The Indian aquaculture sector has recently received an innovative and significant upgrade in the form of an online market feature, Aqua Bazar, introduced on the MatsyaSetu mobile application. This technological development, launched during the National Fisheries Development Board’s ninth general assembly, was spearheaded by the Union Minister for Fisheries.
Matsya Setu App: An In-depth Overview
Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) based in Bhubaneswar, the Matsya Setu app was financially backed by both the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad and through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
This comprehensive platform permits any registered vendor to exhibit their input materials. The available items are subsequently displayed in the Aqua Bazar according to their geographical proximity to an app user. The listed products are divided into several main categories that include fish seeds, input materials, services, jobs, and table fish.
Every individual listing presents exhaustive details about the product, such as its price, quantity available, supply area, and seller contact information. This allows farmers and other stakeholders to swiftly contact vendors and cater to their procurement requirements.
An additional feature enables fish farmers to list their mature table-size fish or fish seeds for sale, specifying pertinent details like the date of availability and the proposed price. In turn, interested buyers may directly contact these farmers and propose their prices.
Significance of Aqua Bazar
Introducing an online marketplace into the aquaculture sector serves multiple functions – from sourcing necessary components like fish seeds, feed, and medicines, to enlisting available services required for fish culture. It also enables farmers to conveniently list their full-grown fish varieties up for sale.
The core goal of the marketplace is to foster interconnectivity among all involved stakeholders in the aquaculture industry. The provision of reliable and timely information about the availability of quality inputs adds a layer of convenience for farmers, leading to the progression and success of inland aquaculture across the nation. It facilitates an increase in business inquiries from potential buyers or buyer agents who seek to procure fish, thereby enhancing the market’s visibility and ensuring better price realization for farmers’ produce.
The Need for this Initiative
Fish farmers often encounter difficulties in sourcing high-quality, crucial inputs like fish seeds, additives, feed ingredients, fertilizers, and medicines during the crop season. Any delay in securing these inputs can have a significant impact on the productivity of their fish farming operations.
In some instances, farmers require services such as farm construction, rental services, and manpower for harvesting. They also confront challenges when trying to sell their produce in the market and usually depend on a limited number of buyers or agents for procuring their fish production.
About the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
Established in 2006, the National Fisheries Development Board operates under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. This autonomous organization strives to enhance fish production and productivity in the country and to streamline fishery development in an integrated and holistic manner. It is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The launch of the Aqua Bazar feature on the Matsya Setu app is indeed a significant step forward in revolutionizing the aquaculture sector in India. With the aim of uniting farmers, vendors, and stakeholders on a single platform, the marketplace promises to improve the overall effectiveness of the industry and offers a fertile ground for future growth and development.
