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Tripura’s Fisheries Minister, Sudhangshu Das, announced on Thursday a Rs 10 crore proposal submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC) to bolster fish farming in the state. The proposal includes a subsidy of Rs 56,000 for fish farmers owning at least a ‘Kani’ of water body. A state-of-the-art Aqua Park is also planned for the Satero Miah Haor area in Kailashahar subdivision of Unakoti district, targeting an annual production of 5,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of fish.

Speaking at a benefit distribution event for fish farmers held at Sukanta Academy in Agartala, Minister Das outlined the state’s fish production scenario. “Tripura requires 1.17 lakh metric tonnes of fish annually. While we produce 85,000 MTs locally, we import 32,000 MTs from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Bangladesh. The Aqua Park project will significantly bridge this gap,” he stated.

Minister Das emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting fish farmers through various schemes:

• Matsya Sahayata Yojana: Benefited 3,000 fish farmers with Rs 6,000 each during the 2023-24 fiscal year, with plans to extend the aid to 5,500 farmers in 2024-25.
• Matsya Sampad Bikash Yojana: Includes financial assistance for water body construction and maintenance, fish feed, training, and soil and water testing.
• PM Sampada Yojana: Offers subsidies on cold storage-equipped vehicles for selling fish, with up to 60% subsidy for SC & ST women and 40% for general category farmers.

Das urged farmers to contact their local fishery offices to access these benefits and highlighted the introduction of ‘Fish Kiosks,’ four-wheeler vehicles funded by the central government for selling fresh and hygienic fish.

Addressing the challenges, Minister Das noted, “Tripura lacks large water bodies and coastal areas, but renovating unused water bodies can close the fish production gap. Pisciculture is immensely profitable, turning fishlings costing Rs 2 into fish worth Rs 300. This will also create widespread employment opportunities in the state.”

The event, presided over by Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadipati Balai Goswami, saw participation from key dignitaries, including MLA Mina Rani Sarkar and Fisheries Director Santosh Das. Secretary of Fisheries Department, Deepa D Nair, delivered the welcome address.

Over 650 fish farmers from Jirania, Mohanpur, and Sadar subdivisions of West Tripura district received benefits amounting to Rs 38 lakhs during the program.

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has approved proposals worth ₹4969.62 crore, including a central share of ₹1823.58 crore, during the last four financial years (FY2020-21 to FY2023-24) and the ongoing fiscal year. The approvals aim to uplift small fishing communities and traditional fishers, offering livelihood support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

PMMSY’s Holistic Approach to Fisheries Development
Launched in FY2020-21, PMMSY is a flagship scheme with a total investment of ₹20,050 crore for the holistic development of the fisheries sector and the welfare of fishers. The scheme supports initiatives such as climate-resilient aquaculture, which includes seaweed and bivalve cultivation, open sea cage culture, artificial reef installations, sea ranching, and integrated fish farming. Proposals worth ₹115.78 crore have been approved for these activities to benefit traditional and small-scale fishers while minimizing environmental impact, Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha.

Boost for Livelihoods and Export Competency
The Department has sanctioned ₹769.64 crore for acquiring 480 deep-sea fishing vessels and upgrading 1,338 existing vessels to enhance export readiness and support traditional fishermen. Additionally, annual livelihood and nutritional support have been extended to 5.94 lakh socio-economically backward marine and inland fishermen families during the fishing ban period.

Safety and Communication Enhancements
Under PMMSY, the government has launched a ₹364-crore project to fit one lakh fishing vessels with transponders, enabling two-way communication. This system offers short message services during emergencies, alerts for natural calamities such as cyclones, and warnings for maritime boundary crossings.

Extensive Insurance Coverage for Fishers
The scheme also provides insurance coverage to 131.13 lakh fishers, ensuring financial security for vulnerable fishing communities.

The Minister highlighted these efforts as transformative steps toward empowering traditional fishers and enhancing the sustainability of the fisheries sector.

Source: BW BUSINESSWORLD

A panel of experts has called for differentiated treatment for developing nations under the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, stressing the importance of safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of small-scale fishers. The meeting, held on Tuesday, was organised by the Bay of Bengal Programme – Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) in collaboration with ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and other stakeholders.

Highlighting disparities in global fisheries, CMFRI Director Grinson George pointed out that subsidies historically enabled developed nations to establish large industrial fishing fleets, which caused environmental degradation and inequities in resource distribution. “India’s fish catch is predominantly small-scale, making fisheries a vital issue of food security and livelihood,” he said.

James J. Nedumpara, from the Centre for Trade and Investment Law at the Indian Institute for Foreign Trade, raised concerns about aspects of the WTO agreement, particularly its reliance on identifying overfishing, overfished stocks, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. “Scientific evidence is essential for accurate identification, and regional fisheries management organisations like BOBP can play a critical role in capacity building and sustainability assessments,” he added.

The panel also noted that India’s subsidies are minimal compared to leading fishing nations such as China. The scientists advocated for evaluating subsidies on a per capita basis instead of an annual aggregate, which they argued would provide a more equitable perspective for developing nations.

BOBP-IGO Director P. Krishnan moderated the discussion, while MPEDA Director M. Karthikeyan and other eminent scientists, economists, and legal experts participated. The panel’s recommendations are expected to strengthen India’s position in ongoing WTO negotiations and ensure that the unique challenges of small-scale fisheries in developing countries are addressed.

Tirunelveli Lok Sabha Member C. Robert Bruce met Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday to advocate for the inclusion of coastal villages in Tirunelveli district under the Union Government’s initiative to develop 100 fishing villages as Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages.

In his petition to the minister, Mr. Bruce underscored the importance of the fishing sector to the coastal communities in Tirunelveli. He pointed out that a substantial portion of the district comprises coastal areas where thousands of families rely on fishing and related activities as their primary source of livelihood. However, due to limited resources and inadequate support for the sector, many residents have been compelled to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities, particularly to work as fishermen.

Mr. Bruce highlighted the specific needs of villages such as Kootapuli, Perumanal, Idinthakarai, Thomayarpuram, Koonthankuzhi, Uvary, Kootapanai, Kooduthalai, and Georgiapuram, urging the government to prioritize these areas under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He emphasized that these villages, home to a vibrant fishing community, lack critical infrastructure and support systems to withstand climate challenges and ensure sustainable development.

The MP argued that the inclusion of these villages in the climate-resilient initiative would provide much-needed relief to the local population. “By implementing the scheme in these areas, approximately 8,000 to 10,000 fishermen and their families can benefit from enhanced infrastructure, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and better climate resilience,” Mr. Bruce stated.

He further elaborated that the proposed initiative could address long-standing issues such as insufficient fish landing centers, lack of cold storage facilities, and inadequate support for modern fishing techniques. He also pointed out that empowering these communities with climate-resilient measures would not only improve their living standards but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainable fisheries development and environmental conservation.

The meeting marks a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by coastal fishermen in Tirunelveli. The Union Government’s climate-resilient fishing village scheme, if extended to the district, could bring transformational changes to these communities by integrating them into national development plans and equipping them to face future challenges.

Source: The Hindu

Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), both leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and development (R&D) for advanced marine technologies. The partnership aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in defence and maritime applications by reducing dependency on imports and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BEML, remarked, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to reducing dependency on imports for the defence forces while strengthening our manufacturing capabilities and contributing to India’s self-reliance in the defence and maritime domain.”

The MoU aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, focusing on innovation and the development of cutting-edge solutions for marine and defence applications. Both organisations aim to leverage their expertise to optimise production processes and address the growing needs of India’s defence and marine sectors.

Sanjeev Singhal, CMD of MDL, described the agreement as a vital step forward, stating, “The MoU between MDL and BEML marks an important move to advance innovation and technological progress in marine applications. This collaboration reflects the shared vision of both organisations to contribute to self-reliance in defence production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.”

BEML has previously highlighted its focus on defence, along with rail and metro sectors, as critical growth areas. With this partnership, the company is set to play a key role in supporting India’s strategic objectives in maritime technology and manufacturing.

The collaboration is expected to pave the way for the development of indigenous solutions, reinforcing India’s position in the global defence and marine industries.

Source: businessline

Gokulnagar, a key hub in the Bishalgarh Subdivision, witnessed a major development today with the inauguration of a new fish feed production plant under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This ambitious scheme aims to revolutionize the fisheries and aquaculture sectors across the nation.

The fish feed production facility, established by Partha Debbarma, was formally inaugurated by Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das in the presence of local dignitaries and stakeholders. In his inaugural address, the minister stressed the Central Government’s dedication to fostering aquaculture growth and supporting rural economies. He remarked, “The Central Government’s various schemes are being successfully implemented across the state, benefitting people from all walks of life.”

PMMSY’s Impact on Fisheries Development

Highlighting the pivotal role of PMMSY, the Fisheries Minister spoke about how the scheme is enabling the expansion of aquaculture by supporting initiatives such as fish feed plants, kiosks for farmers, and other infrastructure developments. He assured that the department is taking extra care to implement the program effectively by conducting regular review meetings to ensure the benefits reach intended beneficiaries without delays.

As part of the event, two fish farmers received fish kiosks under the PMMSY initiative, symbolizing the government’s efforts to empower fishers by improving their access to markets and enhancing their livelihoods.

Minister’s Visit to Bishalgarh Subdivision

Earlier in the day, Minister Sudhangshu Das toured various areas in the Bishalgarh Subdivision to inspect ongoing projects and assess the performance of the Fisheries Department. He visited the Sub-Divisional Fisheries Office near Rastar Matha in Gokulnagar, where he reviewed multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector in the region.

In addition to inaugurating the fish feed production plant, the minister also visited the Debipur Cattle Farm, showcasing the government’s integrated approach to supporting rural development across various sectors.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The inauguration event and subsequent site visits were attended by prominent personalities, including Supriya Das Datta, Chairperson of Sepahijala Zilla Parishad; MLA Antara Sarkar Deb; Deepa D. Nair, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources; Santosh Das, Director of Fisheries; and Rakesh Chakraborty, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Bishalgarh.

Significance of the New Facility

The establishment of the fish feed production plant marks a critical step in improving aquaculture productivity in Gokulnagar and surrounding areas. With access to high-quality fish feed, local farmers are expected to see increased yields and improved sustainability in their operations. This initiative not only bolsters the fisheries sector but also contributes to the larger goal of enhancing rural economies through job creation and income generation.

As PMMSY continues to expand its reach, such developments are expected to pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the fisheries community in the region.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has turned its attention to the concerning reduction in the population of Indian major carps and other indigenous fish species in the River Yamuna. Acting on its own initiative, the tribunal registered the issue as an original application following a media report and issued notices to the concerned authorities.

The Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Prayagraj, responding to the tribunal’s notice, flagged several factors contributing to the decline, including the proliferation of invasive species, worsening habitat conditions, and unchecked pollution levels.

To address these challenges, CIFRI proposed a series of corrective measures. These include enforcing bans on illegal fishing equipment, strengthening surveillance during restricted fishing periods, and adopting targeted fish restocking strategies to rehabilitate native populations.

In parallel, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted a report detailing subpar water quality across various segments of the Yamuna. Out of 32 monitoring points along the river, six failed to meet the prescribed water quality standards for supporting wildlife and fisheries, underscoring the river’s environmental distress.

Recognizing the gravity of the matter, the NGT’s Principal Bench, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel, expanded the scope of the proceedings. It directed notices to the Secretaries of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, making them additional respondents. Both ministries have been given four weeks to present their responses, with the next hearing scheduled for March 5, 2025.

The NGT emphasized the need for immediate intervention to arrest the ecological decline of the Yamuna, reflecting its commitment to preserving the river’s biodiversity and ecological integrity.

India’s annual fish production has nearly doubled since 2014, reaching 17.5 million tons, with inland fisheries contributing 13.2 million tons and outpacing marine fisheries, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, announced on Thursday. Speaking at the World Fisheries Day 2024 celebrations, the minister highlighted India’s rise as the second-largest fish producer globally, accounting for 8% of the world’s total fish yield. He praised the efforts of nearly 30 million individuals engaged across the fishery value chain for achieving this milestone.

The minister credited this growth to transformative initiatives such as the Blue Revolution, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSY). He also unveiled a series of new projects aimed at further strengthening India’s blue economy. These include the launch of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census for evidence-based policymaking, the National Plan of Action on Sharks for sustainable shark conservation, and India’s endorsement of the Regional Plan of Action on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in collaboration with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.

Other initiatives include the IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project to combat marine plastic pollution and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for retrofitted LPG kits to reduce marine fishing costs and emissions. Additionally, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority introduced a New Single Window System (NSWS) for online registration of coastal aquaculture farms. An MoU was also signed to implement a Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), promoting carbon-sequestering practices within the fisheries sector.

The minister underscored challenges such as plastic pollution, carbon emissions, and water contamination, asserting the government’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, improved water quality, and reduced plastic waste. He also acknowledged the sector’s fragmented structure and infrastructure deficits, advocating reforms and enhanced funding through mechanisms like the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

Awards and Global Collaboration

The event also spotlighted international efforts, with Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General of FAO and Director of its Fisheries Division, presenting FAO’s Blue Transformation Initiative. This program emphasizes sustainable aquaculture, better fisheries management, and strengthening aquatic food value chains to combat global hunger and malnutrition.

Recognition was given to states, Union Territories (UTs), districts, and individuals for their contributions to the sector. Kerala was named Best Marine State, while Telangana received the award for Best Inland State. Uttarakhand was celebrated as Best Himalayan and Northeastern State, with Jammu & Kashmir earning recognition as Best Union Territory. District-level awards included Kerala’s Kollam (Best Marine District), Chhattisgarh’s Kanker (Best Inland District), Assam’s Darrang (Best Himalayan and Northeastern District), and Kulgam in Jammu & Kashmir (Best UT District).

This holistic approach to policy, innovation, and recognition marks a significant step towards India’s goal of sustainable fisheries and global leadership in the aquaculture domain.