News

Eluru MP Putta Mahesh Kumar has urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to address key railway infrastructure issues to improve connectivity and boost the transport of agricultural goods such as aquaculture feed, mangoes, fish, and paddy. During a meeting at Rail Bhavan on Wednesday, the MP submitted a comprehensive representation outlining these demands.

Proposed New Railway Line

The MP highlighted the need for a new 96-km railway line connecting Gudivada Junction, Nuzvid, and Madhira, passing through Nuzvid town and Vissannapeta. This line, if included in the Union Budget 2025, would not only improve connectivity between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but also ease traffic congestion at Machilipatnam Port, India Coal Fields, and the proposed APSIIDC SEZ.

Modernisation and Halts at Stations

Mahesh also called for the modernisation of Nuzvid railway station, including improved amenities and operational facilities. Additionally, he proposed new train halts at Nuzvid, Chebrolu, Attili, and Mokhasa Kalavapudi stations to cater to the needs of passengers, including pilgrims visiting Dwaraka Tirumala.

Bhadrachalam-Kovvur Broad Gauge Line

Another key demand was the revival of the Bhadrachalam-Kovvur broad gauge line via Sathupalli, which could reduce the Vizag-Hyderabad travel distance by 150 km. Mahesh stressed the importance of revising the project’s Detailed Project Report to address cost escalations and ensure its timely implementation.

The proposals aim to enhance connectivity, boost the region’s economy, and address the transport needs of agricultural and aquaculture producers.

In a major step toward advancing shrimp aquaculture, ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), Chennai, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Agrocel Industries Pvt. Ltd., Kachchh, Gujarat. The partnership aims to conduct contract research on the efficacy of “AQUALAABH,” a natural mineral mix, and its variants in shrimp farming. The research will be carried out at ICAR-CIBA’s Navsari Gujarat Research Centre (NGRC), Navsari, Gujarat.

Agrocel Industries, a leader in India’s bromine-based marine chemical industry, specializes in minerals, specialty chemicals, and plant and animal nutrition. Its product “AQUALAABH,” derived from seawater minerals, is designed to enhance shrimp farming productivity and sustainability.

India, the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer and a top shrimp exporter, relies heavily on this sector for sustainable livelihoods, supporting over 30 million people, particularly from marginalized communities. Recognizing its critical role, ICAR-CIBA Director Dr. Kuldeep K Lal emphasized the importance of collaborations between private enterprises and research institutions to drive innovation and validate solutions.

This MoU underscores ICAR-CIBA’s commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications in the aquaculture industry. By leveraging ICAR-CIBA’s expertise, the partnership seeks to improve product effectiveness, boost shrimp farming productivity, and promote sustainable practices.

The collaboration represents a significant step toward enhancing India’s position as a global leader in aquaculture while ensuring sustainable development for the shrimp farming sector.

Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy met Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in New Delhi on Tuesday to highlight several challenges faced by fishermen in Nellore district.

The MP strongly advocated for the construction of a fishing jetty at Ponnapudi Pathuru village in Vidavalur mandal. He explained that the Pyderu creek, a crucial channel for fishing boats, has become heavily silted at its sea mouth, creating significant hardships for fishermen from seven habitations under Ramachandrapuram gram panchayat.

“There is an urgent need for a fishing jetty to provide berthing facilities for the 370 boats operating in the region. This would safeguard boats during cyclones and offer a secure area for unloading fish landings, benefiting over 6,000 fishermen from 1,750 families across 12 habitations along the Pyderu creek,” the MP said. He also proposed dredging and revetment work to ensure uninterrupted access to the sea.

The MP additionally sought a revision of the unit cost and subsidy for OBC beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He noted that the current cost of deep-sea fishing vessels at ₹120 lakh is unaffordable for many traditional fishermen, even with a 40% subsidy of ₹48 lakh for OBCs.

“There is a need to consider medium-sized boats costing ₹60 lakh for easier maintenance and affordability,” he added. This measure, he suggested, would enable better utilization of the recently inaugurated Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Bogole mandal, where the lack of sufficient deep-sea fishing boats is a pressing concern.

The MP emphasized the importance of creating Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) to secure bank funding and ensure financial upliftment for fishermen. His proposals aim to enhance the livelihoods of the fishing community in Nellore district.

Biosecurity and hygiene are critical factors that directly impact the quality and safety of seafood. To address these essential aspects, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), through its Network for Fish Quality Management and Sustainable Fishing (NETFISH), has been organizing training programs aimed at raising awareness among fishing communities. These initiatives focus on equipping fishermen with the knowledge and practices necessary to ensure high-quality seafood harvests while minimizing risks associated with contamination and disease outbreaks.

As part of its ongoing efforts, NETFISH Kerala South conducted a series of awareness events at Valanthakad, Ernakulam, on 28th November 2024. These sessions were tailored to educate fishermen about the significance of adopting biosecurity measures and maintaining hygiene throughout the seafood production process—from capture to storage and transportation.

Key Highlights of the Training

1. Biosecurity Measures:
   Participants were introduced to preventive strategies to reduce the risk of pathogen introduction and spread in fishing and seafood handling operations. This included cleaning protocols, disinfection practices, and effective waste management systems to prevent contamination.
2. Hygiene Practices:
   Training emphasized personal hygiene, equipment sanitization, and proper handling techniques to maintain seafood quality. Fishermen were also guided on how to adhere to international standards, ensuring market acceptance for their products.
3. Sustainability Focus:
   By promoting eco-friendly fishing methods and reducing post-harvest losses, the program aligned with the goals of sustainable fishing, which benefits both the environment and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Impact and Benefits

The program not only empowers fishermen with knowledge but also enhances the credibility of India’s seafood in global markets. By ensuring biosecurity and hygiene compliance, such initiatives help reduce disease outbreaks, maintain product safety, and improve the profitability of exports. This effort is crucial as seafood demand grows, and quality becomes a key differentiator in competitive international markets.

Feedback and Future Plans

The fishermen at Valanthakad expressed their gratitude for the training, highlighting how such programs improve their understanding of global standards and the role of hygiene in sustaining their livelihoods. MPEDA-NETFISH plans to continue organizing similar training sessions across coastal regions to broaden the impact and foster a culture of sustainable and hygienic fishing practices nationwide.

These efforts reaffirm MPEDA-NETFISH’s commitment to empowering fishing communities, enhancing seafood quality, and strengthening India’s position as a leading seafood exporter.

In a pivotal move aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) held a high-level meeting on 4th December 2024. The meeting, chaired by Dr. B.K. Behera, Chief Executive of NFDB, welcomed senior representatives from Rabo Partnerships, Amsterdam, Netherlands—a global leader in cooperative banking and financial solutions. The delegation included Mr. Bjorn Schrijver, Senior Manager, and Mr. Ankur Seth, Project Manager.

The meeting marked a step toward forging a strategic collaboration between NFDB and Rabo Partnerships to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for fisheries cooperatives in India.

FOCUS AREAS OF THE DISCUSSIONS

1. Enhancing Fisheries Cooperatives:

The meeting emphasized exploring models that could improve the operational efficiency and financial stability of fisheries cooperatives. Rabo Partnerships, known for their expertise in cooperative banking, proposed strategies to strengthen the governance and profitability of such organizations.

2. Financial Inclusion and Empowerment:

Discussions revolved around leveraging Rabo’s global experience in cooperative financing to introduce innovative financial products and services. The aim is to improve access to credit, enhance risk management, and enable fisheries cooperatives to meet their financial goals sustainably.

3. Technology-Driven Solutions:

The potential integration of advanced technologies, including digital banking platforms and data analytics, was a key highlight. These tools are expected to modernize the financial practices of fisheries cooperatives and bring transparency and efficiency into their operations.

4. Sustainable Fisheries Development:

Both parties underscored the importance of embedding sustainability into cooperative models. Rabo Partnerships shared insights on successful international practices that could be adapted to the Indian fisheries context, ensuring environmental conservation alongside economic growth.

5. Capacity Building and Training:

Plans were discussed to organize training programs and workshops for fisheries cooperative leaders and members. These initiatives aim to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to implement best practices in governance, financial management, and sustainable fishing operations.

IMPLICATIONS AND THE WAY FORWARD

This meeting reflects NFDB’s proactive approach to fostering international partnerships for the betterment of India’s fisheries sector. By collaborating with an organization like Rabo Partnerships, which has a proven track record in cooperative banking, NFDB aims to empower fisheries cooperatives with the tools, funding, and knowledge required to thrive in a competitive and sustainable manner.

The partnership is expected to bring about a transformation in how fisheries cooperatives operate, benefiting thousands of fishers across India. The strategies discussed align with NFDB’s larger mission to promote sustainable fisheries, enhance livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s Blue Economy aspirations.

Further updates on the outcomes of this collaboration are eagerly awaited, as both organizations commit to driving meaningful change in the fisheries sector.

The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) has unveiled an innovative mobile application, “Rangeen Machhli,” under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Designed to cater to hobbyists, farmers, and professionals, this app is set to transform the ornamental fish industry by offering crucial guidance on fish care, breeding, and maintenance.

A MULTILINGUAL RESOURCE FOR ALL

With content available in eight Indian languages, the app ensures inclusivity, reaching diverse users across the country. It promotes awareness and engagement in ornamental aquaculture, making it an invaluable tool for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

KEY FEATURES OF “RANGEEN MACHHLI”

1. Comprehensive Fish Care Information: Offers detailed guidance on aquarium management, helping users maintain healthy environments for their fish.
2. Find Aquarium Shops: A directory to locate nearby aquarium shops, boosting visibility for local businesses and ensuring access to authentic products.
3. Educational Modules: Covers topics like aquarium setup, lighting, filtration, and ornamental aquaculture techniques, empowering users with essential knowledge.

ENHANCING INDUSTRY GROWTH

The app not only empowers individuals with reliable knowledge but also fosters economic growth by promoting local aquarium businesses. By providing users with trustworthy resources, it ensures sustainability and enhances the ornamental fish trade in India.

This app is more than a guide—it is a bridge connecting enthusiasts, farmers, and businesses in the vibrant world of ornamental fish. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to expand your expertise, “Rangeen Machhli” is the ultimate companion in ornamental aquaculture.

The Minister for Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Water Transport, Mankal S. Vaidya, has emphasized the need to reassess the design of the Kulai Fishing Harbour, originally created in 2002, to address evolving geographical and climatic conditions. Chairing a meeting on November 27 at the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), the Minister highlighted concerns raised by local fishermen about the harbour’s design and its suitability for traditional boats.

Mr. Vaidya directed stakeholders to complete the review within 10 days, during which the construction work, halted since October 17, would remain suspended. He proposed involving additional reputed institutions such as IIT-Bombay, IIT-Delhi, or NIG-Goa to ensure an unbiased second opinion. NMPA officials noted that institutions like IIT-Madras, NITK-Surathkal, CICEF-Bengaluru, and CWPRS-Pune had already contributed to the project.

The Minister stressed that any further delay could impact the harbour’s progress and urged a swift resolution.

Project Background

NMPA clarified that the detailed project report (DPR) for the harbour was prepared by the Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fishery (CICEF) based on oceanographic studies conducted by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) between 1998 and 2002. The current site was finalized after extensive consultations involving multiple stakeholders, including fishermen’s representatives and the Fisheries Department.

The project, proposed by the state Fisheries Department and supported by the Central Government under the Sagarmala initiative, is being implemented by NMPA. Any decision on the redesign will involve careful consideration of both safety and operational efficiency to meet the needs of the fishing community.

Source: The Hindu

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated a suo motu case based on a report highlighting the alarming degradation of mangroves in Visakhapatnam due to rapid urbanization and industrial growth. The report, published in June 2024, shed light on how once-vast mangrove ecosystems in the city have dwindled to isolated patches, severely threatened by developmental activities.

In response, the NGT’s Principal Bench in Delhi issued notices to key authorities, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, the Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority (APCZMA), and the District Magistrate of Visakhapatnam, seeking explanations for potential violations of environmental laws such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules, 1991.

To address the issue, the Visakhapatnam District Collector convened a committee on August 14, 2024, comprising officials from the Forest, Revenue, Fisheries, Irrigation, and Pollution Control departments, as well as representatives from GVMC and VMRDA. A joint survey conducted later in August identified key problems, including debris dumping and coal storage near critical mangrove zones, particularly at the Meghadrigedda drain and Gosthani river mouth near Bheemili.

The committee proposed several restoration measures, including reforestation, removal of invasive species like Prosopis juliflora, and community collaboration for conservation. It also suggested stricter regulations on urban and industrial activities, establishment of buffer zones, and awareness programs about the ecological significance of mangroves.

The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) was advised to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The committee requested the NGT to mandate the implementation of these recommendations by relevant authorities.

During a hearing on November 27, the NGT’s Southern Bench directed the inclusion of the VPA chairperson as a respondent, noting the absence of detailed reports on the extent of mangrove destruction. The tribunal has sought a comprehensive assessment of the damage, along with restoration measures and cost estimates, to be submitted before the next hearing on January 31, 2025.

This action underscores the growing concern over mangrove conservation and the urgent need to balance development with environmental sustainability.