Govt launches mobile app ‘Matsya Setu’ for aqua farmers

Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched a mobile app ‘Matsya Setu’ to disseminate the latest freshwater aquaculture technologies to the country’s aqua farmers.

The app has been developed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, with the funding support of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.

Matsya Setu app has species-wise/subject-wise self-learning online course modules, where renowned aquaculture experts explain the basic concepts and practical demonstrations on breeding, seed production and grow-out culture of commercially important fishes like carp, catfish, scampi, murrel, ornamental fish, and pearl farming.

Better management practices to be followed in maintaining the soil and water quality, feeding and health management in aquaculture operations have also been provided in the course platform.

The modules are divided into small video chapters for the convenience of the learners, along with additional learning materials.

Farmers can also ask their doubts through the app and get specific advisories from experts.

Background

India is the second largest fish producer in the world with a total production of 13.7 million metric tonnes in 2018-19 providing meaningful employment to 14 million people across the value chain in harvesting, processing, packaging and distribution. 

During 2019-20, India exported 12.89 lakh MT of seafood worth $6.68 billion. The commodity basket of Indian fishery export is highly diversified and bulk of the exports is traded in the frozen form.

Other related initiatives:

SHAPHARI: In order to improve the consistency, credibility and transparency of the certification process, a web portal has been designed with an intention to streamline the auditing process. The online process passes through a series of steps before issuing the certificate. Processors & exporters who are desirous of buying quality shrimp for their farms can verify the claim of the farmer by visiting the SHAPHARI web portal.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund: 

A dedicated fund has been created namely the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund with a total of Rs 7,522.48 crore to address the infrastructure requirement for fisheries sector.

FIDF provides concessional finance to the eligible entities, cooperatives, individuals and entrepreneurs for development of identified fisheries infrastructure.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

It is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of fisheries sector in the country with an estimated investment of Rs 20,050 crore for its implementation during a period of five years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all states/Union Territories, as a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Package. 

The investment of Rs 20,050 crore under PMMSY is the highest ever in the fisheries sector. Out of this, an investment of about Rs 12,340 crore is proposed for beneficiary-oriented activities in marine, inland fisheries and aquaculture and about Rs 7,710 crore investment for fisheries infrastructure.

PMMSY aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25, increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs 1,00,000 crore by 2024-25, doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers, reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25 per cent to about 10 per cent and generation of additional 55 lakh direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in fisheries sector and allied activities.

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