Matsya Setu | 08 Jul 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the Online Course Mobile App “Matsya Setu” for fish farmers.

• The app was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).

Key Points

• About:
  
  • It aims to disseminate the latest freshwater aquaculture technologies to the aqua farmers of the country, thus increasing the productivity and income.
    
    • Aquaculture is breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants.
    • India is the second major producer of fish through aquaculture in the world.
  • It has a focus on grow-out culture of commercially important fishes like carp, catfish, scampi, murrel, ornamental fish, pearl farming etc.
  • It can be used to disseminate the latest information on different schemes among the stakeholders, especially fishers, fish farmers, youth and entrepreneurs across the country, and facilitate ease of doing business.
• Other Related Initiatives:
  
  • Shaphari: Certification Scheme for Aquaculture Products: It is a market-based tool for hatcheries to adopt good aquaculture practices and help produce quality antibiotic-free shrimp products to assure global consumers.
  • Establishment of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) during 2018-19.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: The programme aims to achieve 22 million tonnes of fish production by 2024-25. Also, it is expected to create employment opportunities for 55 lakh people.
  • Focus on Blue Revolution: Creating an enabling environment for integrated and holistic management of fisheries for the socio-economic development of the fishers and fish farmers.
  • Extension of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to fishers and fish farmers to help them in meeting their working capital needs.

Source: PIB