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Kerala Aqua Ventures International Limited (KAVIL), a vital arm under the Department of Fisheries, has emerged as a beacon of hope for over 500 start-ups in the ornamental fisheries sector striving to recover from pandemic-induced setbacks. Through a series of strategic interventions including buyer-seller meets, start-up training, and innovative marketing tactics, KAVIL has revitalized livelihoods and bolstered incomes for numerous families across Kerala.

The weekly buyer-seller meets organized by KAVIL have emerged as a pivotal platform for ornamental fish farmers to connect with wholesale traders nationwide, facilitating seamless market access and fostering lucrative business opportunities. Over the past two years, these meetings have facilitated transactions amounting to approximately ₹72 lakh, underscoring their instrumental role in driving economic resurgence in the sector. M.S. Saju, Managing Director of KAVIL and Joint Director of the Department of Fisheries, envisions propelling this initiative to greater heights, aiming for an annual business turnover of ₹5 crore by 2025 to position Kerala as a thriving hub for ornamental fisheries in the country.

In a bid to augment sales and enhance accessibility, KAVIL has unveiled a user-friendly website (www.kavil.in) equipped with e-commerce capabilities, providing a convenient platform for consumers to explore and purchase ornamental fishes. Moreover, KAVIL’s rigorous training programs have paved the way for the establishment of numerous start-ups, fostering the production of high-quality ornamental varieties and facilitating direct access to target markets, thereby eliminating the need for intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for farmers.

Dr. Mini Sekharan, a marketing consultant at KAVIL and Associate Professor at the School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology, highlights the untapped potential of India’s domestic market and emphasizes the importance of scaling up production and implementing robust marketing strategies to unlock the sector’s full potential. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, KAVIL remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing and propelling the growth of the ornamental fisheries sector, heralding a new era of prosperity and sustainability for stakeholders across Kerala.

Thoothukudi: Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Anita R. Radhakrishnan has disclosed plans to provide training in modern fishing techniques to fishermen in Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of fishermen through specialized programs offered by fisheries colleges in the state.

During a recent event where assistance amounting to ₹1.15 crore was distributed to 36 fishermen, Minister Radhakrishnan emphasized the importance of equipping fishermen with contemporary fishing methods. He highlighted that the Department of Fisheries has formulated comprehensive plans to facilitate training sessions aimed at modernizing fishing practices.

The training programs will focus on imparting knowledge and skills relevant to contemporary fishing techniques, with the objective of enabling participants to secure employment opportunities in fishing trawlers engaged in deep-sea fishing operations. Minister Radhakrishnan announced that the training activities will commence shortly at Amali Nagar near Tiruchendur.

Additionally, Minister Radhakrishnan assured that relief measures for fishermen affected by the recent floods, including those whose boats and engines suffered damage, would be provided expeditiously. The announcement was made in the presence of District Collector G. Lakshmipathi, Joint Director of Fisheries J. Amal Xavier, and Assistant Directors Vijayaraghavan and G.S. Bushra Shabhnam.

Panaji, Goa: The proposed development of Keri village as part of the Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Village component of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) faces a setback due to pending details of land availability from the Keri panchayat.

Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar informed the assembly that the department of fisheries has requested the Keri village panchayat to furnish details regarding land availability for the construction of necessary infrastructure. This delay has impeded progress on the ambitious plan to transform Keri into a model modern coastal fishing village, situated in the Mandrem constituency.

The project aims to provide essential facilities such as drinking water supply, sanitation, a community hall, a cyclone shelter, a fish drying unit, and a modern fish retail outlet or market. With an estimated project cost of Rs 6.1 crore, the central government has pledged to contribute 60%, amounting to Rs 450 lakh, while the state government will cover the remaining expenses.

Highlighting the timeline of the project, Harlankar stated that the government approved the development of Keri under the PMMSY in September 2021. Darashaw and Company were appointed to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which outlines key components such as the construction of an RCC floating jetty, fish gear storage and net mending shed, beautification of the fish landing centre, installation of the cage culture setup, and the construction of a community centre and Anganwadi.

However, the successful realization of this initiative hinges on the swift resolution of administrative challenges, particularly the prompt provision of land details by the Keri panchayat. The delay underscores the importance of streamlined coordination and cooperation between government departments and local authorities to ensure the timely implementation of crucial developmental projects in the fisheries sector.

The newly formed Telangana Government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is planning to strengthen the fisheries department of the state. In a recent review, the representatives announced plans to fill the vacant posts, establish fisheries colleges and training institutes for the fisherfolk.

Telangana boasts of 26000 reservoirs, lakes and water bodies in which 345.13 crore fishlings and 19.72 crore shrimps were bred since 2015. Even though the production witnessed a staggering 119 percent growth, the post-harvest infrastructure and sales pipeline needs a major haul.

There are 29 operational fish markets in the state while another 55 have to be started, as they were announced way back. The recruitment of human resources in the Dept. of Fisheries was done in 2011. A contract workforce consisting of 122 employees were recruited before eight years. The Govt. of Telangana decided to recruit 120 Development Officers, 250 Extension Staff, 100 Specialists and Assistant Directors.

Along with it, two new fisheries colleges will be established in Warangal and Medak districts. Existing Krishi Vignan Kendras will be equipped with exclusive fisheries training cells to serve the community. There is also an ambitious plan to establish 120 new fish markets in the state to fortify the sales infrastructure.

Goan Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Harlankar has announced plans for the establishment of a dedicated marine enforcement wing under the jurisdiction of the Department of Fisheries. He announced this move to address the burgeoning issue of illegal LED fishing that is rampant along the shores.

The primary aim of this proposed enforcement wing is to monitor and crack down on the illicit use of LED lights in fishing activities, which have been causing detrimental effects on marine life and sustainability in the region. Despite initial plans to have the enforcement wing operational before the onset of the 2023 fishing season, bureaucratic hurdles and formalities have delayed the process.

Goa has witnessed a significant uptick in cases of illegal LED fishing, with 16 instances recorded during the 2022-23 season alone. Despite penalties reaching up to Rs 50,000, the unlawful practice has persisted into the current financial year, with two cases already reported.

At present, the Fisheries Department relies on a lone patrol vessel for monitoring activities within the state’s territorial waters. However, the establishment of a dedicated enforcement wing is expected to bolster surveillance capabilities, implement stricter regulations, and impose harsh penalties on offenders.

The proposed enforcement wing is a crucial step forward in the intensified efforts to combat illegal fishing activities, particularly those involving the use of LED lights, thereby safeguarding marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable fishing practices in the region.

Goa is set to embark on the development of four comprehensive fishing villages, buoyed by funding from the Central government. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant disclosed this ambitious endeavour during his address at the inaugural ceremony of the Goa Mega Aqua Fish Festival.

In his speech, Sawant underscored the state’s commitment to provide essential infrastructure for these fishing villages, leveraging the financial support extended by the Central government. He urged citizens to actively engage in the fishing sector, citing the array of schemes introduced by the state fisheries department as avenues for reaping tangible benefits.

Highlighting the proactive stance of the Narendra Modi administration, Sawant emphasized the multitude of incentives aimed at fostering a robust blue economy. He encouraged coastal residents to seize the opportunities presented by this sector, emphasizing the potential for socio-economic upliftment.

“Fisheries assumes a pivotal role in realizing the state government’s vision of ‘Swayampurna Goa’,” remarked Sawant, lauding initiatives such as Sagar Mitra for facilitating direct engagement with the fishing community. These efforts, he asserted, underscore the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and empowerment.

The establishment of four fully-equipped fishing villages aligns with Goa’s broader strategy to bolster its maritime resources and enhance livelihood opportunities for coastal communities. As the state navigates towards self-sufficiency and prosperity, initiatives like these serve as cornerstones for sustainable growth and equitable development.

The Indian government has disclosed that a staggering 266 Indian fishermen are currently languishing in foreign jails, held against their will in dire conditions. The plight of these fishermen, torn from their families and detained in distant lands, underscores the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to secure their freedom.

According to Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Minister Parshottam Rupala, the majority of these fishermen hail from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, with significant numbers detained in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bahrain, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The heart-wrenching reality is compounded by the seizure of over 1,250 fishing boats, leaving countless families in despair and livelihoods in jeopardy.

“The Government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security, and welfare of Indian fishermen,” declared Rupala, as he pledged swift action to ensure the release and repatriation of these unjustly detained individuals. Efforts are underway, with Indian missions and posts tirelessly advocating for consular access and providing essential support, including legal assistance through the Indian Community Welfare Fund.

Consular officers are on the front lines, conducting regular visits to foreign jails to assess the conditions faced by the incarcerated fishermen and offer much-needed assistance. Yet, the road to freedom remains fraught with challenges, as bureaucratic hurdles and prolonged judicial proceedings prolong the anguish of these victims.

Amidst this crisis, the Indian Coast Guard stands as a beacon of hope, undertaking community interaction programs to educate fishermen about maritime boundaries and deploying resources to guide them away from potential danger zones. Vigilance is maintained along the perceived International Maritime Boundary Line, with Indian vessels poised to intervene and protect fishermen from apprehension by foreign maritime security agencies.

The government’s commitment to securing the release and repatriation of Indian fishermen is unwavering, underscored by bilateral mechanisms established to foster cooperation and understanding with the nations concerned. Yet, as these fishermen languish in foreign jails, their cries for justice echo across the seas, demanding urgent action and international solidarity to bring them home to their loved ones.