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Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, formally inaugurated the refurbished Marine Museum located at the Visakhapatnam Base of the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) on Monday. This renovated museum houses a collection of roughly 250 specimens, all meticulously displayed within a climate-controlled hall. An interesting development is that FSI has embarked on the task of assigning QR codes to each exhibit, with the entire project slated for completion in approximately one month.

During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Parshottam, accompanied by Rajya Sabha Member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, took a tour of the exhibits, showing great interest in the specimens on display. FSI’s Director General, R. Jeyabaskaran, provided insights into the significance of the various fish species showcased.

Following this, Minister Parshottam engaged with representatives from the aquaculture and poultry sectors, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing industry challenges and stimulating fish production, consumption, and exports.

Pavan Kumar, President of the Seafood Exporters Association, expressed concerns about export-related hurdles faced by Andhra Pradesh, largely due to the absence of government incentives, which is impeding the state’s competitiveness in the global market. He advocated for the need to establish more Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to counter practices like the dumping of seafood by countries such as Ecuador. Additionally, he put forth suggestions for shrimp-specific disease surveillance, the development of disease-resistant broodstock by research institutions, and the promotion of fish consumption through public awareness campaigns.

Minister Parshottam proposed that industry stakeholders could effectively promote the health benefits of fish consumption through targeted campaigns, drawing parallels to the successful promotion of dairy products by ‘Amul.’

Srinath, a representative of the AP Chambers, requested the establishment of the National Fisheries Development Board in Andhra Pradesh, as it had relocated to Telangana following the state’s bifurcation. The Minister assured that the proposal would be given due consideration once it was officially submitted by the State government.

In a bid to boost the fishing sector in Telangana, the Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) has advised focusing on the commercial cultivation of Tilapia and fungus species, in addition to scampi shrimps, in the state’s reservoirs. The aim is to prepare treated fish for export to other countries.

MPEDA officials have lauded the efforts of Industries Minister KT Rama Rao in attracting investments from fishing companies and encouraging them to establish a plant near Mid Manair in Rajanna Sircilla, which they consider a significant milestone in the development of the state’s fishing industry.

These recommendations were put forth during a study tour by Pittla Ravinder, Chairman of the State Fisheries Cooperative Societies Federation Limited, to Kerala. The delegation also included officials from the Society for Assistance to Fisherwomen (SAF), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi.

During the tour, Chairman Ravinder explored the possibility of introducing hybrid fishing boats powered by solar and wave energy in all of Telangana’s reservoirs, aiming to enhance the convenience of local fishermen.

Scientists and technicians from the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) pledged their full support for the development of Telangana’s fisheries sector. They offered scientific and technological cooperation to assist in the production of high-quality fish food items that have international popularity. Additionally, they expressed their willingness to provide technical support for the utilization of solar energy in cleaning and processing small fish, which are abundant in Telangana.

The CIFT technical department also committed to supporting the activities carried out by the Telangana Fisheries Federation in fish processing and value addition processes.

Governments of Telangana and Karnataka are contemplating the inclusion of fish curry in their respective Midday Meal Schemes (MMS), sparking discussions about the nutritional and economic advantages of this potential addition.

The Karnataka government has recently expanded the distribution of eggs to twice a week in the MMS. Meanwhile, the Telangana government is deliberating a proposal put forth by the Telangana State Fishermen Cooperative Federation. Experts have emphasized the potential benefits of introducing fish as a protein source for schoolchildren, aligning their diets with locally available food resources.

According to Development Educationist Dr. VP Niranjanaradhya, the inclusion of protein in children’s diets is essential as per the Food Security Act. An absence of protein can lead to an imbalance in their nutrition, primarily comprising carbohydrates and fats. Dr. Niranjanaradhya believes that children should have the option to choose their food and should be sensitized from an early age about dietary choices. In coastal regions like Mangaluru and Udupi, fish is a staple part of daily meals, and its inclusion can be cost-effective while benefiting local fishermen.

Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, a public health doctor and researcher, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that promoting local fish consumption can boost the local economy and support sustainability. Introducing fish in school meals, particularly in coastal areas and regions where dry fish is a dietary staple, could yield positive outcomes. However, Dr. Karpagam notes that Karnataka faced challenges when attempting to incorporate eggs into midday meals, and there was hesitation with similar initiatives like the Indira Canteens due to criticism.

Rishikesh Kashyap, Managing Director of the National Federation of Fishers Cooperatives, highlighted that the Telangana proposal includes various plans to promote the state’s fishing industry, such as introducing fish curry in midday meals. Similar proposals are under consideration in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Although the Karnataka government has not taken this step yet, a potential collaboration with local fishermen could facilitate the implementation of such a program, supporting the growth of the fishing industry in the state.

Source: Indian Express