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The Ministry of Fisheries (DoF), is set to sign a MoU between them and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on February 19th, 2024, which marks a great step for the Indian fishing industry. This collaboration is expected to promote enhanced network and market reach for those involved in the sector.

The upcoming MoU stands to the advantage of FFPOs, fishermen, fish farmers including all such actors, by being the only point of contact for them with the buyers from across the country. ONDC digital platform users will not only have easier access to a wide range of buyers, but also be able to make cross-geographical transactions and both ends of transactions will take place in a seamless manner.

At the same time, the partnership aims at tackling acute issues with local fishing industries , market limits constraints and supply chain inefficiencies. Through the platform integration, that is the initiative, local fishers and fish growers are empowered as they can sell their products to a wider market with competitive pricing.

Furthermore, the collaboration shows that the leadership is committed to nurturing innovation in view of adopting digital technologies as a measure for sectoral growth. Employing technology in the culture of fish can be a new pathway towards economic development and sustainable practices. While India is carving its niche towards global leadership in fisheries development, cooperation like the impending MoU between DoF and ONDC make them some great motivators for such progress.

Exploiting digital connectivity and facilitating joint efforts, the country can have a smarter and stronger fishing business. Anxiety is looming among stakeholders as the agreement draws near; hence they expect its revolutionary effect for a market which is going to have improved accessibility, increased efficiency of the system, and better livelihood for all.

Mr. Saji Cherian, the minister, has made a statement that he intends to launch 1000 beachfront  seafood restaurants in Kerala, the state where Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram has already demonstrated the success of freshwater eateries. This took place on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the first fishing rope factory run under the Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsfafed) in Paravur, Alappuzha.

The Fisheries Department has had its fish dish restaurant for two months now. It is situated in Azhakulam, near Vizhinjam, mentioned that classes and other helping units would be created to make it easier for the seafood restaurant chain to succeed. Further, an investor forum in fisheries will be arranged in September of this year.

The newly operated twine plant will supply twine to Matsyafed’s fishing net manufacturing units in Kochi, Kannur, and Thirvanaanthapuram. Nylon twine yarn is created from manufacturing caprolactam chips by twisting.

H. Salam, MLA, was the chairman, along with A.M. Ariff, MP, P.P. Chitharanjan, MLA, K.G. Rajeshwari, district president of Alappuzha panchayat, Sajitha Satheesan, panchayat president of Punnapra north panchayat, and others present.

In an effort to protect the Olive Ridley turtles at the Kakinada coast, the state government of Andhra Pradesh made an announcement of a fishing ban for one month within a radius of 5 kilometres of the upland that is situated opposite the island, taking effect from February 15, such a gesture was seen as a reaction to the media covering recent deaths of the turtles extending as far as 12 kms of the coastline along including Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Kakinada Collector Krithika Shukla verified the fishing restriction and legally authorized that traditional as well as mechanised boats are to be restrained from entering the designated zone. KSLB says the management of the Kakinada Sea Port has agreed to abide by the ban guidelines, implying that there will not be any breach of the restriction. To control the enforcement of the ban effectively, these Forest, Fisheries, Customs, and Marine Police departments are working in collaboration to monitor the implementation.

Together, they will be committed to thoroughly enforcing the order, and to stopping any unlicensed operations. Ms.Shukla held that the good coordination and cooperation between such departments collectively make the conservation measure successful. The officials in the forestry department had already launched the turtle hatchery and nests monitoring apart from strongly advising the local people to conserve the turtles.

Such ban holds between the turtle migrating period, and the end of the breeding season. This way, the threats faced by Olive Ridley turtles shall be minimized while preserving their living environment.

A tense situation unfolded off the Uppada coast in the Kakinada district as a fishing boat carrying 11 fishermen caught fire, prompting a swift rescue operation. The distressing incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, stirring concern among the local fishing community.

Kakinada District Fisheries Officer, K. Krunakar Rao, shared details of the harrowing event, explaining, “At the break of dawn on Monday, 11 fisherfolk embarked on a fishing expedition aboard a vessel owned by Surada Ramarao of Uppada village. By mid-afternoon, a nearby fishing boat spotted flames engulfing the vessel and rushed to their aid, successfully rescuing all 11 crew members.”

Thankfully, all occupants of the stricken boat were brought to safety, avoiding any reported injuries. Mr. Krunakar Rao reassured, “All 11 crew members have been accounted for and are safe. Our team of officials promptly responded to the distress call, and an investigation into the incident is underway.”

Regrettably, the fishing boat itself was consumed by the flames, leaving it completely destroyed. Authorities are diligently investigating the cause of the fire, aiming to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this alarming event.

A concerted effort to uplift aquaculture practices in Baksa District, Assam, saw the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, partnering with Gauhati University to organize an impactful awareness and resource distribution program. Held in Tamulpur village, the event aimed to bolster the livelihoods of local fish farmers through the promotion of conservation aquaculture.

The initiative, a crucial component of the Northeastern Himalayan (NEH) strategy, was highlighted by Dr. U. K. Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NBFGR, who underscored its pivotal role in advancing aquaculture production while ensuring sustainable fisheries management. This collaboration signifies a significant stride towards empowering the region’s fish farming community.

Attended by 54 participants, the program featured an array of activities designed to enhance aquaculture knowledge and practices. Expert lectures delved into topics ranging from optimal aquaculture methods to feed formulation, hatchery management, and germplasm conservation.

Central to the event was the distribution of high-quality seed and feed to attending farmers. This provision is anticipated to substantially enhance the productivity and sustainability of local aquaculture endeavours.

The partnership between ICAR-NBFGR and Gauhati University underscores a shared commitment to supporting and empowering aquaculture farmers in Assam. Through the promotion of sustainable practices and the provision of essential resources, the collaboration seeks to uplift livelihoods and foster resilience in the region’s aquaculture sector.

In a recent public hearing organized at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, Pallithottam, the Kerala State Women’s Commission (KSWC) chairperson, P. Sathidevi, emphasized the need for comprehensive support for women engaged in fish vending. She underscored the importance of providing financial assistance, marketing support, and essential resources to empower women in this sector.

Ms. Sathidevi highlighted the challenges faced by women fish vendors and proposed practical solutions to address them. She advocated for the provision of marketing assistance, including the distribution of two-wheelers, to facilitate easier access to markets. Additionally, she stressed the importance of offering financial aid at low interest rates to protect women from exploitation by moneylenders.

Recognizing the significant contribution of the fishing sector to the state’s economy, Ms. Sathidevi emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting it. She mentioned the allocation of ₹35 crore in the previous budget for establishing and promoting marketing facilities within the sector.

During the public hearing, women vendors raised various issues, including the lack of transportation facilities, inadequate toilet facilities at the harbor, and difficulties in accessing bank loans. They also expressed concerns about the mixing of stale fish with fresh catch by some boats and demanded inclusion under the Kerala Fishermen’s Welfare Fund Board (KFWFB).

Moreover, the women urged for broader awareness campaigns to inform coastal communities about government welfare schemes and benefits available to them. They emphasized the need for inclusive policies that consider all individuals engaged in allied activities related to fishing as part of the fishing community.

Overall, the public hearing shed light on the challenges faced by women fish vendors and underscored the importance of implementing measures to empower and support them in their livelihoods.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, L. Murugan, announced that the Union Government has sanctioned ₹100 crore for the establishment of fish landing facilities at Kalapet, Vaithikuppam, and Manaveli in Puducherry.

During his visit to Puducherry, Minister Murugan interacted with members of the fishermen community at Vaithikuppam. He disclosed that the Centre approved the construction of fish landing centres in response to a request from the territorial administration.

“The Union Government recently granted permission to construct the facilities at these three locations, allocating a budget of ₹100 crore for the project. We anticipate commencing the groundwork for the project very soon,” stated the Minister.

Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the NDA governments at both the Centre and Puducherry, Minister Murugan criticized the previous Congress administrations for neglecting the welfare of the fishing community. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing a dedicated Ministry for fishermen, emphasizing that over the past nine years, approximately ₹38,500 crore has been allocated for fishermen’s welfare, including infrastructure development in fishing harbours and the construction of five exclusive ports catering to fishing vessel berthing, fish processing, and export requirements.

During the interaction, fishermen from Vaithikuppam presented a memorandum to Minister Murugan outlining their requirements. BJP president V. Saminathan was also in attendance.