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The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute is gearing up to mark its 77th Foundation Day on February 2 with a special invitation to students and the general public.

Headed by Principal Scientist K. Vinod, the Mandapam Regional Centre will offer complimentary access to its hatchery, aquarium, and museum facilities on this auspicious occasion.

In an effort to promote marine education and research awareness, the institute aims to provide an enriching experience for visitors throughout the day.

Students are particularly encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and gain valuable insights into marine science and conservation efforts.

In East Godavari district, an alarming trend of illegal aquaculture has emerged, causing widespread concern among authorities and local farmers. With its extensive seacoast spanning 138 kilometres across 13 mandals and over 4.50 lakh acres of agricultural land, the district, often referred to as the rice bowl of Andhra Pradesh, has witnessed a surge in aquaculture alongside traditional paddy cultivation in recent years.

The allure of lucrative profits coupled with minimal labour costs has attracted the attention of politicians from various parties, leading to the rapid expansion of aquaculture activities across freshwater and brackish water areas. Official records indicate that authorized aquaculture has been undertaken in 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres) across 36 villages, with an additional 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) suspected to be illegally utilized for aquaculture purposes.

The district administration was alerted to the escalating issue by paddy farmers in the Konseema area, who highlighted the adverse effects of unauthorized aquaculture on water sources and contamination of ponds used for paddy cultivation. It is suspected that certain officials within stakeholder departments may be complicit in facilitating illegal aquaculture activities for personal gain, exploiting loopholes in the clearance process which involves multiple regulatory authorities.

Large-scale farmers are reportedly enticing small and marginal paddy farmers with financial incentives to lease their lands for aquaculture, often obtaining unproductive land certificates from the agriculture department to facilitate the conversion of land into aquaculture tanks.

According to sources in the Kakinada revenue division, illegal aquaculture is particularly rampant in Karapa, Tallarevu, and Pedapudi mandals, with approximately 4,500 acres encroached upon for unauthorized aquaculture, surpassing the permitted area of 15,000 acres. This surge in unauthorized activity underscores the urgent need for regulatory intervention to address the environmental and socio-economic repercussions of illegal aquaculture in the district.

The government of Andhra Pradesh is intensifying its efforts to bolster the aquaculture sector in the state, maintaining its lead in marine product exports nationwide. With a keen focus on supporting aqua farmers, officials have been directed to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for aqua products and to regulate prices of aqua feed and processing.

During the recent Monsoon session of the State Assembly, Minister for Fisheries Seediri Appalaraju unveiled significant strides in aquaculture development. A total of 27 integrated aquaculture labs have been greenlit, with an additional eight facilities set to undergo upgrades, representing a substantial investment totalling Rs 50.30 crore.

Currently, 14 aquaculture labs and three mobile labs are already operational, with plans to have 21 more up and running by the year’s end. Responding to concerns about shrimp diseases, particularly affecting L. Vannamei species, the government has sanctioned the construction of an Aquatic Quarantine Facility (AQF) Centre in Bangarammapeta village, Nakkapalle mandal, Anakapalle district, with a project cost of Rs 36.55 crore.

In a bid to further fortify the aquaculture industry, hatcheries for sea bass and mud crabs in Bapatla district have received approval, with an allocated budget of Rs 38 crore. Moreover, initiatives such as the establishment of Freshwater Fish Brood Banks under JICA and World Bank projects aim to enhance infrastructure and support services for aqua farmers.

Recognizing the importance of on-ground assistance, 732 village fisheries assistants have been recruited at Rythu Bharosa Kendras. Measures to ensure the supply of quality aqua feed and provide scientific advice through an integrated call centre have been implemented. Additionally, aqua farmers are benefiting from subsidized power rates at Rs 1.50 per unit.

To combat distress sales of aqua products, the government has proposed the establishment of 10 processing units and 23 pre-processing units, with an allocated budget of Rs 546.91 crore. These concerted efforts underscore the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and prosperity in the aquaculture sector across Andhra Pradesh.

Rajneesh Kumar, armed with an engineering degree, shares his inspiring journey from corporate life to thriving entrepreneurship in fish farming. Over the span of five years, Rajneesh has not only made a mark in the burgeoning fish farming sector but has also amassed considerable wealth along the way.

Hailing from Patla, Rajneesh specializes in cultivating various fish species, notably the magur catfish. Despite his technical background, he made the bold decision to dive into the realm of aquaculture, a move that has proven fruitful.

Employing a mix of traditional pond farming methods and innovative biofloc technology, Rajneesh efficiently manages his sprawling 100-acre farm, with 65 acres dedicated solely to fish cultivation. Under his brand, ‘PVR AQUA’, he not only sells his premium fish but also offers training sessions for aspiring farmers and runs a popular YouTube channel featuring educational content on fish farming techniques.

Capitalizing on the consistent market demand for fish coupled with a limited supply, Rajneesh’s annual production of 300 tons garners significant profits, totalling approximately 40 lakhs each year. Despite the substantial operational costs, his unwavering dedication to the trade underscores his commitment to the industry’s growth and sustainability.

Reflecting on his journey, Rajneesh emphasizes the allure of fish farming, citing its inherent advantages over traditional agricultural pursuits. He believes that Indian farmers can benefit greatly from exploring alternative avenues such as fish farming, which offers scalability and increased income potential within limited spaces. Rajneesh’s success serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to chart new paths in agriculture.

Reports of a startling occurrence at Srisailam dam in Nandyal district have sent shockwaves across both Telugu States. The discovery of numerous deceased fish floating in the dam has sparked concern among locals.

Fishermen, who have been noticing dead fish in water pits over the past five days, speculate that the fatalities may be attributed to the introduction of unidentified chemicals into the water. This tragic event has not only resulted in the loss of aquatic life but has also dealt a severe blow to the livelihoods of those dependent on fishing.

Bharat Lal Naik, the Fish Development Officer, informed The Hans India that investigations are underway to determine the cause of this distressing incident. Samples of water from various pits have been meticulously collected and dispatched to laboratories for analysis.

Naik suggested that the fish deaths could be attributed to oxygen depletion and the proliferation of algae. He noted that such occurrences are not uncommon during periods of minimal water flow, particularly in the winter months. Conversely, during the summer, fish fatalities tend to occur due to excessive sunlight exposure.

Twenty-one selected aqua-entrepreneurs from Assam, including twelve women from remote villages, showcased their comprehensive business plans at a state-level investment evening recently. This initiative, supported under the Indo-German Development Cooperation, aims to empower local communities and create sustainable livelihoods.

Out of a pool of 1,000 applicants from various districts including Kamrup, Nalbari, and Karbi Anglong East, these entrepreneurs were chosen based on their innovative ideas and potential for business growth. Mentored over 1.5 years by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and executed by local organizations like Kalong Kapili, the selected entrepreneurs presented their investment plans to a panel comprising representatives from government departments, financial institutions, and other potential investors.

The Aqua Entrepreneurship Initiative, part of the Sustainable Aquaculture for Food and Livelihood (SAFAL) project, is designed to provide training, financial assistance, and market access to aspiring entrepreneurs in Assam. Through initiatives like integrated rice-cum-fish culture and value-added fish products, these entrepreneurs are not only generating income but also contributing to the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector.

At the state-level investment evening, four groups of aqua entrepreneurs presented their strategies, covering various aspects of aquaculture including spawn production, integrated farming practices, and value-added products. The event was graced by dignitaries from organizations such as NABARD and the Department of Fisheries, who lauded the efforts of the entrepreneurs and pledged further support for their ventures.

The open session provided an opportunity for potential investors to engage with the entrepreneurs, seeking clarifications and offering feedback on their business models. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the success and sustainability of these ventures while fostering an entrepreneurial culture in Assam.

Overall, the Aqua Entrepreneurship Initiative represents a significant step towards economic empowerment and sustainable development in Assam, harnessing the potential of local communities to drive positive change in the aquaculture sector.