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Both houses of the Indian Parliament have passed the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This pivotal amendment aims to bolster the coastal aquaculture sector, ensuring its sustainable growth and environmental compliance while simplifying administrative procedures.

One of the key provisions of the Amendment Bill is the clarification that coastal aquaculture activities, and all connected aspects, are permitted within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) under the CRZ notifications. This will alleviate the need for small marginal aquaculture farmers to seek multiple clearances from various agencies, as registration under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act will be recognized as valid permission under CRZ regulations.

Moreover, the Amendment Bill introduces specific exemptions for the establishment of aquaculture units such as hatcheries, Brood Stock Multiplication Centres (BMC), and Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBC) within the No Development Zone (NDZ) of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), which extends 200 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL).

To address concerns about overly punitive measures, the Amendment Bill replaces the provision of imprisonment for up to three years for carrying out coastal aquaculture without registration with civil instruments, such as fines. This shift aligns with the principle of decriminalizing civil transgressions.

Furthermore, the Amendment Bill broadens the definition of “coastal aquaculture” to encompass all related activities comprehensively, removing any ambiguities present in the Principal Act. This ensures that no coastal aquaculture activity operates in an environmentally hazardous manner and falls outside the regulatory framework.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of coastal aquaculture, which now includes environmentally friendly practices such as cage culture, seaweed culture, marine ornamental fish culture, and more, the government seeks to promote these activities, creating opportunities for substantial revenue generation and employment, especially among coastal fisher communities.

Efforts to streamline operational procedures within the Coastal Aquaculture Authority are also outlined in the Amendment Bill. These include provisions for changing ownership or activity size on registration certificates, addressing certificate mutilation, damage, or loss, and allowing for delayed renewal of registration with compounded fees.

Administrative matters, including the powers of the Member Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and procedures for the Authority’s functioning in the absence of a Chairperson, have been resolved for greater administrative efficiency and accountability.

The Amendments empower the Authority to appoint committees with experts, stakeholders, and public representatives to enhance its performance and duties under the Act.

Furthermore, disease prevention is deemed crucial to the success of coastal aquaculture. The government intends to establish facilities that produce genetically improved and disease-free stocks for coastal aquaculture. Simultaneously, the use of antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances in coastal aquaculture will be curtailed through express provisions in the Act.

To promote global best practices, the Amendment Bill includes provisions for mapping and zoning of aquaculture areas, promoting Good Aquaculture Practices, ensuring quality assurance and safe aquaculture products, and facilitating ease of doing business while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental protection.

This legislative stride is poised to drive production, productivity, traceability, competitiveness, and entrepreneurship within the coastal aquaculture sector sustainably, leading to increased incomes and employment opportunities in rural coastal areas.

With advancements in technology and evolving culture practices, the coastal aquaculture sector is well-positioned to diversify its species and expand its reach, thanks to the policy space provided by these amendments in the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act of 2005.

In a momentous event commemorating the third anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY), the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (FAH&D), Parshottam Rupala, inaugurated the “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The meticulously organized event, hosted by the Department of Fisheries, saw the presence of esteemed guests, including Dr. L Murugan and Dr. Sanjeev K Balyan, Ministers of State for FAH&D.

This extensive six-month campaign embarks on a dual mission: firstly, to facilitate the widespread dissemination of information and knowledge concerning nine years of the central government’s achievements, and secondly, to bring to the forefront the inspiring success stories of beneficiaries from across the nation.

Amidst the event, Minister Rupala also inaugurated several pivotal projects that are taking their initial steps on the national stage. Addressing the audience, he lauded the remarkable progress achieved by Madhya Pradesh, which has witnessed a substantial surge in fish production, soaring from 1LT to 3LT over the past three years under the PMMSY. Minister Rupala announced the greenlighting of a proposal for an innovative aquapark in Bhopal, boasting a substantial investment of Rs 25 crore. This avant-garde aquapark is set to encompass a cutting-edge research center, advanced processing facilities, immersive aqua tourism amenities, and ornamental fisheries facilities, among a myriad of offerings.

In a noteworthy development, Minister Rupala underscored the successful amendment of the Coastal Aquaculture Act, attributing this accomplishment to the steadfast leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He underscored the pivotal role of continued expansion in shrimp farming to bolster India’s prominent global standing in this sector. The Union Minister commended the women actively involved in the fisheries industry, emphasizing the significance of women’s empowerment, and encouraged their sustained engagement in pearl culture to augment their income. During the event, he also distributed Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to deserving beneficiaries.

Minister of State, Dr. Sanjeev K Balyan, underscored the paramount importance of the fisheries sector, highlighting the remarkable increase in the sector’s budget, surging from Rs 300 crore to over Rs 38 thousand crore since 2014. Dr. L Murugan elucidated the remarkable achievements of the Indian fisheries sector, particularly through government initiatives and schemes like PMMSY. He expounded upon the manifold benefits of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for fishers and fish farmers.

A comprehensive booklet chronicling nine years of achievements in the Indian fisheries sector since the inception of the Ministry was introduced as a part of the event. Additionally, an exhibition spotlighting a myriad of activities related to the Department of Fisheries was showcased during the event. The Member of Parliament and Minister for Fisheries in Madhya Pradesh, Tulsi Silawat, also delivered a compelling address.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH), shed light on the sector’s remarkable strides in fish production, exports, and shrimp production, as well as the concerted efforts being made to promote schemes across all regions in India.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, with approximately 75,000 beneficiaries benefiting from 239 projects attending both in person and virtually, representing 35 states and union territories. These beneficiaries passionately shared their stories of success, further underscoring the transformative impact of the government’s initiatives in the fisheries sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ virtually on September 17, coinciding with ‘Vishwakarma Day.’ The event will see participation from 70 ministers stationed across 70 different locations throughout the country. The announcement of this scheme was made by PM Modi during his Independence Day address and subsequently received clearance from the Union cabinet.

Distinguished members of the Union Cabinet, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will participate in the program from various locations. Amit Shah will join from Ahmedabad, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to attend from Lucknow. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will be present in Nagpur, Smriti Irani in Jhansi, Bhupender Yadav in Jaipur, and S. Jaishankar will join the program from Thiruvananthapuram. Several other ministers have also been deputed, primarily in their respective home states, to partake in this momentous event.

The ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ encompasses an allocation of Rs 13,000 crore over the next five years dedicated to skill training and the development of traditional artisans and craftsmen. These individuals hail from various communities, including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers, with a significant focus on the OBC community.

The overarching objective of the scheme is to enhance the quality, scale, and accessibility of products and services offered by artisans and craftspeople. Furthermore, it aims to integrate them into both domestic and global value chains. This endeavor holds the promise of bolstering the economic well-being of these workers, particularly those from marginalized sections of society, including the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Communities, women, transgender individuals, and other vulnerable segments.

As political discussions revolve around the caste census for achieving social justice and expanding influence among the OBC community, the NDA government’s introduction of this scheme is seen as a strategic move to engage OBCs, particularly EBCs, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

September 17, which coincidentally falls on PM Modi’s birthday, will also mark the commencement of a two-week celebration by the BJP. Activities will include a cleanliness drive, interactions with beneficiaries of government initiatives, and engagements with various segments of society, continuing through October 2.

The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, officially launched the Second Edition of the ICAR-CIBA Shrimp Farmers Conclave-2023 at the campus of Navsari Agricultural University in Gujarat. The event garnered the active participation of around 410 aqua farmers hailing from the coastal regions of Gujarat.

In his address, Shri Parshottam Rupala extended his gratitude towards Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for granting approval to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampadan Yojana, which allocates a substantial sum of Rs. 20,050 crores for the sustainable growth of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Under this program, ICAR-CIBA is spearheading a project focused on the “Genetic Improvement Program of Penaeus indicus (Indian white shrimp)-Phase-I” with an allocation of Rs. 25 crores. This endeavor is designed to establish a National Genetic Improvement Facility dedicated to shrimp breeding. Minister Rupala also lauded CIBA scientists for their achievement in developing EHP-Cura-I, a therapeutic solution aimed at controlling EHP disease in shrimp, urging its prompt availability to farmers.

During the event, the Minister inaugurated the Shrimp Crop Insurance scheme, crafted in collaboration with the Agricultural Insurance Company (AIC) and with the backing of ICAR-CIBA. The Chairman and Managing Director of AIC, Smt. Grija Subramanian, graced the event with her presence during this milestone launch.

Two pivotal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were inked on this occasion: one between CIBA and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and another between CIBA and the Fish Farmers Producer Organization (FFPO) of Gujarat. These agreements are intended to facilitate the implementation of crop insurance for aquaculture, with premium subsidies extended by the NFDB, and provision of technological support to the FFPO.

Minister Rupala also disbursed a sum of Rs. 40.05 Lakhs in earnings to beneficiaries from SC, ST, and Cage Culture backgrounds in the Navsari region. This income was generated through the application of CIBA technologies, fostering livelihood development, and benefiting from the guidance of NGRC-CIBA scientists.

In his address, Minister Rupala encouraged the Department of Fisheries in Gujarat to extend full-fledged support to the Navsari-Gujarat Regional Centre of CIBA, which has been diligently serving aqua farmers not only in Gujarat but also in inland saline areas encompassing Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. He proposed the expansion of this center into a comprehensive research facility catering to the entire western coastline.

The Union Minister also conducted an inspection of an exhibition showcasing live shrimps and finfish species, as well as shrimp and fish seeds produced by CIBA hatcheries. He personally distributed CIBA-produced Asian sea bass fish seeds to local farmers.

Guest of Honor, Member of Parliament Shri C.R. Patil, praised ICAR-CIBA for organizing this significant event in Navsari and reaffirmed unwavering support for the Navsari-Gujarat Regional Centre of CIBA.

Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries) of ICAR, stressed the pressing need for innovative strategies both in the market and within the farming sector to address challenges confronting Indian shrimp exports, particularly in light of increased competition from Ecuador.

Dr. Kuldeep K Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA, emphasized the funding provided by the Government of India for the National Disease Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases under the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He also introduced the “Report Fish Disease APP,” designed to enable farmers to report both existing and emerging pathogens.

The ICAR-CIBA Shrimp Farmers Conclave-2023 received financial backing from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the Government of India under the PMMSY scheme, NABARD, SCAFi, and the Agricultural Insurance Corporation Ltd. The event was seamlessly coordinated by a team of scientists led by Dr. Akshaya Panigrahi, Mr. Pankaj A Patil, and Mr. Jose Antony of the NGRC of CIBA. An impressive number of officials, technicians, faculty members, and students also actively participated in this impactful event.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has urgently appealed to the Indian government to secure the immediate release of 17 Tamil Nadu fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen were apprehended earlier today when their three mechanized boats allegedly crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters.

Stalin has addressed a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, emphasizing the critical need for immediate diplomatic efforts to secure the fishermen’s release. He pointed out that these fishermen, who depend on fishing as their primary livelihood, sometimes unintentionally drift into Sri Lankan waters due to unclear demarcation and navigational challenges.

The recurring incidents of Tamil Nadu fishermen being apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy have been a source of fear and uncertainty among the fishing community. These arrests not only escalate tensions but also disrupt the lives and cause economic hardships for the fishermen and their families.

The Chief Minister has reiterated his call for a lasting diplomatic solution to bring peace and stability to the lives of thousands of Indian fishermen affected by these incidents.

wholesale fish market in Chandauli will not only bolster the local economy but also provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to approximately 1,500 individuals.

The minister further highlighted the immense potential of this venture, projecting an annual trade volume of around 75,000 metric tonnes of fish once the market reaches full operational capacity.

Underlining the commitment of the Modi government to good governance and the welfare of the underprivileged, Minister Sanjay Nishad emphasized the numerous steps taken to uplift the fishing community’s overall well-being during the current administration’s tenure.

He pointed out that the fisheries sector has played a substantial role in contributing to India’s GDP growth, and assured that the newly established fishermen’s welfare fund will be dedicated to the betterment of the community. He also noted that previous governments had often regarded the fishermen community merely as a vote bank without actively working towards their welfare.

This groundbreaking development marks a significant leap forward in the fisheries industry and underscores the government’s dedication to promoting economic growth and prosperity in the region.