The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying recently launched the “Matsya Setu” mobile application meant to support fish farmers. This online course app has been developed collaboratively by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
Objectives of Matsya Setu App
The primary objective behind the initiation of the Matsya Setu app is to distribute the latest advancements in freshwater aquaculture technologies to the country’s aqua farmers. By doing so, it aims to boost productivity and income. Aquaculture, a practice involving the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, holds substantial importance for India, which is the world’s second major producer of fish through this method.
The app places particular emphasis on the grow-out culture of commercially significant fishes such as carp, catfish, scampi, murrel, ornamental fish, and pearl farming. Moreover, the app serves as a vehicle for circulating up-to-date information about diverse schemes amongst stakeholders. This includes fishers, fish farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs nationwide and facilitates the ease of doing business.
Additional Related Initiatives
Alongside the launch of the Matsya Setu app, several other related initiatives have been established to enhance aquaculture practices in India. These include:
Shaphari: Certification Scheme For Aquaculture Products
This scheme is a market-centered tool designed for hatcheries to adopt good aquaculture practices. Its purpose is to aid in the production of quality, antibiotic-free shrimp products to assure global consumers of their safety and quality.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
Established during 2018-19, the FIDF aims to support the development of infrastructure within the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
The program aims to reach a goal of 22 million tonnes of fish production by 2024-25. Additionally, it is anticipated to create employment opportunities for 55 lakh people, thus playing a crucial role in job creation.
Focus On Blue Revolution
The notion of a ‘Blue Revolution’ is centered around creating an environment that enables integrated and holistic management of fisheries. This initiative is designed to bring socio-economic development to fishers and fish farmers.
Extension of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Facilities
In an effort to aid fishers and fish farmers in meeting their working capital needs, provisions have been made to extend Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to them.
These initiatives, along with the Matsya Setu app, symbolize the concerted efforts made by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, ICAR-CIFA, and NFDB to boost the fisheries sector, improve the livelihoods of those involved in it, and contribute to the country’s economy.