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ISLAMABAD: In a meeting with the Gwadar Shipping and Clearing Agents Association, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar declared the modernization of fisheries in Gwadar as the government’s foremost concern. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fully exploit the export potential of Gwadar’s fisheries.

During the meeting, the delegation, led by Association President Abdur Raheem Zafar, Secretary General Hameed Baloch, and Faisal Dashti, proposed the initial import of a specific portion of government cargos through the Gwadar Port before its full operationalization. The prime minister instructed the concerned authorities to present a comprehensive report on this matter.

Referring to Gwadar as a future sea trade hub, PM Kakar highlighted the government’s initiatives to establish industries at the port and develop communication infrastructure linking industrial areas. He underscored the importance of providing employment opportunities and international-standard facilities to the residents of Gwadar for the progress of the port.

Addressing the challenges faced by shipping clearing agents and fisheries, PM Kakar assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed as a top priority. The delegation commended the government’s efforts in providing employment and professional training to fishermen while also addressing the broader issues facing Gwadar city.

The government’s focus on the modernization of Gwadar’s fisheries and the development of associated infrastructure aligns with its broader strategy to enhance economic prospects and trade capabilities in the region.

The fishing boat operators are urging a reconsideration of the recent order that significantly increased the license fees for small boats. These boats, crucial for the livelihoods of thousands of small-time fishermen in the State, are facing financial challenges due to the sudden fee hike.

Joseph Xavier Kalapurackal, the general secretary of the All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators’ Association, highlighted the predicament of small fishing boats measuring 35 to 45 feet, jointly owned by four to five fishermen. Once rendered obsolete, these boats are transformed into mechanized vessels, equipped with 100 to 120 HP engines to navigate waters up to 12 nautical miles.

Operated by the owners themselves, these boats make daily ventures, returning with modest catches sufficient to sustain their livelihoods. Currently numbering around 200, these boats are integral to traditional fishermen.

However, the recent order has raised the annual license fee from ₹2,700 to ₹26,700, marking a staggering 1,000% increase. Boat owners are also burdened with a ₹90,000 penalty for late payment, a move criticized by Kalapurackal as financially untenable and potentially disastrous for these boats.

Calling for a reassessment, boat operators emphasize that the Fisheries department should consider comparable fee and license rates in other states. They draw attention to concessions in other regions, such as up to ₹1 lakh in sales tax on diesel for fishing boats annually, urging the department to align with practices that support the sustainability of this vital sector.

Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in India, declared the extension of the Kisan Credit Card scheme to encompass fishermen. Originally tailored for farmers, this scheme provides specialized financial support through dedicated credit cards designed to meet agricultural requirements.

Rupala underscored the significance of this expansion, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Together, they have developed an innovative instrument aimed at precisely identifying the location of fishermen. This tool not only enhances operational efficiency but also facilitates seamless communication with shore-based personnel.

The decision to include fishermen in the Kisan Credit Card scheme reflects the government’s commitment to acknowledging and supporting the pivotal role played by individuals in the fishing sector. By extending similar financial assistance and support to fishermen, the government aims to recognize and bolster their substantial contribution to the nation’s economy.

Kochi, known for its picturesque Chinese fishing nets, is grappling with the fading allure of this ancient fishing method. The distinctive Chinese fishing nets, locally known as cheena vala, are large, fixed installations resembling giant hammocks held horizontally by wooden poles and counterweights. With origins dating back to ancient China, these nets were introduced to Kochi in the 14th century and have since become an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.

Despite their historical significance and status as a symbol of Kochi’s identity, the once numerous Chinese fishing nets are now dwindling in number along the harbour. The changing dynamics of the fishing industry, marked by the prevalence of mechanized boats, has rendered traditional methods like these nets less economically viable for sustaining livelihoods. As a result, only a few of these iconic structures remain, surrounded by the unfortunate presence of garbage.

While the decline is evident, efforts have been undertaken to preserve and protect these heritage structures. The intricate process of lowering and lifting the nets has become a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional fishing practices of the region. Despite the challenges, the Chinese fishing nets continue to hold a special place in Kochi’s local culture and tourism industry.

Recognizing their cultural significance, steps are being taken to ensure the survival of these iconic structures. While facing odds posed by the evolution of fishing techniques, the Chinese fishing nets remain a resilient symbol of Kochi’s rich heritage, drawing both locals and tourists to witness their unique and historical allure.

Source: The Times of India

INDO-BANGLADESH BORDER: Border Security Force (BSF) personnel along the riverine border between India and Bangladesh are on heightened alert as the smuggling of shellfish eggs, particularly from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, intensifies. Demand for these eggs is notably high in Bangladesh, leading to increased vigilance by border guards to counter smuggling attempts, especially during the night.

Smugglers utilize makeshift oxygen bags filled with shellfish eggs, exploiting the dark hours to avoid detection. These plastic bags, recommended for egg transport, are thrown into the river and later retrieved by receivers across the border. Some smugglers even submerge the bags to the riverbed or pass them through the porous India-Bangladesh border.

In recent incidents, BSF patrol teams have successfully seized multiple oxygen bags containing shellfish eggs. On April 21, at the Boltala outpost in West Bengal’s North Parganas district, 15 such bags were recovered. Earlier, on April 19, 21 bags were seized at the same outpost, and 20 bags were confiscated at two different border outposts, Ghojadanga and CS Khali, on the same night. Each attempt sees smugglers transporting approximately 15-40 bags.

Shellfish eggs, not covered in permissible export items under the India-Bangladesh trade agreement, are highly sought after in the grey market. The live eggs are used for aquaculture in Bangladesh. Smugglers typically bring the eggs from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to West Bengal, leveraging local villagers involved in legal prawn farming for assistance.

While shellfish eggs are not prohibited in India, they become illegal when smuggled out. The eggs, mainly of prawns and shrimp varieties, cost around 60 paise per egg in India. A bag or spin ball can hold 15,000-25,000 eggs, with the price of one bag in India approximately ₹9,000. However, the price skyrockets nearly 7-8 times upon reaching Bangladesh due to its high demand for farming purposes.

BSF officials, citing data, revealed a rising trend in shellfish egg smuggling, with 1,743 bags recovered in 2021, 2,024 in 2022, and 144 seized until April 22 this year. With the approaching monsoon, smugglers intensify their efforts to farm the eggs promptly, prompting heightened vigilance by BSF troops in the South Bengal frontier. The force remains committed to preventing any smuggling activities or transborder crimes along the border.

Andhra Pradesh’s Minister of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Dairy Development, Seediri Appalaraju, asserted the state government’s unwavering commitment to the economic upliftment of coastal areas in a public meeting that took place in Tanuku.

Minister Appalaraju, along with Ministers Pinipe Viswaroop and Gudivada Amarnath, and MLAs P Anil Kumar Yadav, Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, and Karanam Dharmasri, actively participated in the Samajika Sadhikara Bus Yatra held in the Visakhapatnam East constituency recently. The event garnered substantial participation from the local community.

During the yatra, Appalaraju underscored the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government’s ambitious initiative to establish 10 new fishing harbours and four ports. This commitment stands in stark contrast to the perceived neglect of the fishermen community’s welfare during the tenure of former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The yatra received an overwhelming response from the residents of Tanuku in the West Godavari district, showcasing the widespread support for the government’s initiatives aimed at the development and empowerment of fishermen.

Nagpur: In a strategic meeting between Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and the Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), discussions centered around harnessing the potential of shrimp production to stimulate the region’s economy.

State Fisheries Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Rajya Sabha member Dr. Anil Bonde, MLA Ashish Jaiswal, MLA Vasant Khandelwal, former MP Dr. Vikas Mahatme, and other key stakeholders were present during the meeting. The focal point of the discussions was a presentation by Aqua Exchange Company, outlining the advantages of freshwater and saltwater prawn farming in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The company asserted that farmers could potentially yield profits ranging from ₹2-3 lakh per acre in prawn farming. Minister Gadkari emphasized the significance of creating ponds and ensuring seed availability to maximize the benefits of prawn farming. He specifically urged officials to explore the utilization of malgujari ponds, underscoring the importance of their deepening.

Gadkari proposed a coordinated effort among various departments to implement the project, envisioning its potential for Vidarbha farmers to export prawns to the US and other countries, thereby presenting a lucrative opportunity. The minister also disclosed plans for renovating boats for deep-sea fishing and adopting the latest technology in the near future. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of augmenting economic opportunities for farmers through sustainable aquaculture practices.

The Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) has taken a proactive step by forming a task force dedicated to providing extensive training to the fishing community across the country. The training encompasses crucial aspects of the sector, including safety, security, welfare of fishermen, production enhancement, productivity, and advancements in processing and value addition. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a Central scheme aiming to catalyse a Blue Revolution by fostering sustainable and responsible growth in the fisheries sector, addressing critical gaps within the industry.

CIFNET has meticulously designed various training programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of the fishing community. These programs target capacity building in deep-sea fishing and onboard handling of tuna, defect rectification, and maintenance of boat engines, life-saving appliances, safety at sea, communication, and navigation equipment onboard fishing vessels. Other areas of focus include hygienic handling and preservation of catch onboard fishing vessels, basics of seamanship, navigation, marine electronic equipment, capacity building in monofilament longline, and tuna handling.

The institute initiated its first capacity building program in Chennai in 2017, training 97 fishermen. This effort has since been extended to various locations, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Notably, skill development programs have been organized for 396 fishermen in Puducherry, Mahe, and Yanam. In Odisha, a total of 280 fishermen have benefited from CIFNET’s training programs under the PMMSY initiative in places such as Paradeep, Dhamara, Balaramgadi, Astaranga, Pentakota, and Gopalpur.

Further outreach has been conducted with training programs for 191 fishermen in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Kakinada, Nizampatnam, and Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh. Skill development training programs have also been organized in maritime states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

This concerted effort by CIFNET underlines its commitment to advancing the capabilities and knowledge of the fishing community, contributing to the overarching goals of PMMSY. The training initiatives aim not only to bridge existing gaps in the fishery industry but also to empower fishermen with the skills and awareness necessary for sustainable and responsible practices.

Chennai: A recent analysis conducted by the state food safety department has unveiled concerning findings regarding the sale of stale or unhygienically prepared fish and meat, including shawarma, in Tamil Nadu eateries. The study indicates that approximately one in every ten eateries in the state is involved in the sale of substandard food.

Over the past few weeks, food inspectors have meticulously inspected 19,044 eateries, revealing instances of the sale of stale or substandard food in 2,012 cases. In response, the department has taken swift action, collecting fines amounting to nearly 11.98 lakh over the last six weeks. Moreover, more than 5,934 kg of spoiled food has been destroyed. Notices have been issued to 1,448 eateries, with 787 identified for compounding penalties. Additionally, samples from 269 shops were lifted for analysis, leading to the closure of 33 eateries.

Health Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi emphasized the importance of periodic inspections to raise awareness among food handlers and consumers. He stressed the need for eateries to source raw materials from reputable suppliers, preserve them at the right temperature, and handle cooked food with care.

One of the key issues identified is the inadequate shelf life of meat and fish, particularly in smaller eateries that fail to purchase only the quantities they require. Improper preservation methods and inadequate cooking have been highlighted as contributing factors. Chennai’s designated food safety officer, P Satheesh Kumar, emphasized the importance of maintaining the right temperature for both raw and cooked items, including popular condiments like mayonnaise and sauces.

A previous inspection on October 6 revealed that 12% of eateries across the state were serving substandard food, with 123 shops found to be serving stale or unhygienically prepared items. Health inspectors also sampled coconut chutneys, buttermilk, and curd from all eateries, finding that 3% of samples were either stale or stored in an unhygienic manner.

Food analysts have pointed out that while meat products often contain bacteria such as salmonella, yeast, and fungus, the source of contamination for items like chutney, buttermilk, and curd is often unsafe water used in their preparation. The analysts stressed the need for using drinking water to prevent waterborne contamination from affecting the quality of food served in eateries.