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In a thoughtful collaboration, Aquaex India has joined forces with Indusfood, Asia’s premier Agri and Food Trade Show, to introduce Aquaex India Tech – a dedicated exhibition for cutting-edge aquaculture and fisheries pre- and post-harvest technologies. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the advancement of India’s rapidly growing aquaculture sector.

Event Details

– Dates: 9th, 10th, and 11th January 2025

– Venue: Yashobhoomi, India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi

Aquaex India

indusagritech

Link-www.aquaexindia.com                                    link-https://indusagritech.co.in/

A Technological Revolution in Aquaculture

The fisheries and aquaculture sector in India is on the brink of a technological revolution. As global demand for seafood continues to rise, the adoption of advanced technologies has become crucial for sustainable growth and increased productivity. Aquaex India Tech aims to showcase these innovations, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology providers under one roof.

Comprehensive Technology Showcase

Aquaex India Tech will feature a wide array of technologies across the entire aquaculture value chain:

1. Pre-Harvest Technologies: Including water quality monitoring systems, automated feeding systems, and IoT platforms for farm management.
2. Harvest Technologies: Showcasing automated harvesting systems, grading machines, and fish pumps.
3. Post-Harvest Technologies: Presenting advanced processing equipment, packaging solutions, and value-added production technologies.
4. Supply Chain and Distribution: Featuring cold chain technologies, warehousing solutions, and logistics management systems.
5. Quality Assurance and Traceability: Demonstrating blockchain-based traceability systems and rapid testing kits for seafood quality.

Driving Innovation, Sustainability, and Growth

The adoption of these technologies is pivotal for the Indian aquaculture sector to meet growing demand while ensuring sustainability and growth. Advanced solutions can significantly improve productivity, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of seafood products. This technological integration is essential for India to maintain its competitive edge in the global seafood market.

International Interest and Huge Footfall Expected

As part of Indusfood, Asia’s largest Agri and Food Trade Show, Aquaex India Tech is poised to attract significant international attention. The event is expected to draw a diverse group of visitors, including industry experts, investors, and trade professionals from around the world. This global gathering presents an unparalleled opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring new business ventures in the aquaculture sector.

Showcasing India as a Hub for Aquaculture Innovation

India’s aquaculture industry has been experiencing rapid growth, and the country is emerging as a hub for innovative aquaculture practices. The partnership between Aquaex India and Indusfood underscores the increasing importance of the fisheries sector in India’s agricultural landscape. It also highlights the country’s commitment to adopting and developing advanced technologies to meet the growing global demand for seafood products.

A Call to Fishery Stakeholders

All fishery stakeholders; farmers, processors, technology providers, and investors are invited to this landmark event. Experience the latest advancements in aquaculture technology, connect with industry leaders, and contribute to shaping the future of the fisheries sector.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit –www.aquaexindia.com

Join Aquaex India Tech, in collaboration with Indusfood 2025, and be part of the technological revolution transforming the aquaculture industry!

The Department of Fisheries, under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has designated the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s role in the global seaweed industry by promoting sustainable practices and addressing key challenges in seaweed farming.

The Mandapam Regional Centre of CMFRI in Tamil Nadu will act as a central hub for research, development, training, and capacity building in seaweed cultivation. In a recent release, CMFRI highlighted that this center would spearhead efforts to improve cultivation techniques and tackle various issues in the sector.

Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, hailed the development as a major step in unlocking the country’s potential in seaweed farming. He emphasized that the center would work on maintaining the genetic diversity of native seaweed species through the creation of a seed bank to ensure the steady availability of high-quality seedlings.

Environmental impact assessments will also be conducted to promote sustainable practices in the industry. The center will further offer training and capacity-building programs to farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, encouraging wider adoption of seaweed farming across the country.

Additionally, Dr. George noted that international collaborations with global experts and institutions would play a critical role in facilitating knowledge exchange and enhancing India’s capacity in the sector. He also emphasized the economic potential of seaweed farming, highlighting its benefits for coastal livelihoods and environmental conservation.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Alias Lalan Singh, unveiled the “Amrit Catla” – a genetically improved variety of the popular freshwater fish, Catla (Labeo catla). The launch took place at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, positioning the new breed as a crucial step towards enhancing fish seed quality and productivity for farmers across the nation.

This development marks a major milestone in India’s aquaculture sector, with the National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank (NFFBB), under the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), receiving the Amrit Catla for distribution across the country. Farmers nationwide are expected to benefit from the improved breed, which promises better yields and enhanced productivity.

ICAR-CIFA initiated a selective breeding program in 2010 aimed at enhancing the body weight of Catla at harvest, in response to the demand for high-quality fish seed. The program sourced nine strains of Catla from various states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Using the Combined Family Selection method, based on phenotypic data and microsatellite markers, the breeding initiative achieved a remarkable 15% genetic gain per generation, culminating in a 35% cumulative gain by the third generation. Field trials conducted in Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Maharashtra demonstrated that the Amrit Catla reached an average weight of 1.8 kg in polyculture systems, outperforming local strains, which averaged 1.2 kg within a year.

The Amrit Catla has already garnered national recognition, having won the Best Technology Award at the 96th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day on July 16, 2024. The fish was officially trademarked as “CIFA-Amrit Catla” on August 1, 2024, marking its formal entry into the market.

During the launch, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to advancing research in the fisheries sector. He assured continued support for research initiatives to promote sustainable growth and increased productivity in India’s aquaculture industry. Shri Singh also announced that ICAR-CIFA has been designated as the Nucleus Breeding Center for freshwater fish, a move that reinforces the institute’s pivotal role in developing high-quality fish seed in India.

The event was also attended by Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs, along with senior officials and industry stakeholders. The launch of “Amrit Catla” underscores the government’s dedication to revolutionizing India’s fish farming sector, ensuring a steady supply of quality fish seed, and improving the livelihoods of fish farmers across the country.

Source: PIB Delhi

Kochi – The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi has been officially designated as a Fisheries Incubation Centre (FIC) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India, made the announcement during the 4th Anniversary Celebrations of PMMSY held in New Delhi on September 11, 2024.

The event was graced by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, along with Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian, Ministers of State, as Guests of Honour. This recognition highlights the institute’s pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, aligning with India’s Blue Revolution goals.

ICAR-CIFT has been a leader in the field since 2009, providing incubation support through its Business Incubation Centre, and later expanding with a dedicated pilot plant facility in 2012. The institute focuses on areas such as sustainable fishing practices, value addition, waste utilization, and aquatic bio-resources. It has developed indigenous low-cost machinery for the fisheries sector, helping entrepreneurs and start-ups scale their innovations with advanced equipment and expert guidance.

The newly recognized Fisheries Incubation Centre at ICAR-CIFT will offer a platform for entrepreneurs, particularly women, to commercialize fisheries innovations. With shared resources like laboratories, libraries, and mentorship support, it will help start-ups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) tackle challenges in sustainability, productivity, and market access.

This recognition further strengthens ICAR-CIFT’s position as a pioneer in fisheries incubation, contributing to India’s Blue Economy.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), will launch the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna at the 4th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on 12th September 2024. The event will take place at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, with various key dignitaries in attendance. Shri Singh will also unveil a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Production & Processing Clusters in the fisheries sector during the event.

The anniversary event will witness participation from officials representing the Fisheries Departments of States and Union Territories, the National Fisheries Development Board, ICAR institutes, and other relevant ministries. Additionally, PMMSY beneficiaries, fishers, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders from across the nation are expected to join both physically and virtually, marking the hybrid nature of the event.

Shri Singh will announce multiple projects approved under PMMSY, focusing on production and productivity enhancement, post-harvest infrastructure, and value chain augmentation. Among the highlights are the release of booklets, notifications on Centres of Excellence and Nucleus Breeding Centres, and the launch of digital portals aimed at modernizing the fisheries sector. The notification of climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages and fisheries clusters will also be a significant part of the celebrations.

The Government of India has invested over ₹38,572 crore in the fisheries sector since 2014, leading to substantial growth through initiatives like the Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. This investment includes ₹20,050 crore dedicated to PMMSY, which aims to increase fish production, reduce post-harvest losses, and create livelihood opportunities for fishers and fish farmers.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme of PMMSY, will be implemented with a ₹6,000 crore investment starting in 2024-25, focusing on further boosting production and ensuring the welfare of fishers and stakeholders in the fisheries value chain.

The PMMSY has emerged as a game-changer for India’s fisheries sector, addressing gaps in production, post-harvest infrastructure, technology, and quality management. This visionary scheme has enabled the development of inland fisheries, modernization of fishing harbors, cold chains, mechanization of traditional vessels, and the creation of hygienic fish markets. The event will celebrate these milestones and outline the path forward for the fisheries sector.

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s announcement will include major national priority projects under PMMSY for the financial year 2024-25, with a focus on empowering fishers, boosting exports, and fostering innovation across the sector. Key government officials, fishers, and participants from the fisheries and aquaculture sector will showcase achievements and discuss future developments aimed at ensuring sustainable growth.

Source: PIB Delhi

In a frightening incident on Sunday, a fishing boat named Al Khairat caught fire mid-sea while preparing to return from a day of fishing. Fortunately, all 45 fishers aboard the vessel managed to escape without sustaining any major injuries. However, a few of them did suffer minor burns during the incident.

The fire reportedly began in the engine room just as the crew was getting ready to head back to shore. The quick-thinking fishers managed to control the flames by using the water stored on the boat. Their timely action helped prevent the fire from spreading further and causing more damage.

After containing the fire, the boat was towed to Chettuva harbor, where the fishers were provided with first aid for their injuries. Local authorities have been notified, and an investigation is expected to be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and ensure safety measures for future fishing operations.

Despite the severity of the situation, the swift response by the crew ensured that no lives were lost, and the minor injuries sustained were quickly treated. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks fishers face while working at sea.

Source: The Hindu

Chennai is set to strengthen its ornamental fish trade with the establishment of a new trade centre in Kolathur. Spread over 3.93 acres in Siva Sakthi Colony, this upcoming facility will serve as a commercial hub for the vibrant ornamental fish market. Chief Minister M K Stalin recently laid the foundation stone for the centre, which forms part of a broader initiative to improve infrastructure and community amenities in North Chennai.

The centre will feature a two-storey building designed to accommodate 188 shops, with 70 on the first floor and 54 on the second. In addition to these shops, the facility will offer office spaces, a canteen, and parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) believe the new centre will transform Kolathur into a bustling hub for ornamental fish trade, supporting local entrepreneurs and boosting the regional economy.

Besides the fish trade centre, Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated six other development projects in North Chennai, including a community hall, a modern laundry hub, and improvements to local lakes such as Puzhal, Retteri, and Kolathur lakes. These initiatives fall under the North Chennai Development Scheme, a project with a budget of INR 1,000 crore aimed at addressing infrastructural gaps in the area.

The development of Puzhal lake will include a high-level walkway, natural viewing areas, a children’s play park, and modern drainage systems, all designed to rejuvenate the area and provide residents with better recreational options. The North Chennai Development Scheme is focused on the region’s equitable growth, with plans for model schools, housing developments, and skill development centres.

In March, CM Stalin launched 219 projects worth INR 4,378 crore to enhance the quality of life in North Chennai. The ornamental fish trade has long been a significant part of Chennai’s economy, and the new centre aims to support existing businesses while attracting new entrants, creating job opportunities for locals.

With this ambitious initiative, Kolathur is poised to become a major hub for ornamental fish trading, while the broader infrastructure projects promise to improve the lives of residents in North Chennai.

SOURCE: PRP NEWS TIME

Dhaka has officially banned the export of Padma hilsa fish to India, casting a shadow over Durga Puja celebrations, particularly in West Bengal. The previous government, under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had permitted hilsa exports to India between August and October as a goodwill gesture. However, the new interim government, which took charge after the fall of Hasina’s administration, has decided to prioritize domestic consumption, especially for lower-income households, over exports.

Farida Akhter, an advisor to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, confirmed the halt, stating that the move aims to stabilize hilsa prices within the country. However, reports indicate that “growing anti-Indian sentiments” may have influenced the decision. Sources suggest that despite the ban, prices of hilsa have not yet dropped significantly in Bangladesh. While the price had initially fallen to Tk 1,600 per kilogram, it has since risen to Tk 1,800-1,900.

Last year, under the Hasina government, 79 exporters were allowed to send 3,950 tonnes of hilsa to India during Durga Puja, which was well-received by consumers in India.

Meanwhile, following her ouster, Sheikh Hasina fled to India after a violent uprising on August 5, which claimed the lives of nearly 300 people, including students. Bangladesh is reportedly considering asking New Delhi to extradite Hasina, who faces murder charges along with several of her former cabinet members.

Source: bt Bangladesh Today