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Fishermen from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and neighbouring Ahmednagar district are on the brink of drastic action as the government hesitates to cancel the proposed floating solar power project at Jayakwadi dam. The Save Jayakwadi Fishermen committee has issued a warning, stating that if their demands are not met, they will resort to Jal Samadhi starting from February 7^th.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to various government authorities and public representatives, the committee has raised concerns about the potential dire consequences of the project on the livelihoods of fishermen and their families. Despite opposition, Union Minister of State for Finance, Bhagwat Karad, has remained steadfast in his support for the project, promising to engage with the fishermen before proceeding with the works.

According to Bajrang Limbore, president of the committee, the fishermen believe that the project is being pushed forward unlawfully and will severely impact their means of living. They argue that the installation of large solar panels within the reservoir of Jayakwadi dam will obstruct sunlight, crucial for aquatic flora and fauna, consequently disrupting traditional fishing activities and threatening bird populations in the sanctuary.

Further aggravating the situation, the fishermen allege that the feasibility report supporting the project’s approval has been influenced by central and state authorities. They specifically point to the construction of a pulling station as part of the floating solar power plant in Mauje Katpur, Paithan tehsil, as evidence of the project’s advancement without proper consideration for environmental and livelihood concerns.

In response to these allegations, Union Minister Bhagwat Karad has dismissed the claims as baseless, asserting that consultations with the fishermen community have already taken place, with room for further discussions to address their apprehensions. However, tensions continue to mount as the fishermen remain resolute in their opposition to the project’s implementation.

Teaming up to fortify Mizoram’s fisheries sector, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Visakhapatnam Research Centre, and the Mizoram Department of Fisheries have initiated an extensive training and demonstration program.

Dubbed as “Responsible Inland Fishing through Sustainable Fish Harvesting Practices” and “Value Addition and Hygienic Handling of Fish for Increasing Domestic Fish Consumption and Promoting Small Scale Entrepreneurship in Mizoram,” this joint effort commenced on January 1, 2024, and is set to conclude on February 1, 2024.

Aimed at empowering various stakeholders within Mizoram’s fisheries sector, including fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and unemployed youth, the inaugural session on January 30, 2024, was honored by the presence of Pu Lalthansanga, Hon’ble Minister of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Mizoram.

During the event, Pu Lalthansanga unveiled two training manuals, emphasizing the importance of venture diversification, value addition, and effective marketing strategies in the fisheries sector. Pu C. Lalzahngoa, MPS, Secretary to the Government of Mizoram, Department of Fisheries, commended ICAR-CIFT’s endeavors in enhancing the state’s fisheries sector.

Dr. R. Raghu Prakash, Principal Scientist at ICAR-CIFT, elucidated the institute’s significant contributions across various aspects of fisheries, including fish harvesting, processing, packaging, product development, quality assurance, and utilization of fishery by-products. Under the guidance of Dr. Jesmi Debbarma and Mr. Bhuneshwar, the training program aims to foster self-entrepreneurship among participants through the development of value-added fish products.

The training sessions provide invaluable insights into the lucrative business prospects in post-harvest fisheries, with particular emphasis on maintaining hygiene standards and preparing market-ready fish products, such as gutted fish, marinated fish, fish steaks, and fish fillets. Anticipating the participation of 50 trainees from Aizawl, Mamit, and Kolasib districts, the program will be conducted in 25 groups to ensure comprehensive learning and skill development among the participants.

The Kasargod district fisheries department has made significant strides against illegal fishing activities, amassing a substantial sum of Rs. 50 lakh in fines over the past six months.

A coordinated operation, involving the fisheries department alongside Kumble, Bekala, Trikaripur, and coastal police units, led to the seizure of a Karnataka-owned fishing vessel engaged in nocturnal fishing activities in the waters off Manjeshwar. This action comes in response to regulations prohibiting mechanized boats from operating within a 12-nautical-mile radius from the Kerala coastline.

The crackdown aims to address the concerns of traditional fishermen who have been adversely affected by unauthorized fishing practices. According to district fisheries deputy director K A Labeeb, these stringent measures underscore the department’s commitment to upholding regulations and safeguarding the livelihoods of local fishermen.

The Indian Coast Guard has demonstrated its commitment to maritime safety by providing vital assistance to a distressed fishing boat stranded off the Lakshadweep coast. The incident, which occurred southwest of Minicoy Island, saw the Indian Coast Guard ship Samarth stepping in to tow the adrift vessel to safety.

The fishing boat, named Arul Matha (IND-TN-12-MM-5707), encountered engine trouble on Thursday, leaving it stranded in rough sea conditions. With nine crew members aboard, the vessel, originating from Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, was in urgent need of rescue.

In a meticulously coordinated operation, the Indian Coast Guard deployed both ship and aircraft resources for search and rescue efforts. Upon reaching the scene, Samarth’s technical team assessed the situation, determining that the boat’s engine failure was irreparable at sea.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Indian Coast Guard swiftly initiated towing operations to bring the distressed vessel to the safety of Minicoy Harbour. Despite facing challenging conditions, the operation persisted for over 24 hours until the fishing boat and its crew were safely handed over to the local Fisheries Department.

This timely intervention highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives at sea, earning them admiration and respect from the fishing community. Their swift response and efficient coordination in times of crisis reaffirm their status as the “Sentinel of the Sea,” aligning with their motto, “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect).

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has introduced a new sales counter in Kerala. Inaugurated by Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, the initiative operates within the Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) of the institute.

Showcasing a diverse range of farm-fresh products sourced directly from local farmer groups within and outside Kerala, the sales counter offers an extensive assortment of healthy food items. Customers can explore traditional staples like pokkali rice and millets from Karnataka, along with an array of spices, honey, gourd powder, tapioca products, and value-added jackfruit products. Additionally, a variety of seafood options, including cleaned and dried fish, mussels, and tuna products, are available to cater to diverse culinary preferences.

A notable feature of the sales counter is its selection of nutraceutical products developed by CMFRI from seaweeds, aimed at addressing common lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, arthritis, and hypertension. Alongside, the counter highlights locally sourced specialties such as Lakshadweep coconut oil, tuna products, and vinegar, as well as value-added items like chocolate, cashew drinks, and cashew jam from the Kerala Agricultural University.

Moreover, customers can explore high-quality spices with enhanced curcumin content from the Spices Board, featuring varieties such as cardamom, black pepper, and turmeric powder. The counter also offers coconut chips and other coconut-based products from the Coconut Development Board, providing a comprehensive range of choices for consumers.

In addition to promoting local agriculture, the initiative aims to support small-scale farmers by offering organic inputs like vermicompost and biofertilizers, as well as vegetable seeds for kitchen gardening. With operating hours from 10 am to 7 pm on all working days, the sales counter endeavours to provide convenient access to fresh, nutritious food products while contributing to sustainability efforts and bolstering the livelihoods of local farmers across Kerala.

Andhra Pradesh stands as a beacon of success in the realm of aquaculture, offering a lucrative opportunity for investors eyeing the sector. With its thriving industry contributing significantly to the state’s economic prosperity, Andhra Pradesh has positioned itself as a prime destination for aquaculture ventures.

Ranked at the forefront of aquaculture and marine exports, Andhra Pradesh has garnered attention for its conducive environment for investment in the sector. As the state gears up to host the Global Investors Summit in Visakhapatnam on March 3 and 4, government officials express confidence in attracting further investments into the burgeoning aquaculture industry.

Blessed with favourable climatic conditions, abundant water resources, and an extensive coastline stretching approximately 974 kilometers, Andhra Pradesh offers an ideal setting for aquaculture activities. The state plays a pivotal role in India’s seafood exports, boasting the highest production of eggs, fish, and shrimp while securing the top position in marine exports during the fiscal year 2021-22.

Currently, aquaculture occupies 2.12 lakh hectares of land, with 1.38 lakh farmers actively engaged in the sector across the state. Complementing this infrastructure are 111 cold storage facilities with a combined storage capacity of 2.27 metric tonnes of aqua products.

To bolster the sector further, the government extends support to aqua farmers through various initiatives. Subsidized power is provided to farmers cultivating in areas under 10 acres falling within designated aqua zones, benefitting approximately 26,000 aquaculture farmers presently.

Additionally, the government undertakes measures such as subsidizing pond and tank construction, establishing hatcheries, and organizing training programs for farmers to enhance productivity and efficiency in the sector. The establishment of an Aquatic Quarantine Facility underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the quality of exported aquaculture products.

Moreover, with the development of six inland waterways and nine fishing harbours, Andhra Pradesh aims to enhance sea connectivity, thereby unlocking the full potential of its expansive coastline—the second largest in the country.

As Andhra Pradesh continues to pave the way for sustainable growth and development in the aquaculture sector, the upcoming Global Investors Summit serves as a pivotal platform to showcase the state’s vast potential and attract strategic investments that will further propel its trajectory of success.