To fortify the farmer-based disease reporting system of aquatic animal diseases across the country, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has introduced the Report Fish Disease (RFD) App. This innovative application has been developed by ICAR-NBFGR under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), funded through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India.
The RFD app empowers farmers to report disease incidents affecting finfish, shrimps, and molluscs on their farms directly to field-level officers and fish health experts. This seamless communication facilitates the receipt of scientific advice for effective disease management. Moreover, data pertaining to disease occurrences will be systematically recorded in terms of both time and location, enabling the mapping of disease cases.
This application is set to assist farmers in enhancing their disease reporting capabilities, accessing scientific guidance, and mitigating losses caused by diseases, ultimately leading to increased income for farmers. Additionally, the Fish Disease Reporting App is poised to have a profound impact on fish disease management. It will promote early detection, swift response, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, all of which are vital for the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture systems. By minimizing the adverse effects of fish diseases on fish populations, the industry, and ecosystems, it contributes significantly to the sector’s well-being.
India’s aquaculture sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with total export earnings from the sector reaching approximately Rs. 57,586.48 crores in the year 2021-22. However, diseases pose a significant impediment to the sector’s expansion. Surveillance for aquatic animal diseases is crucial for the early identification of diseases, thereby minimizing their impact. Early detection is essential for effective disease eradication and containment.
Many disease cases in aquaculture remain unreported due to the absence of a field-level disease reporting mechanism. Hence, there is an urgent need for a mechanism that can establish a connection between farmers, field-level officers, and fish health experts. The introduction of the Report Fish Disease (RFD) App addresses this need, ensuring that diseases in aquaculture are promptly reported and managed, safeguarding the industry’s growth and the well-being of aquatic ecosystems.
