April 14, 2020

India exempts fishing, aquaculture sectors from virus lockdown

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India has exempted the operations of fishing (marine) and aquaculture sectors from the mandated lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The MHA, on Friday, issued the fifth addendum to the consolidated guidelines annexed order dated March 24. This comes as the country is under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Operations of the fishing (marine)/aquaculture industry, including feeding and maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing; hatcheries, feed plants, commercial aquaria, movement of fish/shrimp and fish product, fish seed/feed, and workers for all these activities," were exempted in the order.

However, the ministry noted that as specified in the lockdown measures, social distancing and proper hygiene practices must be ensured in each of the above activities as well as the activities permitted by earlier orders.

"It will be the responsibility of the head of the organisation or establishment to ensure compliance of such norms. The district authorities will ensure strict enforcement," it added.