30-Apr-2022: Department of Fisheries organises webinar on “Neoteric Techniques and Technologies in Fisheries and Aquaculture”

Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India organized a webinar on “Neoteric Techniques and Technologies in Fisheries and Aquaculture” today under the week-long "Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari" campaign from 25th to 30th April 2022 as a part of ongoing celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.  The event was presided over by Shri Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India (GOI) and well-attended by more than 350 participants including fishers, farmers, entrepreneurs, officials of Department of Fisheries, GoI and fisheries officials of different States/UTs, faculties from State Agriculture, Veterinary and Fisheries universities, scientists, hatchery owners, students and stakeholders from aquaculture industry across the country.

In his inaugural address, Union Secretary Fisheries, Shri Swain highlighted the growth and development of fisheries sector over the recent years and added that there is ample scope and need of expansion and diversification of Indian fisheries and aquaculture with the help of advanced technologies. He further requested the scientists and entrepreneurs to motivate farmers and develop innovative ways for increasing profits, decreasing input cost, species diversification and increasing the production and productivity of fish species and commercialize these techniques. Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), in his opening remarks, briefly highlighted that GOI is promoting scientific methods, innovations and infusion of modern technologies by providing financial assistance under various schemes which can benefit fishers and farmers of the country using latest techniques and the need of research and development in focus areas.

The Webinar began with the welcome address by Shri Sanjay Pandey, Assistant Commissioner, DoF along with introduction of the theme of the Webinar and the distinguished panelists, Shri Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries) along with Dr. A. P. Sharma, Former Director, ICAR-CIFRI and Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Senior Executive Director, NFDB and other participants.

During the technical session, Dr. A. P. Sharma, Former Director- ICAR CIFRI made a comprehensive presentation on “Technological trends in fisheries and aquaculture” focusing on the  reproductive innovations, productivity trends, molecular technologies, along with commercially viable trends like RAS, Biofloc technology, cold water fisheries, ornamental fisheries, multi trophic aquaculture, aquatic health management, genetics and biotechnology along with future technologies highlighted the importance of investing in good quality fish feed for ensuring high quality fish is produced and reared. Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Senior Executive Director, NFDB gave an insightful presentation on “Training & Capacity building on new technologies in fisheries and aquaculture” and highlighted the significance of skill & capacity building of fishers/fish farmers for building a pool of skilled workforce in the Aquaculture activities.

After the presentation, a session sharing the success stories was also held and stories highlighting the success aquaculture ventures were presented   by the Department of Fisheries, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh which served as motivation of the participants. This was followed by an open discussion forum with the participants, led by Shri Sagar Mehra with Dr. A. P. Sharma and Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, focusing on real-time successful techniques being invented and practiced by fish farmers across the country. The forum also provided an opportunity to the participants to ask relevant questions and  queries about benefits under various schemes run by the GoI. The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. S. K. Dwivedi, Assistant Commissioner, DoF.

28-Mar-2022: Polyherbal eco-friendly technology can combat tick infestation among dairy animals

A formulation consisting of herbal ingredients like Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Nagod (Vitex negundo) has been found to be effective in combatting tick infestation among dairy animals. Farmers who depend on dairy animal production are compounded by livestock ailments like tick infestation. These external parasites are found widely in cattle sheds across all geographical regions and proliferate rapidly. This causes tick worry, loss of appetite among animals causing reduction in milk production, thereby lessening farmers’ income. These parasites are vectors of systemic protozoan infection, threat to dairy animal health & productivity.

Presently, farmers rely on chemical acaricides that are costly, have to use recurrently due to nature of parasites. This raises input costs, and seldom farmers, particularly small, marginal farmers, get rid of this vicious cycle of seeking chemical acaricide.

Responding to the urgent requirement to develop suitable intervention measures in combating external parasites and to reduce the input cost, The National Innovation Foundation (NIF) -India, an autonomous body of the Department of Science & Technology, has developed, standardized a formulation comprising common herbal ingredients like Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Nagod (Vitex negundo). These medicinal trees are widely known among indigenous communities, common part of medicinal system in treatment of various ailments.

The formulation is easy to prepare and effective against hard tick infestation and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Sp. the etiological parasite in cattle.

Studies conducted at Gandhinagar district, Gujarat, demonstrated efficacy against hard tick infestation. The collaborative activity of NIF with Veterinary College, Palampur Himachal Pradesh held at Kangra district found similar percent efficacy against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Sp. the etiological parasite. The interface with Pune Zillah Sahakari Dudh Utpadak Sangh Maryadit, popularly called Katraj Dairy, Pune helped to undertake front line demonstration of farmer-friendly technology at Daund, Shirur, and Purandar taluka’s of Pune district, and capacity-building activities were undertaken. Farmers themselves can develop the formulation at the farm field. The functional efficacy, easy mode of preparation, and known practices assisted farmers to take note of this technology. This helped add value to local health traditions, strengthen inherent abilities, lessen dependence on institutional health systems, and benefit from knowledge system(s).

Subsequently, the dairy union started training dairy farmers to reduce the treatment cost and lessen the risk in reoccurrence of parasites. Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, College of Veterinary Science, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, College of Veterinary Science, Hassan, Karnataka has also recommended this insitu model of alternative technology for scaling up in the respective state.

Formation of suitable partnerships with institutions helped in expanding the availability of technology among dairy farmers in wider region. Demonstrations were held with the support of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal that resulted in systemic evaluation, transfer of knowledge in Haryana. With these efforts, the technology was recommended as package of practice through field evaluation. Para extension staffs were trained by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kalasamuthiram, Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu. The institution had popularized the technology with the support of the Regional Joint Director, Dept of Animal Husbandry, Govt. of Tamil Nadu.

To prepare the formulation, about 2.5 kilogram fresh leaves of neem are collected and kept in 4 litre lukewarm water. Similarly, about one kilogram fresh leaves of nagod is collected and kept in 2 litre lukewarm water. These medicines are kept in lukewarm water for at least an hour. Afterward, the preparation is allowed to cool under normal room temperature overnight. Each preparation's supernatant liquid (crude extract) is collected and stored. These individual crude extracts of neem, nagod have to be mixed in the ratio of 3:1 (Limbada/Neem: Nagod/Monks pepper) as per requirement. This stock solution can be mixed in 3.6 litre of normal water for usage.

NIF’s polyherbal medication was found to demonstrate efficacy in field conditions and the development of technology-based on resources available in front of farm fields. The popularization measures were held with the support of inter-institutional government cooperation for advancing technology to needy farmers.

22-Mar-2022: Start-up scheme

The Government is implementing the following schemes to supplement the efforts of the States/UTs across the country for the protection and development of the livestock and their indigenous breeds across the country which helps to encourage unemployed youths directly as well as indirectly to start businesses:

1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission,
2. National Programme for Dairy Development,
3. Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund,
4. Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities
5. National Livestock Mission,
6. Livestock Health and Disease Control
7. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund
8. National Animal Disease Control Programme
9. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
10. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund

Various sub-components under the said schemes have encouraged the unemployed youths to start businesses in the animal husbandry and dairy sector. In addition to this, the Government in partnership with Startup India, launched the “Animal Husbandry Startup Grand Challenge” on 11th September, 2019 which provides a unique opportunity in Animal Husbandry Sector towards a commercially viable and innovative solution for addressing the key challenges in the Sector. In order to scout for innovative and commercially viable solutions to address the problems faced by the Animal Husbandry and Dairy sector, Startup Grand Challenge 2.0 has been launched by Honourable Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying on 26th November 2021.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), under its Central Sector Component envisages for innovations and innovative projects/activities, technology demonstration including startups, incubators and pilot projects in fisheries sector. The Department in association with Startup India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry has inaugurated the “Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge” on 13th January 2022. The challenge was launched with an objective to provide a platform to young talent within the country to showcase their innovative solutions within the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector. 12 selected winners of the challenge shall be awarded with a cash grant of Rs 2.00 lakh. Further, up to 10 selected start-ups will be provided with the incubation support by an incubator selected by Startup India for a period of 9 months by providing seed grant to the selected start-ups.

The Government provides assistance to livestock & fisheries farmers/entrepreneurs through various fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy schemes for creation and strengthening of infrastructural facilities across the country.

12-Mar-2022: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala addresses Saurashtra Maldhari Sammelan

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala today addressed the Saurashtra Maldhari Sammelan, organised by Sahjeevan (Centre for Pastoralism), at Upleta in Rajkot district of Gujarat. With the theme "Fostering Pastoralism in Saurashtra- Conservation and its Sustenance", the Sammelan deliberated upon the conservation of threatened breeds of livestock, particularly the Halari breed of Donkey (breeding tract: Jamnagar and Devbhoomi Dwarka districts of Gujarat).

The Sammelan also deliberated upon constituting an advisory committee with participation of stakeholders for collaborative efforts; need for evolving programs and schemes with dedicated infrastructure for breeding and health care; enhancing resilient livelihood strategizes with a focus on the milk economy; optimizing tenurial security of the Halari donkey breeders with access to seasonal grazing and CFR rights.

A sizable number of Community representatives from community institutions, officials from Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Govt. of India; officials from State Animal Husbandry department, Govt. of Gujarat; Scientists from National Research Centre for Equines (NRCE); leading resource persons & representatives from Civil Society organizations participated in the workshop.

Shri Parshottam Rupala released a book ‘Pastoral Breeds of India’, compiled by Sahjeevan andan “APEKSHA (Expectations) PATRA” was shared by a group of Maldharis from Saurashtra & Kutch at the event.

Interacting with the Maldharis, particularly Halari Breeders, Kahami & Bhagri Breeders and Panchali Dumma Sheep Breeders, Union Minister Shri Rupala said that The National Livestock Mission (NLM) been designed to cover all the activities required to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems and capacity building of all stakeholders. It lays emphasis on conservation of threatened breeds of livestock while encouraging community participation and involvement of community in breed conservation. “It is pertinent to define a roadmap for conservation of the Halari breed of Donkey,” Shri Rupala added.

Dr. Debolina Mitra, Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries & Dairying, Govt. of India discussed the national agenda for pastoralism vis-à-vis Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Dr. Kelawala, Vice- Chancellor, Kamdhenu University shared the perspective of the workshop.

Dr. Falguni Thakar, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Govt. of Gujarat talked about the breed conservation and other programme priorities. She also deliberated upon the ‘Charter for future: Upleta declaration’.

Dr. Shyam Zawar, National Mentor, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying talked about various innovations in conservation.

Dr. Nilesh Nayee of National Dairy Development Board, Anand discussed about livelihood potential & future pathway.

Earlier welcoming the participants at the workshop, Dr. Manoj Mishra, Executive Director, Sahjeevan said that pastoralists have developed a significant proportion of India’s livestock breeds - 73 out of 200 officially recognized breeds. These breeds are very special, being on the one hand very alert, resilient, hardy and independent, but also bonded to their herders in a symbiotic relationship. Halari breed of Donkey is one among them.

Halari Donkey is one of the important livestock in the semi-arid landscape of Saurashtra’s Jamnagar and Dwarka district of the state of Gujarat. The Bharwad and Rabari pastoralists are the main communities which use this donkey as a pack animal to carry luggage during migration with small ruminants. These pastoralists regularly migrate to other districts. Pastoral women, generally, take care of Halari donkeys. The Kumbhar (potter) community also uses this animal for pottery work in Dwarka in the, Jamnagar region.

This elegant donkey from Halar region of Saurashtra is currently in a threatened state and requires immediate steps towards conservation to reverse the declining trend in the population. A survey of Halari Donkey and its keepers in 2015 found that 1200 individuals of the breed were existing. However, in the recent survey conducted in 2021-22 the number dwindled to 439 individuals in its native tract. After intensive focus group discussions with the Halari donkey keepers’ different challenges have been brought out to the fore. Notable of them are the unavailability of Halari Donkey male for breeding, disincentives to Halari Donkey rearers with no avenues associated with streamlining the livelihoods (based on donkey milk).

10-Aug-2021: Promotion of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Sector

In order to supplement the efforts of the States/UTs for development and promotion of animal husbandry and dairy sectors, the Government is implementing various animal husbandry and dairying schemes to enhance production and productivity of bovines & small ruminants (sheep & goat), piggery & poultry for increasing the income of livestock farmers across the country namely:

1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
2. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
3. Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund(DIDF)
4. Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities (SDC&FPO)
5. National Livestock Mission(NLM)
6.  Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
7. Livestock Health & Disease Control(LH&DC)
8. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

In order to further boost growth in animal husbandry and dairy sector, the Government has revised and realigned some of the components of the existing schemes to be implemented in the next 5 years starting from 2021-22.

Livestock Sector in our country has been growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.15% (at constant prices) from 2014-15 to 2019-20. Milk production, Egg Production and Meat Production in the country are growing at compound annual growth rate of 6.28%, 7.82% and 5.15% respectively from 2014-15 to 2019-20. As per National Account Statistics 2021, the value of output of milk in 2019-20 is Rs 8.39 lakh crore (at current prices) surpassing total value of output from cereals.

The Government has received proposals from States/UTs including the States of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (UT) regarding animal husbandry and dairy projects under the schemes of the Department.

27-Jul-2021: Eradication of Diseases in Animals

The Government is implementing a Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LH&DCP) under which Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Pesté des Petits Ruminants (PPR) are two diseases which are taken up for eventual eradication. Both the diseases are of economic importance to the farmers. The FMD eradication is implemented under National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) since 2019-20. PPR eradication programme under Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC) scheme is implemented from 2021-22. Both FMD and PPR eradication programmes are 100% centrally funded.

It is envisaged to eventually eradicate FMD and PPR by 2030.

23-Jul-2021: Problems faced by fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying farmers

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, with a view to avoid adverse impact on fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying farmers due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the country has taken several measures which are as under:

1. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying had issued advisory to State Governments/Union Territories to include fish and shrimp in the list of exempted commodities during lockdown and also allow movement of fish and fish products, fish seed & fish feed for fish-farmers/fishers, aquaculture farms and other commercial establishments like aquarium shop etc.
2. Guidelines issued on 10th April, 2020 by the Ministry of Home Affairs also allowed operations of the fishing(marine)/aquaculture industry including feeding & maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing, hatcheries, feed plants, commercial aquaria, movement of fish/shrimp and fish products, seed/feed and workers was allowed during the lockdown period.
3. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched a flagship scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) - to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India” with an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crore for a period of 5 years from financial year 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories as a part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Package.
4. The Ministry of Home Affairs had on 26th March, 2020 issued Guidelines wherein it was clarified that exceptions under clause 6, covers the transportation/ interstate movement of animal feed and fodder, being the essential items to ease movement of Animal feed and fodder in light of Manufacture and transportation of Animal feed and feed ingredient which are essential for livestock feeding and to include the same in the list of essential commodities.
5. All the States / UTs were requested to consider veterinary services in the list of "Essential Services" as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure continuous emergency services in the animal husbandry and veterinary sector, especially in emergent animal health situations including disease diagnosis and treatment, monitoring of any emergency livestock and poultry diseases, immediate disease reporting etc.
6. Day-to-day difficulties faced by Dairies (both Coop & Private) like opening of packaging material factories, supply of raw materials, transportation difficulties, issuance of passes etc. were addressed and resolved with the support of Ministry of Home Affairs.
7. Due to economic impact of Covid-19 outbreak in Dairy Sector, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has introduced a new component namely “interest subvention on Working capital loans for Dairy sector” with an outlay of Rs 203 Cr for 2020-21under Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmers Producer Organisations engaged in dairy activities (SDCFPO) to provide 2% interest subvention on working capital loan and additional 2% in timely payment.
8. In order to complement and supplement the efforts made by the States and Union Territories to increase the production of milk, the Government has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission since December 2014 to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines and thereby making milk production more remunerative to the farmers.

24-Mar-2021: Productivity of Dairy Animals

As per Integrated Sample Survey average annual productivity of cattle in India during 2019-20 is 1777 kg per animal per year as against the world average of 2699 kg per animal per year during 2019 (as per FAO Statistics). Average productivity of cattle has increased by 27.95% between 2013-14 and 2019-20 which is highest increase in productivity in the World. In order to complement and supplement the efforts made by the States and Union Territories Government of India has been implementing following schemes to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines:

1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
2. National Dairy Plan-I (continued upto November, 2019).
3. Breed Improvement Institutes comprising of 7 Central Cattle Breeding Farms and 4 Central Herd Registration Units.

In addition, Government is also implementing National Animal Disease Control Programme for control and eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis in the country and Feed and Fodder Development under National Livestock Mission to enhance availability of feed and fodder in the country.

As per Integrated Sample Survey the average annual productivity of milk yield of cattle in Uttar Pradesh during the last three years is given in the following table:

Year	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20
Average productivity of cattle in kg per animal per year	1428.08	1449.81	1462.76

Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been implementing National Livestock Mission and assistance is made available under the scheme to the States and Union territories for livestock insurance under the component of Risk Management and Insurance. The scheme covers indigenous / crossbred milch animals, pack animals (Horses, Donkey, Mules, Camels, Ponies and Cattle/Buffalo), and other Livestock (Goat, Sheep, Pigs, Rabbit, Yak and Mithun etc.). Scheme is optional not mandatory and implemented with following funding pattern:   (i) Central share 25%, State share 25% and Beneficiary share 50% for Above Poverty Line (APL), and Central share 40%, State share 30%, and Beneficiary share 30% for Below Poverty Line (BPL) / SC / ST in Normal Areas; (ii) Central share 35%, State share 25% and Beneficiary share 40% for APL, and Central share 50%, State share 30%, and Beneficiary share 20% for Below Poverty Line (BPL) / SC / ST in North Eastern Region (NER) / Hill areas / Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas and (iii) Central share 45%, State share 25% and Beneficiary share 30% for APL, and Central share 60%, State share 30%, and Beneficiary share 10% for BPL / SC / ST in Difficult Areas.

Information on number of cows being transported is not collected by Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. However, as per Livestock Census, 2020 total Milch cattle population has increased by 10.44% from 67.54 million in 2012 to 74.59 million in 2019. This is due to the programmes initiated by Government of India such as Rashtriya Gokul Mission for development and conservation of bovine population including cattle population in the country.

23-Dec-2020: Year End Review 2020: Department of Fisheries

The fisheries sector has been recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of a number of subsidiary industries and is a source of cheap and nutritious food, at the same time it is an instrument of livelihood for a large section of economically backward population of the country. Fishery sector occupies an important place in the socio-economic development of the country. "Fisheries is a fast-growing sector in India, which provides nutrition and food security to a large population of the country besides providing income and employment to more than 28 million people.

India is the second largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.56% of global production and contributing about 1.24% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 7.28% to the agricultural GVA. Fisheries and aquaculture continue to be an important source of food, nutrition, income and livelihood to millions of people. Export earnings from the Fisheries sector has been Rs.46,662.85 crores during 2019-20. The sector provides livelihood support to about 280 lakh people at the primary level and almost twice the number along the value chain and the annual average growth rate in the Fisheries sector has been 7% over the last few years. Fish being an affordable and rich source of animal protein, is one of the healthiest options to mitigate hunger and nutrient deficiency. The sector has immense potential to double the fish farmers’ income by 2022, as envisioned by the Government of India. Hence it is essential that sustained and focused attention is given to the fisheries sector through policy and financial support to accelerate its development in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner. The details of achievement made during 2020-21 are as below:

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) (till 07.12.20)

INLAND FISHERIES

1. 4,171 hectares of pond area approved under inland aquaculture.
2. 757 Biofloc units and 1242 Nos of Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) have been sanctioned (which has already surpassed the total RAS units sanctioned during CSS: Blue Revolution, 522 Nos).
3. 3,763 Nos of cages and 72.7 hectares pens in reservoirs and other water-bodies approved.
4. 109 Nos of fish/prawn hatcheries approved.
5. 373 hectares of pond area approved under Saline-alkaline culture.
6. 6 Nos Brood-bank facilities approved.

MARINE FISHERIES

1. 122 deep sea fishing vessel.
2. 217 up gradation of existing fishing vessels.
3. 2,755, Bio-toilets constructed in mechanized fishing vessels.
4. 656 no's of sea cage for fish culture.
5. 2, Small Marine finfish hatcheries.)
6. 471 hectares of pond area brought under brackish water aquaculture, 6 no's of brackish water hatcheries.

FISHERMEN WELFARE

1. 1820 Nos replacement boats and nets for fishermen. (Table A-III a)
2. Livelihood and nutritional support for 1,22,551, fishers’ families for conservation of fisheries resources during fishing ban/lean period.
3. 20 no's Extension and support services.

FISHERIES INFRASTRUCTURE

1. 70 Nos. ice plant/cold storages sanctioned.
2. 127 Nos fish feed mill/plants.
3. 6,288 units of fish transportation facilities viz., refrigerated (58) and insulated trucks (187), auto rickshaws (986), motor cycles (3036) and bicycles with ice box (1831) have been sanctioned. (50% of CSS: BR)
4. 606 units of fish retail markets (43) and fish kiosks including ornamental kiosks (563).
5. 41 value added enterprise units have been sanctioned so far.

AQUATIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT

1. 8, Disease diagnostic centre and quality testing labs approved.
2. 17 Mobile centres and testing labs approved.
3. 2, Aquatic referral labs have been approved.

ORNAMENTAL FISHERIES

1. 203 Nos of Ornamental fish rearing units have been sanctioned.
2. 14 Nos of Integrated Ornamental fish units (breeding and rearing) have been sanctioned.

SEAWEED CULTIVATION

1. 15,000 no's rafts approved for seaweed cultivation.
2. 1,331 no's monoline tubenet approved or seaweed culture.

COLDWATER FISHERIES

1. 50.6 hectares area of new pond has been sanctioned.
2. 4 Trout hatcheries and construction of 958 new raceway units have been sanctioned.
3. 16nos of RAS units sanctioned for Coldwater fisheries.

DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH EAST REGIONS

1. Total Project cost of Rs. 203.38 crore approved with a central share of Rs. 101.03 crore.
2. Hatcheries : 25 Nos
3. Fish Seed Rearing Unit : 182.2 ha
4. Integrated Fish Farming : 563.4 ha
5. Installation of cages in reservoir : 250 no's
6. Re-circulatory Aquaculture System(RAS) : 22 units
7. Ornamental Fisheries units : 47 Nos
8. Biofloc units- 62 Nos
9. Construction of new ponds- 673 ha
10. Feed mills- 19 no’s

IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES

1. Brood banks (including seaweed banks) : 6 Nos approved
2. Sagar Mitras : 1997 Nos approved.
3. Integrated Development of Reservoirs: 12 Reservoirs approved.
4. Fish Farmers Producers Organizations(FFPOs): State/UT-wise targets for 720 FFPOs has been issued advising the States/UTs to submit the proposals.
5. Matsya Seva Kendra: 20 units approved. State/UT-wise targets prepared. Concept on establishment and operation of the MSK is being finalized.
6. Integrated Coastal Villages: Action Plan prepared and is being finalized.
7. Integrated Aqua Parks: Action plan prepared. Salient feature of the action plan is being forwarded to the States/UTs requesting them to submit the proposals accordingly.

KCC to Animal Husbandry farmers and Fisheries

As on date, a total of 44,935 KCCs have been issued to fishers and fish farmers. In addition, about 3.80 lakh applications from fishers and fish farmers are with the Banks at various stages for issuance of KCCs

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund

The Union Government in its Budget 2018 has set aside Rs. 7,550crore for setting up of a dedicated Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). The fund has the potential to benefit over 4 million marine and inland fishers especially women, SHGs, weaker sections, due to availability of modern infrastructure and added value of produce. FIDF will provide concessional finance to the State Governments/Union Territories, State entities, cooperatives, individual entrepreneurs, etc. for development of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and inland fisheries sector.

The infrastructure facilities to be funded under the FIDF will broadly cover development of fishing harbours/ fish landing centres, fish seed farms, fish feed mills/plants, cage culture in reservoirs, mariculture activities, introduction of deep sea fishing vessels, setting up of disease diagnostic and aquatic quarantine facilities, creation of cold chain infrastructure facilities such as ice plants, cold storage, fish transport facilities, fish processing units, fish markets etc.

The fund would (i) fill the large infrastructure gaps in fisheries sector, (ii) create employment opportunity to the rural population in fishing and allied activities, (iii) contributes towards enhancement of fish production and productivity, (iv) offers manifold benefits and (v) fulfill the requirements of tapping the full fisheries potential and achieving the vision given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for doubling farmers’ income.

The Fund would be created in collaboration with NABARD, NCDC and Specified commercial banks. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) will be the Nodal Implementing Agency for overall coordination of the FIDF activities. FIDF is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities to around 9.40 lakh persons in fishing and allied activities.

13-Apr-2022: Ministry of Panchayati Raj to organize National Conference on Augmentation of Own Sources of Revenue for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs)

Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing National Conference on Augmentation of Own Sources of Revenue for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) on 14th April, 2022 at SCOPE Convention Centre, SCOPE Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi as part of Iconic Week (11th – 17th April, 2022) celebrations to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The conference would be attended by representatives/ Senior Officials from Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Government of India, Elected Representatives from three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions i.e. Gram Panchayat, Block Panchayat and District Panchayats, Policymakers and Subject Experts etc. for in-depth deliberations on the subject and the way forward for augmentation of OSRs by Rural Local Bodies.

Background:

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. During year-long celebration of AKAM, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been allocated the period from 11th April to 17th April, 2022 as Iconic Week for celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Own Sources of Revenues is one of the instruments of fiscal federalism for RLBs. Article 243H of the Constitution makes provision for financial empowerment of PRIs thereby giving powers to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees etc. At present, RLBs are widely dependent on the Central and State Finance Commission Grants for providing basic services in rural areas.

Actual empowerment to RLBs can be ensured through empowering them to earn their OSRs for bringing sustainability, self-reliance in providing need-based services to their panchayats. Many States have taken commendable steps in devolution of funds, functions and functionaries. This has enabled them in earning good OSRs which in turn have given them leverage for delivering various developmental activities for the common masses in rural areas.

27-Jan-2021: Grant of Rs.12,351 crore released for Rural Local Bodies

The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has released an amount of Rs.12,351.5 crore to 18 States for providing grants to the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs).  This amount is the 2nd instalment of basic grants released in the financial year 2020-21.

The grant has been released to 18 States who have provided the Utilisation Certificate for the first instalment and on the recommendation of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

The grants to RLBs are released as per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission to create community assets and improve financial viability of the RLBs.  The grants are provided to all the three tiers of Panchayati Raj -  Village, Block and District to enable pooling of resources across villages and blocks. 

The 15th Finance Commission has recommended two types of grants to the RLBs – basic and tied grants.  Basic grants are untied and can be used by the local bodies for location specific felt needs except for salary or other establishment expenditure.  The tied grants can be used for the basic services of (a) sanitation and maintenance of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and (b) supply of drinking water, rain water harvesting and water recycling.

The grants are meant to ensure additional funds to RLBs over and above the funds allocated by the Centre and the State for sanitation and drinking water under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes like Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission.

The States are required to transfer the grants to the RLBs within 10 working days of receipt from the Union Government.  Any delay beyond 10 working days requires the State Governments to release the grants with interest.

Earlier, the first instalment of basic grants to RLBs and arrears of 14th Finance Commission amounting to Rs.18,199 crore were released to all the States in June, 2020.  Subsequently, the 1st instalment of tied grants amounting to Rs.15,187.50 crore was also released to all the States.   Thus, a total amount of Rs.45,738 crore of both basic and tied grants has been released so far by the Department of Expenditure to the States for RLBs.  State-wise amount of the grants released so far is enclosed.