National

Scampi farming in India is poised for a renaissance, with the Prime Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme taking center stage in revitalizing this once-thriving industry. PMMSY is committed to uplifting scampi farmers and strengthening the aquaculture sector, breathing new life into an industry that has faced a decline in recent years.

One of the key drivers of this revival is the pioneering research conducted by ICAR-CIFA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture). Their groundbreaking work led to the development of CIFA-GI SCAMPI®, a genetically improved strain of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. This development has played a vital role in enhancing scampi productivity and profitability.

The journey began in 2007 when ICAR-CIFA collaborated with WorldFish, Malaysia, to implement a systematic selective breeding program for scampi. This ambitious program spanned 14 generations and involved the careful selection of scampi populations from various regions of India, including Gujarat, Kerala, and Odisha. Through rigorous genetic selection processes, ICAR-CIFA successfully developed the fast-growing strain known as CIFA-GI Scampi®, which received official registration in 2020, marking a significant milestone in aquaculture.

PMMSY employs a multifaceted approach to boost the aquaculture sector in India. It aims to enhance farming practices, promote modern technology adoption, facilitate capacity building and skill development, offer financial support for farm establishment and infrastructure improvement, and foster overall growth and prosperity in aquaculture. ICAR-CIFA has received funding support of Rs 4 Crores from PMMSY to upscale the genetic selection program and strengthen the seed value chain by supplying improved broodstock to a network of multiplier hatcheries.

In addition to genetic improvements, ICAR-CIFA is actively demonstrating the polyculture of scampi with carp farming. Farmers like Mr. Bata Krushna Jena from Odisha’s Jajpur District have reported exceptional results, achieving a yield of 950 kg/ha of ‘CIFA-GI scampi’ and 7530 kg/ha of carp in just seven months. This success underscores the potential of carp-scampi polyculture, offering promising opportunities for fish farmers across the state.

The country has witnessed a remarkable 2.5-fold increase in scampi production, soaring from 8,303 to 21,317 tonnes in the past year. To support this rapid expansion, ICAR-CIFA has designated five scampi hatcheries as multiplier hatcheries responsible for producing CIFA-GI SCAMPI® seeds and supplying them to farmers. They plan to add more hatcheries to their network with an ambitious target of bringing 25,000 ha under scampi farming by 2026, as stated by Dr. P.K. Sahoo, Director of ICAR-CIFA.

Andhra Pradesh, India – The disappearance of delectable dishes featuring silver-skinned pomfret from gourmet dining tables in Andhra Pradesh has raised concerns within the state’s thriving fisheries sector. The sector has been grappling with the adverse impacts of climate change, industrialization, and urbanization, leading to a notable decline in various fish species that once thrived in the blue waters along the coast. One of the most alarming declines in recent years has been the catch of silver-skinned pomfret, which has dwindled by a staggering 50 to 60 percent over the past decade, signaling a looming threat to this commercially significant and premium fish species.

Attributing the decline in premium fish varieties to the aftermath of the devastating Hudhud cyclone, Satyanarayana Suraida, General Secretary of the Visakha Dolphin Boat Operators Welfare Association, revealed that a decade ago, fishing boats used to return laden with approximately 120 kilograms of silver pomfret and over 180 kilograms of black pomfret between November and January. However, today, both varieties have seen their catches plummet by more than 60 percent. Fishermen recount how silver pomfret used to be abundant during peak winter and reasonably available during the monsoon season, but now, capturing them has become a daunting challenge.

Vijaya, the Joint Director of the Fisheries Department in Visakhapatnam, acknowledged the troubling decline in silver pomfret and a few other fish varieties. She cited multiple factors contributing to the diminishing catch of silver pomfret, including climate change, premature fishing before the fish reach full maturity and breeding age, and pollution. These factors have collectively led to the current predicament, endangering a species once cherished for its culinary significance and economic importance.

As the fisheries sector grapples with these challenges, stakeholders and authorities are urged to collaborate on conservation and sustainable fishing measures to preserve the diversity of fish species in the coastal waters of Andhra Pradesh. The fate of the iconic silver-skinned pomfret, along with other endangered species, hangs in the balance, requiring swift and comprehensive action to ensure their survival for future generations.

In a recent meeting, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria advocated the formulation of strategies aimed at harnessing the potential of the handloom, sericulture, and fisheries sectors in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) areas. These strategies, he suggested, would enable the products from these sectors to reach markets across the country.

During a comprehensive review of various development initiatives at the administrative headquarters of BTC in Kokrajhar, Governor Kataria urged the heads of BTC departments to prioritize balanced and equitable development across all four districts within the council. The BTC, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, serves as an autonomous elected authority dedicated to the tribal Bodo community in Assam.

Highlighting the immense potential within the BTC regions, particularly in the domains of handloom, sericulture, tourism, and fisheries, Governor Kataria underscored the importance of formulating effective marketing strategies. These strategies, he emphasized, would facilitate the nationwide dissemination of products from these sectors.

Governor Kataria also assessed the progress of central and state flagship schemes, as well as mission mode initiatives managed by the BTC administration. He emphasized the expeditious implementation of projects related to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and called upon officials to ensure thorough oversight and regular monitoring of these endeavors.

Recognizing the significance of the ‘Green Bodoland Mission,’ a social initiative launched by the BTC administration aimed at planting one crore saplings, the governor emphasized the need to focus on planting medicinal and economically valuable plants and trees.

Pramod Boro, Chief of the BTC, expressed gratitude to Governor Kataria for his inaugural visit to the BTC areas. He commended the governor for dedicating his valuable time to review the development landscape in the Bodo tribal-dominated regions of Assam.

In an effort to promote the consumption of fish products across the state of Andhra Pradesh, Home Minister Dr. Taneti Vanitha inaugurated the fourth Aqua and Seafood Festival at the Manjeera Convention Centre on Friday. The event, organized in collaboration with Bhumi Organics and under the auspices of the AP Fisheries Department, saw the Minister, along with other government officials and people’s representatives, inspecting various stalls showcasing fish products.

During her address at the festival, Minister Vanitha emphasized that Andhra Pradesh holds the top position in the country for foreign exports of fish products. However, she noted that despite high fish production in the state, local consumption remains low due to a lack of awareness. In response, she called upon the people to increase their consumption of aqua products and stressed the need to develop domestic marketing strategies in this regard. The government’s intention is to further promote the “Fish Andhra” brand through the Aqua-Sea Food Festival, which will run for three days until September 10.

Minister Vanitha highlighted the health benefits of fish, citing its richness in vitamin E and calcium. The festival’s primary aim is to provide a platform for entrepreneurs and create greater awareness among consumers. The government is also supporting families dependent on the fisheries sector by offering subsidies for Fish Andhra outlets and mobile vehicles.

Additionally, the Minister pledged the government’s commitment to the development of the aqua sector and encouraged increased local consumption of seafood, including fish, prawns, and crabs. District Collector Dr. K Madhavi Latha emphasized the health benefits of fish over meat consumption.

Prominent figures attending the event included DCCB Chairman Akula Veerraju, AP Khadi Board Chairperson Pilli Nirmala, Bhumi Organics Representative Raghuram, Marine JD VV Rao, and Fisheries Department Officers V Krishna Rao and Lal Mohammed.

The Aqua and Seafood Festival is not only a celebration of Andhra Pradesh’s rich fishery resources but also a significant step toward boosting local consumption and furthering the state’s position as a leader in fish exports.

In a troubling repeat occurrence, Bengaluru’s Kothanur Lake in JP Nagar witnessed the lifeless bodies of hundreds of fish floating on its surface. This unsettling event has been attributed to the inflow of sewage into the lake, according to the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). This marks the second instance in just five months when such an incident has marred the city’s water bodies.

The first episode occurred in April, when deceased fish were discovered in Bengaluru’s wetlands. In response to the alarming situation, the KSPCB instructed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city’s municipal body, to take immediate preventative measures to halt the discharge of sewage waste.

The KSPCB has now declared that the unfortunate demise of fish in Kothanur Lake is a consequence of sewage entering the water body through a stormwater drain. Swift action will be taken to address this critical issue, as reported by news agency ANI.

A senior KSPCB official affirmed their role in monitoring the water quality of lakes and issuing directives to the relevant local bodies for corrective action. They have officially communicated with the BBMP and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to initiate necessary measures to rectify the situation.

The BWSSB, on the other hand, has disputed claims that sewage continues to infiltrate the lake. A senior engineer from the BWSSB maintained that while sewage was indeed a factor during the April incident, they have since taken diligent measures to address the problem and prevent any further contamination of the lake.

Despite these reassurances, the recurring issue of fish fatalities in Bengaluru’s water bodies underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining water quality and preventing pollution in the city’s lakes and wetlands.