November 2, 2022

India introduces measures to boost aquaculture sector

 

The government of India has introduced new measures to help aquaculture farmers in the country, which includes regulating prices of aqua feed and processing, as the aquaculture sector tops the country in marine product exports, Fish Information & Services reported.

India's Minister for Fisheries Seediri Appalaraju, said up to 27 integrated aquaculture labs have been approved, and eight already-existing labs are being upgraded. The cost is around INR 503 million (~US$6.07 million; INR 10 = US$0.12)

By the end of the year, India will have 21 aquaculture labs, including 14 already in operation and 3 mobile labs.

The government has approved an Aquatic Quarantine Facility (AQF) Center for L Vannamei at Bangarammapeta village in Nakkapalle mandal of Anakapalle district with a total project cost of INR 365.5 million (~US$4.4 million) due to the frequent complaints regarding diseases to shrimp, particularly to L Vannamei.

In addition to this, the Bapatla district received approval for the construction of mud crab and sea bass hatcheries at a cost of INR 380 million (~US$4.5 million). Freshwater fish brood banks under JICA and World Bank projects also received approval. In addition to actions to strengthen the State's aquaculture infrastructure, extension services were given priority.

At Rythu Bharosa Kendras, a total of 732 village fisheries' assistants were hired. Additionally, steps were taken to ensure the supply of high-quality aqua feed and expert advice via an integrated call centre. To stop the sale of aqua products in distress, it has been proposed to build 10 processing and 23 pre-processing units at a project cost of INR 5.46 billion (~US$7.7 billion).

-      Fish Information & Services