New Delhi : Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed breeding and seed production technology of Grey Mullet (Madavai) under controlled conditions. Grey Mullet is a high-valued brackishwater fish and unavailability of sufficient seed was a hindrance for its culture. Mass-scale seed production benefits fish farmers for commercial farming of Grey Mullet in the coastal area.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a flagship scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India” with highest ever investment of Rs. 20,050 crore for a period of 5 years from financial year 2020-21 to 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories as a part of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package and welfare of fishers, fish farmers and fish workers at the core of this scheme.
The welfare related activities supported under the PMMSY primarily include (i) insurance cover for fishers, fish farmers, fish workers and fish vendors, (ii) livelihood support and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers during fishing ban/lean period, (iii) supply of boats and nets to traditional fishermen, (iv) supply of safety kits for traditional and motorized fishing vessels, (v) supply of communications and Potential Fishing Zones devices for traditional motorized boats, (vi) support for acquisition of technologically advanced fishing vessels for traditional fishermen, Up-gradation of existing fishing vessels, (viii) Open sea cage culture, ornamental fisheries, seaweed cultivation for creating alternative employment opportunities to coastal communities, (ix) development of integrated modern fishing villages, (x) development of fishing harbours, landing centres, cold chain facilities, transport vehicles, marketing etc.
Fisheries Research Institutes under ICAR have been undertaking research on several aspects such as monoculture, polyculture and integrated multi-tropic aquaculture. The institutes have developed monoculture of high-valued fishes such seabass, Cobia, Indian pompano, Silver Pampano, Grouper, etc. in cage culture while milkfish, grey mullet and shrimp species are used in polyculture in brackishwater. Further, Integrated Multi-Tropic Aquaculture (IMTA) system of cage culture of fin fishes with seaweed farming in coastal waters has been developed and demonstrated with higher crop yield and water quality improvement.
PMMSY implemented by the Department of Fisheries inter-alia targets enhancement of fish production and export earnings. The activities relating to expansion of aquaculture area, intensification, diversification, supply of quality inputs, promoting technology infusion, disease management, training and skill development are supported under PMMSY to augment the fish production. Besides, PMMSY also focus on value addition, branding, leveling, traceability, organic fish farming and support for post harvest management are supported for enhancing export earnings.
This information was given by The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
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