In a significant move to improve disease reporting in the fisheries sector, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying launched the ‘Report Fish Disease’ (RFD) app. This app, developed by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, aims to enhance the farmer-based disease reporting system and improve the reporting of aquatic animal diseases in India.
Objective of the RFD App:
The primary objective of the RFD app is to assist farmers in improving their disease reporting methods and minimizing losses caused by diseases. By utilizing the app, farmers can obtain scientific guidance, exchange information with field-level officers and fish health experts, and effectively manage aquatic animal diseases on their farms. The app serves as a valuable tool in enhancing disease reporting and facilitating timely interventions.
Key Features and Benefits of the RFD App:
- Disease Reporting: The RFD app enables farmers to report the incidence of diseases in finfish, shrimps, and molluscs on their farms. This ensures accurate and timely reporting, allowing for swift action to be taken to control and manage the diseases effectively.
- Scientific Advice: The app facilitates the exchange of information between farmers and experts, providing farmers with scientific advice for disease management. This guidance assists farmers in implementing appropriate measures to mitigate the impact of diseases and reduce losses.
- Data Storage and Mapping: The RFD app stores data related to diseases on a temporal and spatial scale, enabling the mapping of disease cases. This feature helps in identifying disease hotspots and patterns, allowing for targeted interventions and effective disease control strategies.
- Income Enhancement: By improving disease reporting and providing scientific advice, the RFD app ultimately contributes to increasing farmers’ income. Early detection and management of diseases result in reduced losses and better farm productivity, leading to improved financial outcomes for farmers.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana:
The RFD app has been funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This flagship scheme aims to promote focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in India. With an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores over a period of five years (from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25), the PMMSY seeks to drive growth, employment generation, and enhance fish production and productivity in all states and union territories.
Harnessing Technology for Empowering Farmers:
The launch of the RFD app reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to empower farmers and improve disease reporting in the fisheries sector. By enabling farmer-based reporting and facilitating collaboration between stakeholders, the app strengthens disease surveillance and control measures. This proactive approach plays a vital role in safeguarding the health and productivity of aquatic animals, thus contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the fisheries industry.
