News

In recognition of the pivotal role played by the fisheries sector in the national economy, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India, has instituted annual awards to honor and felicitate outstanding contributors to the growth of the fisheries sector. These awards, scheduled to be conferred on World Fisheries Day, November 21, 2023, aim to acknowledge fish farmers and fishers adopting advanced technologies and practices in aquaculture and fisheries activities.

The awards for World Fisheries Day 2023 are categorized into three distinct categories to spotlight and create a sense of competition among states and union territories. The national level awards, falling under Category “1,” recognize the best-performing states in Inland, Marine, Himalayan & North Eastern regions, along with the Best Union Territory. Category “2” focuses on the best-performing district in Inland, Marine, Himalayan & North Eastern States, and the Bestdistrict from Union Territories. Meanwhile, Category “3” encompasses awards for the Best Performing Enterprise/Entrepreneur, including Best Fish Farmers (2 awards), Best Fisheries Cooperative Societies / FFPOs (2 awards), and Best Fisheries Enterprises/Entrepreneur (1 award), bringing national visibility and fostering a competitive spirit among the participants.

Check the notification below and visit NFDB’s website to know more details.

Cochin Shipyard has completed the delivery of five advanced deep-sea fishing vessels to five distinct fishing groups in Kerala, benefiting a total of 50 individuals under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These vessels, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, mark a pivotal step in empowering traditional fishermen to engage in secure mechanized deep-sea fishing practices.

The delivery is part of the government’s initiative to modernize and enhance the capabilities of the fishing sector under the PMMSY scheme. The state-of-the-art features integrated into these vessels are expected to revolutionize the traditional fishing landscape, providing fishermen with the tools and resources necessary for safe and efficient deep-sea fishing operations.

The vessels’ advanced capabilities align with the broader goals of PMMSY, focusing on sustainable fisheries development, modern infrastructure, and the welfare of fishermen. Cochin Shipyard’s successful completion of this project not only signifies a technological leap in the fishing industry but also directly impacts the livelihoods of the beneficiaries involved.

Margao: Various associations of traditional fishermen in Goa have come together under the banner of the ‘Goychea Nustekaranchem’ Federation in order to address the challenges collectively. In a meeting held at Benaulim on Thursday, representatives from different fishermen associations deliberated on shared issues affecting their livelihoods.

Traditional fishermen contend with obstacles arising from the absence of essential facilities and the influence of wholesale fish traders. A key concern discussed was the limited entry access at wholesale fish markets, prompting calls for unity among all 33 fishermen associations. The official launch of the federation is scheduled for October 14, with a focus on implementing various improvements. These include the establishment of refrigeration facilities at strategic points, ensuring hygienic conditions at fish markets, proper implementation of schemes, increased availability of fish drying platforms, and the creation of fish-selling locations, known as ‘tinto,’ in every village.

Fishermen have encountered difficulties, with some resorting to selling their catch on the streets after facing entry restrictions at wholesale fish markets. The South Goa Planning and Development Authority later permitted fish-carrying vehicles throughout the day, though retail selling at the markets was restricted.

Thomas Rodrigues, President of the Traditional Fisherman Association-Colva, emphasized urgent issues such as the lack of fish drying platforms and challenges posed by Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. He advocated for the wholesale fish market to benefit local traditional fishermen rather than predominantly favoring wholesale traders. Jose Fernandes, President of ‘Kharvi Bhavancho Ekvott,’ underscored the significance of unity among fishing communities.

Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas urged the government to play an active role in resolving the challenges faced by traditional fishermen, who are grappling with the preservation of their livelihoods.