’s first mini fish feed mill in Jalandhar district, backed by a subsidy, is being established in the private sector.

Khudian noted the presence of 15 Government Fish Seed Farms, 11 Fish Feed Mills, and 7 Soil-Water testing Laboratories in the state, all aimed at facilitating fish farmers.

In a significant move, the government is also offering free training for fish and shrimp farming. Subsidies ranging from 40% to 60% have been extended to various fisheries sector projects, including new fish and shrimp ponds, re-circulatory aquaculture systems, bio-floc culture systems, fish shops, fish transportation vehicles, cold storage facilities, and more. These initiatives are aimed at providing self-employment opportunities for the younger generation.

Special attention is being given to saline-affected districts, with concerted efforts to scale up shrimp farming. The Demonstration Farm-cum-Training Center in Village Ena Khera, Sri Muktsar Sahib district, is now fully operational, offering comprehensive support to shrimp farmers

As the state’s shrimp farming area has crossed 1200 acres, the government is steadfastly working to expand it to over 5,000 acres in the next five years.

Thiruvananthapuram: In a proactive move to safeguard marine fish populations, the Kerala Government has announced a five-year extension to the ban on catching juveniles of 58 fish varieties, effective until August 31, 2028. This decision is a response to the dwindling marine fish landings and is based on expert recommendations, including insights from scientists at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Originally instituted in 2017 through an amendment to the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980, this ban was implemented due to a sharp decline in marine fish landings, which had plummeted to four lakh tonnes. An expert committee was established to assess the ban’s effectiveness, and their recent report not only suggests a five-year extension but also contemplates an indefinite prohibition without specific exemptions in terms of fish varieties or quantities.

The indiscriminate catching of juvenile fish by mechanized vessels, driven by the demand from fish manure factories in neighboring states, was a primary catalyst for the 2017 ban. Strict enforcement measures subsequently led to a notable increase in fish landings, totaling 6.9 lakh tonnes in the previous fiscal year, prompting the decision to extend the ban.

Under the ban, fishermen are prohibited from catching fish below a certain size for the designated varieties. To incentivize compliance, vessels with up to 40 percent of banned juvenile fish are granted an exemption. Beyond this threshold, fines are imposed, ranging from Rs 1 lakh for boats with a 100 hp engine to Rs 2.5 lakh for those with a 250 hp engine.

Last year, a substantial sum of fines, totaling Rs 2.25 crore, was collected, underscoring the stringent enforcement of this regulation. Kerala’s marine fish production contributes to 13 percent of the nation’s total, with exports valued at Rs 5,000 crore. The decision to prolong the ban reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry.

Kakinada: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the frontrunner in fish production nationwide, boasting an impressive production of 50 lakh metric tonnes derived from culture, capture, and inland fisheries. This remarkable revelation was made by V. Venkateswara Rao, Joint Director of Fisheries, during the concluding ceremony of a three-day seafood festival in Rajamahendravaram on Sunday.

Mr. Rao emphasized that despite aquaculture spanning 2 lakh hectares in the state, the average annual consumption of fish products among the populace merely stands at 8 kg. In pursuit of enhancing dietary habits and nutritional standards, the state government has set an ambitious target to elevate this figure to 10-15 kg. To facilitate this objective, 2,000 “Fish Andhra” outlets have been strategically established across the state.

Krishna Rao, Joint Director of Fisheries for East Godavari, anticipates a surge in fish production, consumption, and income in the forthcoming year. As a token of appreciation, the festival’s organizers presented awards to competition winners and mementos to all participants.

Stay tuned for more updates on Andhra Pradesh’s strides in the fisheries sector as the state endeavors to bolster its position as a national leader.

The Rajasthan government is set to distribute fish seeds free of charge to 20,000 farmers as part of its efforts to boost the fisheries sector. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has granted approval for the Rs 2 crore project, which will provide each farmer or water pond owner with 1,000 fingerlings of major Indian carp varieties like rohu, catla, and mrigal.

This project, originally announced in the 2023-24 budget, has recently secured financial approval and will soon see selected farmers receive fisheries training at the district level, according to a government department official

Rajasthan boasts an extensive network of water bodies, covering approximately 430,000 hectares, in addition to around 70 rivers and canals spanning about 30,000 hectares. Over the past three decades, the state has witnessed steady growth in its inland fisheries sector. The area dedicated to fish culture and production in Rajasthan, currently ranked 18th in terms of output, has been on the rise. Reservoirs account for approximately 60% of the total fish production, with the remainder coming from tanks and ponds. Notably, the productivity of large reservoirs in the state, at 55 kg per hectare, exceeds the national average.

In the recent budget speech, Chief Minister Gehlot also announced the establishment of a Brackish Water Aquaculture Laboratory in Churu district, aimed at promoting shrimp farming. Work on this initiative is already underway, as confirmed by the government official.

Moreover, the government is actively promoting innovative approaches in tribal sub-plan areas, particularly in locations such as Jaisamand Dam in Udaipur, Kadana backwater in Dungarpur, and Mahi Bajaj Sagar in Banswara, as part of its livelihood model to enhance the fisheries sector’s sustainability and economic impact.

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is poised to inaugurate the “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” on September 15, 2023, in commemoration of the third anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This pivotal six-month-long outreach initiative is strategically designed to invigorate the fisheries sector across the country and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Launched on September 15, 2020, PMMSY has significantly bolstered growth within the fisheries sector by extending financial support and technical expertise to fisherfolk, agriculturalists, and entrepreneurial ventures. On the eve of its third anniversary, the “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” seeks to amplify this success by expanding its outreach and endorsing responsible fishing methodologies.

The campaign encompasses a comprehensive array of workshops, training programs, and awareness campaigns, both virtually and within local communities. The overarching objectives are to educate and acquaint fishermen and aquaculturists with contemporary methodologies, sustainable practices, and the latest technological advancements in fisheries management. Furthermore, the initiative underscores the imperative need to conserve aquatic life and safeguard the ecosystems that sustain them.

Foremost among the campaign’s goals is to augment the income of fishermen while nurturing entrepreneurship within the fisheries sector. It strives to facilitate access to credit, insurance, and establish crucial market linkages, thus ensuring an improved livelihood for those engaged in fishing and its allied activities.

The “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” is poised to make an indelible mark by fostering heightened responsibility and awareness among all stakeholders within the fisheries industry. It endeavors to make the practice of fishing more sustainable, ecologically responsible, and financially remunerative for the multitudes who depend on it for their sustenance.

The campaign’s launch ushers in a six-month-long undertaking, carrying the promise of not only enhancing the lives of those associated with the fisheries sector but also contributing significantly to India’s food security and economic advancement. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, extends an earnest invitation to all stakeholders to actively partake in this transformative endeavor and collaborate to shape a more prosperous and sustainable fisheries landscape.

The commencement of the “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” constitutes a crucial stride toward the realization of the vision of a self-reliant, prosperous, and ecologically sound fisheries sector in India, in harmony with the fundamental tenets of PMMSY.

Indian coastline has witnessed a substantial influx of sardines since last year, significantly benefiting the fish meal industry that produces vital raw materials for the aquaculture feed sector. Indian producers capitalized on the global shortage of sardine-based fish meal, resulting in higher exports and improved prices.

Fish meal, a product derived from underutilized sea-caught fish and fish waste, plays a crucial role in the production of fish and animal feed. The surging demand for fish meal is driven by the rapid growth of the aquaculture industry, which dominates seafood exports. Sardine-based fish meal, in particular, boasts higher oil content, rendering it a nutrient-rich choice for enhancing the growth of fish.

Sardine, known for its affordability and popularity as an edible fish, had faced limitations in its utilization by fish meal units due to shortages in recent years. However, sardine populations have experienced a resurgence along the Indian coasts, notably in Kerala and Karnataka, after a gap of approximately three years in 2022.

According to estimates from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), sardine landings reached 251,257 tonnes last year. This marked a significant increase compared to the previous two years when sardine landings ranged between 80,000 and 90,000 tonnes. In 2019 and 2018, sardine landings were between 145,000 and 155,000 tonnes. The last major sardine haul occurred in 2017 when the catch exceeded 337,000 tonnes.

There are approximately 68 fish meal production units primarily located in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, collectively producing around 300,000 tonnes annually.

Dawood Sait, President of the Indian Marine Ingredients Association, explained, “There was a global shortage as fish meal volumes from Peru, the biggest producer, was down. So, we were able to export more at better prices of $1,500 per tonne compared to around $1,200 in the previous year. In FY23, the export doubled to 50 percent of production.”

Peru’s fish meal industry predominantly relies on anchovies, while the Indian fish meal industry incorporates a variety of fish, including sardine, mackerel, and scad, in addition to anchovy for production. The global shortage of fish meal also drove up prices for fish oil, a byproduct of fish meal production, which India could command higher prices for due to lower production in Peru.

As exports of fish meal surged, fishermen benefitted from higher prices, receiving approximately Rs 40 per kg for their sardine catches, compared to Rs 15 to 20 per kg in previous years. Additionally, the oil content of the sardines was notably higher, at 10 percent or more.

Boat operators reported increased fish landings, particularly of sardines, attributed in part to reduced fishing activity during the initial Covid-19 lockdown and subsequent restrictions on fishing operations.

However, the booming export of fish meal led to increased costs for domestic shrimp feed units, as they had to pay more for the raw materials. Fish meal prices rose from Rs 135 to 150 per kg, an increase of Rs 30 to 40. Importing fish meal as an alternative proved difficult due to duties and a costly dollar exchange rate. Concerns persist that the fish meal shortage may continue as coastal states implement annual fishing bans during the monsoon season.

In response, the feed industry has called upon the government to impose duties or restrictions on fish meal exports to support the local feed industry. Despite India’s rapid growth in aquaculture, making it the second-largest shrimp producer globally after Ecuador, the fish meal industry has not kept pace with the demand, resulting in a supply shortage.

The potential for a continued sardine flow into Indian coasts in the coming year remains uncertain. CMFRI scientists believe they will be able to assess this by the second half of the year, depending on the catch volumes. They attribute the decrease in sardine catches partly to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which is associated with the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. El Nino may have caused temperature disturbances in Indian waters, prompting sardines to migrate away from the coast. However, the return of sardines coincided with the onset of La Nina, the opposite of El Nino. Scientists suggest that even without El Nino, sardine depletion in the coasts can occur periodically.

In a recent report presented by the Central Marine Fisheries Institute (CMFRI), it has been revealed that Kerala’s marine fisheries sector is grappling with substantial losses due to the continued practice of juvenile fishing in the state’s coastal waters. The report was unveiled during a stakeholder workshop held at the institute, where the dire situation was discussed.

The CMFRI report highlights a concerning trend: a staggering 31 percent of threadfin breams (locally known as Kilimeen) caught off the Kerala coast in the previous year were juveniles, falling below the Minimum Legal Size (MLS) limit. This detrimental practice resulted in a staggering loss of Rs 178 crore for the marine fisheries sector in the region. Additionally, juvenile fishing of Indian oil sardines caused another significant loss, totaling Rs 137 crore.

The workshop convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives of fishermen, boat owners, and allied workers, to deliberate on the latest trends and issues plaguing Kerala’s marine fisheries sector. CMFRI Principal Scientist Dr. T M Najmudeen presented the report, noting that the problem of juvenile fishing had been increasingly reported during the trawling ban period in 2022, as compared to previous years.

Dr. Najmudeen emphasized that although the unscientific practice had been on the decline since the implementation of MLS regulations in the state, it remained a pressing concern. Minimum Legal Size (MLS) regulations are considered a crucial fisheries management tool aimed at protecting juvenile fish, maintaining spawning stocks, and controlling the sizes of fish caught.

In a case study analyzing the impact of MLS implementation on threadfin breams, the CMFRI found substantial improvements. After the regulation was put in place, the standing stock biomass, yield, and recruitment numbers of this fish increased by 27 percent, 47 percent, and 64 percent, respectively.

The CMFRI also revealed that for every tonne of juvenile oil sardines caught, the sector incurred a loss of Rs 4,54,000. Dr. Najmudeen stressed that refraining from exploiting young fish stocks would not only help fishermen increase their income but also contribute to the revival of the struggling sector.

CMFRI Director Dr. A Gopalakrishnan pointed out that self-regulation and favorable climatic conditions contributed to the increase in marine fish production, including oil sardines, in Kerala last year. He suggested that the uniform implementation of MLS regulations, as advocated by CMFRI, could potentially yield similar positive results if adopted by other coastal states.

Stakeholders participating in the workshop called for the nationwide implementation of MLS regulations and demanded a special compensation package to offset the losses incurred due to refraining from juvenile fishing. They also urged restrictions on the entry of fishing boats from other states into Kerala’s coastal waters and the cessation of new boat licenses to address the critical issue.