Title pages April-May 2016.pmd

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Page No.

From the Chief Executive 3

By Invitation 5

1. North and Northeast 8

2. Farmers’ Note Book 9

3. New/Innovative Technologies in Fisheries 11

4. NFDB Initiatives 13

5. Important Events 32

6. NFDB Field Notes 39

7. Fishers & Farmers News 44

8. Fisheries & Aquaculture Industry News 46

9. NFDB News 48

10. NFDB in the Media 49

11. Announcements 50

Feb 02 World Wetlands Day

March 22 World Water Day

March 23 World Meteorology Day

April 05 National Maritime Day

April 16 World Entrepreneurship Day

April 22 International Mother Earth Day

May 22 International Day for BiologicalDiversity

May 23 World Turtle Day

May 24 World Fish Migration Day

June 05 World Environment Day

June 08 World Oceans Day

July First International Day of CooperativesSaturday

July 10 National Fish Farmers’ Day

NFDB Formation Day

July 11 World Population Day

Sept 16 International Day for Preservationof Ozone Layer

Sept 18 World Water Monitoring Day

Sept 26 World Hunting & Fishing Day

Oct First World Habitat DayMonday

Oct 16 World Food Day

Nov 21 World Fisheries Day

Dec 03 World Conservation Day

Dec 05 World Soil Day

Dec 14 World Energy Day

In this Issue

Chief Editor & Publisher:Shri K.N. Kumar, IASChief ExecutiveNational Fisheries Development BoardHyderabad – 500 052.

Associate Editor:Dr. K. Ravindranath, Sr. Consultant (Tech)

[Mail to: [email protected]]

Days to Remember

Seasonal Fishing Ban/ Closed SeasonEast Coast of India 15 April to 14 June

West Coast of India 01 June to 31 July

Volume 8, Issue 1 April - May 2016

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K.N. Kumar, IASChief Executive, NFDB

Ornapreneurship

In the nearly $ 6 billion global Ornamental Fish Trade,our country’s share is a woeful 0.008%. That, despitethe fact that India is home to more than 100 indigenousspecies of ornamental fish some of which are capturedfrom the wild and exported by traders. Such wildcapture of exportable ornamental fish species will havea long-term impact on the bio-diversity and we end uplosing the finite and rare resource. While theopportunities in the sector are phenomenal consideringthat it is the second most widely pursued hobby afterphotography, it needs to be stated that the sector isconfronting several bottlenecks that requiresmoothening so the trade can flourish.

A deeper analysis of the ornamental fisheries industryreveals that the cost of fish in any aquarium is onlyabout 25% of the total cost. In other words, the costthat a hobbyist will have to incur for aquarium, theplants, the aeration units, the feed, etc. is three timesthe cost of most ornamental fish species. At themoment, most of the aquarium accessories/ equipmentare imported from China and there is hardly any highquality manufacture of these items in the country. It isan opportunity we should seize, to encourage bothinnovation and entrepreneurship in the sector. To enablethat however, we will need to come up with schemes

that are appropriately designed. As of now, almost allthe ornamental fishery schemes are designed andoriented toward the biology and not the accessoriespart of it. This approach has to change. The other issuethat also requires to be looked into earnestly is the non-availability of live feed, a very critical requirement forthe ornamental fish.

There are very few research institutions in the countrythat do original work to genetically improve the speciesand make them commercially important. It is a matterof concern, because most value is added to a speciesby colouration, texture, transparency, size, etc. all ofwhich can be induced through focussed research work.Since no such original research work is undertaken inIndia for the indigenous species, the Indian hobbyisthas to per force depend upon the exotic ornamentalsthat are attractive. That situation can change only ifwe can nudge our research institutions to pick up newdomains of work that can bring value to native species.The story is more or less the same with respect to thebreeding protocols. The ornamental fish breeding is avery essential step and there are entrepreneurs in thecountry who can undertake the breeding of theornamental fish, both native and exotic if the protocolscan be developed and extended to them. The CMFRIhas developed such protocols for nine MarineOrnamental Fish species. However, they are yet tobecome commonplace. The NFDB will do its best, sothese protocols will get extended to the breeders ofthe country.

Another matter of concern is that there is hardly anyentrepreneurship in the country relating to theOrnamental Fishery Industry (Ornapreneurship). Itis acknowledged that the industry is women-friendlyand an average housewife can actually rear theornamental fish in her own backyard provided she is

From the Chief Executive

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supplied with good quality seed and the technology istransferred to her. There is already a thriving model inthis regard in West Bengal. That is, we will need to putin place an alternative model of fishery extensionthrough private sector because the government systemsare hard-pressed for manpower and resources. Mostfishery officials are engaged in reaching out thetechnologies relating to commercial aquaculture thanthe ornamental fisheries. So, there is a possibility totrain and develop a pool of young manpower who canactually reach out the technologies and hand-hold thecountless women Self Help Groups and otherentrepreneurs in this regard. The NFDB is alreadymoving in that direction by developing a cadre ofBusiness Development Facilitators (BDF) and the BestManagement Practices (BMPs) that will need to befollowed by all the stakeholders. Once done, the BDFsand BMPs will form a basis for systematic growth ofthe industry. The state governments will need to spendsome of their resources to develop such manpower whocan trigger the development process. I learnt that inBengaluru such an exercise has already begun gainfullyto engage the youth in this sector.

The Marine Ornamentals is another category thatrequires close watch. Because most of the marineornamental fish are around the coral reef system, anyexcessive wild capture around the reefs will disruptthe ecosystem and therefore, has to be very carefullyguarded and regulated. Some fish and the corals havea symbiotic relationship and the loss of one is the lossof the other. The best option is to promote aggressivelythe culture of marine ornamental fish in a veryconcerted and focussed manner. One major constraintwith respect to the marine ornamentals seems to bethat brood fish and exclusive brood banks for themarine ornamentals are not easily available. The timeto make such investments seems to be now. The visionshould be to develop at least one marine ornamental

fish brood bank in every maritime state, in the longterm interest of the country. Once high quality broodersare made available to the hatcheries, the quality of thefingerlings will improve and exports will become thatmuch easy. As of now, most of the cultured ornamentalsin the country are not of export quality and therefore,have to be traded in the domestic market only. This isa matter of intervention for us at the NFDB.

Also, I see the distinct need for promoting live feedculture specific to ornamental fisheries. Live feedimproves the growth and survival of many ornamentalfish compared to formulated feeds. Rotifers, copepods,artemia, and bloodworms have generally been used bythe culturists. Despite their importance to improve thequality and quantity of ornamental fish, there is hardlyany entrepreneurial interest in this regard, partlybecause the culture technologies are not available andto an extent because there is no schematic support. Thiswill be an important area for the NFDB to interveneso we can establish live feed culture units.

Finally, I see a great need to educate and build thecapacities of the stakeholders of the ornamental fisheryindustry. More so, in the north-eastern region of India,where a significant proportion of our native indigenousspecies are captured from the wild. The region beinga bio-diversity hotspot, we will need to be very carefulabout protecting the native species and preventing bio-piracy. That is possible only when we make massiveinvestments in building the human capacities of theregion so they can breed and produce them locally. Thatwill achieve the twin objectives of protection/conservation as well as creation of livelihood optionsto the local people. The NFDB is engaged in this taskand is organizing a workshop at Guwahati with all thestakeholders of the N.E. region.

I look forward to a renewed consciousness relating tothe ornamental fishery industry in the country.

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Dr. S. AyyappanIndian Council of Agricultural Research,New Delhi [On Board MFV Bluefin, off Kavaratti,Lakshadweep, 16 May, 2016]

By Invitation

Blue Revolution for a Blue Economy

Look to the Seas

As I received a letter from NFDB to write an articlefor ‘Matsya Bharat’, I also travelled to Lakshadweepand today, privileged to be on ‘MFV Bluefin’, a newvessel acquired by the Lakshadweep Administration,funded by NFDB. Island fisheries have always beenfascinating, for the richness of biodiversity andimmense potentials for livelihoods. I came here to seethe Fish-Fisher-Fisheries, lifeline of the economy. Theday is overcast, with thunders in the early morning andshowers, also with a weather warning. Tens of boatswith pole & line are anchored in the sea, waiting forthe clouds to clear. There are also a few Yellowfin Tunabrought by the boats that went to the sea in the earlyhours. The shore is full of boiled & smoked SkipjackTuna kept for drying, preparing the famous ‘mas’[Masmin].

The Skipjack Tuna Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus,1758)

Boiled and smoked strips of Skipjack Tuna kept fordrying for preparing the traditional product ‘Masmin’in Lakshadweep Islands

Coconut and fish are the bread and butter of theislanders, with every activity woven around them. FreshTuna fetches over Rs. 200/- per kg and a boat couldbring in over 1000 Tuna, mostly Skipjack, everyday.Over 400 of them, 3-4 times a week, sustain thefamilies and houses all along the coast. Concerns arethe weather-uncertainties, availability of bait fish,demand on landing and then the mas-making in thehumid weather, prone to insects. Over 15,000 tonnesof Tuna are landed from the group of islands everyyear, but the database needs to be strengthened.Biometric cards and fish aggregating devices (FADs)

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are exciting additions. Main issue pertains to the bait-fish, with the preponderance of turtles in the coast thatgraze upon all the sea-grass and affect the habitat ofbait-fishes. Are ‘Fish Reserves’ possible, on lines ofMarine Protected Areas (MPAs), is the questionfrequented by the fishers.

Mechanised Boats use for Fishing Skipjack Tuna inLakshadweep Islands

NFDB funded Tuna Fishing and Research Vessel ‘MFVBluefin’ of the Lakshadweep Fisheries Department

Introduction of medium size pole & line boats forSkipjack Tuna fishing and long line vessels forYellowfin Tuna, establishment of a quick freezing plantfor export market and a fishmeal plant for utilizingfish waste, installation of more FADs, implementation

of effective measures to prevent coastal erosion,capacity building and youth-focused skill developmentwith gender equity are a few needed and doableinterventions.

Blue Economy

We have moved from the Millennium DevelopmentGoals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) in the last few months, and both of them laygreat emphasis on scientific use of oceanic resources.Oceanic influence on human development goals ishistorically significant form the times of seafarers tothe pursuit of global maritime trade, commerce andindustry. Dr. Gunter A. Pauli, in his book, ‘The BlueEconomy: 10 Years - 100 Innovations - 100 MillionJobs’, brought out the potentials of ecosystem-orientedbusiness, that would be sustainable and balanced.Oceans being the resource for hydrocarbons, mineralsand bio-resources, they would be the next generationresource for economic growth.

Indian Ocean is the warmest and the third largest oceanon our globe, with several seas, gulfs and straits spreadfrom South Africa to Australia. With 20% of oceanicwaters here, the Blue Economy has become a commonthread for many Asian countries with ocean rims.IORA, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, a group of23 countries has been providing a platform forcollective action in this regard. It is increasingly beingrecognised in India too, that multi-dimensionalutilisation of marine resources is an imperative foreconomic development of the coastal region of thecountry.

Economic activities in the oceans include shipping,mining, oil, gas and energy, along with bio-resource

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utilisation pertaining to mainly fisheries. The objectiveof an overarching Blue Growth Strategy is to assessthe carbon footprints these cause in the ecosystem andto devise ways and means to mitigate their cumulativeimpact on living aquatic resources, biodiversity andecosystem services.

Indian Fisheries

The coastline of over 8,000 km and the ExclusiveEconomic Zone of over 2 million sq km, along withthe island ecosystems of Lakshadweep and Andaman& Nicobar offer an opportunity for food, trade, tourismand livelihoods. Over 3,000 coastal villages also attractattention in the context of threats of natural disasters.The coastal agri-ecosystem comprises over 14% of thepopulation and contributes as much to the food basket.Fisheries and coastal aquaculture contribute nearly 5%of the AgGDP, 10% of agri-exports and providelivelihood for 14 million people. The resource base ofcoastal waters has been eroding, due to overfishing,coastal pollution, climate change and associatedfactors. It is in this context that a new, responsible andsustainable approach in terms of both environment andeconomics is needed to realise the full productionpotential on a long term basis.

The paradigm shift in Indian fisheries from marine toinland, as also capture to culture, is amply evident inthe last decade. Resilient fisheries and sustainableaquaculture, with due regard to ecosystem health arethe canvas that we need to script. Identification ofuntapped potential, be it island fisheries, reservoirfisheries, integrated farming, sport and ornamental

fisheries, each one needs to be elaborated and actionplans drawn up. A ten million-tonne fish country thatIndia is, has to focus in greater measures on aquaticresources, in order not only to produce more food, butto address the starch to protein shift, increasing pressureon land, livelihoods and equity.

Blue Revolution

India has been pursuing a Blue Revolution, throughtechnologies and investments, though much morediversification and intensification are needed andpossible. The seas are beckoning to be explored in alltheir dimensions and resources utilised for improvingthe life of the fish-associated population. Resourcemanagement with due reference to availability, accessand international agreements, requires a holisticapproach and synergy of efforts of multiple agenciesinvolved in system. New Science and Innovations,deployment of new tools, higher investments andconvergence of players, along with the communityliving with the seas since times immemorial, in a valuechain approach, are the present needs.

Given the natural resources with aquaculturepossibilities, Input management has been the keydiscussion across stakeholders. Quality seed and feed,oft-repeated requirements; Infrastructure from ‘seed tomarket’; Incentives for production of fish, being aperishable; Governance of the sector; come up in thesediscussions. Blue Revolution for both the producer andthe consumer is the gist of ‘Fish for All’. Given theopportunities and the partnerships, it is poised to playan important role in the Blue Economy of India.

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1. North and Northeast

1.1 NFDB participates in Exhibition onDevelopment of Northeastern States at Shillong,MeghalayaA one-day Exhibition was organized by the Institutes underthe Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, at Shillong,Meghalaya, on 27 May 2016, with focus on Developmentof Northeastern States of the country. The NFDB put up astall to showcase various fisheries developmental activitiesundertaken for enhancing fish production as well asimproving the livelihoods of fishers in the region.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiinaugurated the Exhibition and also visited the NFDB Stall.Dr. Utpal Kumar Sar, Executive Director (Tech) welcomedthe Hon’ble Prime Minister and explained about thedevelopmental activities undertaken by NFDB in theNortheastern States and the Board’s commitment forushering in a Blue Revolution.

Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi beingreceived at the NFDB Stall in the Exhibition onNortheastern States, at Shillong, Meghalaya on 27 May2016

1.2 NFDB participates in ‘Pradhan Mantri FasalBima Yojana’ Programme at Kamrup, AssamA day-long ‘Farmers’ Fair-cum-Awareness Programmne onPradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’ (PMFBY) wasorganized on 31st May 2016 in the Assam AgriculturalUniversity Krishi Vigyan Kendra (AAU-KVK) premises,Kahikuchi, Kamrup district, Assam. An exhibition was alsoarranged with live demonstrations on application of variousimproved technologies and best practices besidesshowcasing suitable technologies in agricultural including

fisheries. The NFDB Regional Centre, Guwahatiestablished a stall to create awareness about the variousNFDB initiatives, schemes and projects funded in Assamand the North Eastern Region. Other participants includethe Regional Centres of Central Inland Fisheries ResearchInstitute, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute,Coconut Development Board, Spices Board, NationalHorticulture Board, National Research Centre on Pig andSankar Dev Nursery besides a few SHGs.

Farmers and youth visiting the NFDB Stall at ‘Farmers’Fair-cum-Awareness Programmne on Pradhan MantriFasal Bima Yojana’ Kahikuchi, Kamrup district, Assam

Mrs. Bijoya Chakrabarty, Hon’ble Member of Parliament,inaugurated the Farmers’ Fair in the presence of Dr. K.M.Bujarbaruah, Vice Chancellor, Assam AgriculturalUniversity, Dr. B. C. Deka, Director, ICAR-ATARI,Meghalaya and other dignitaries. A scientist-farmerinteraction programme was also held and soil health cardswere distributed to farmers. A large number of farmersvisited NFDB Stall, interacted and enquired about theschemes and assistance available. NFDB Newsletter‘Matsya Bharat’, Leaflets and Application Form ‘MatsyaSamridhi’ were distributed among the visitors.

1.3 NFDB Funded Projects in the State of AssamReviewedNFDB provided financial assistance to Directorate ofFisheries, Govt. of Assam for implementing variousschemes, viz. Domestic Marketing, Intensive Aquaculturein Ponds and Tanks, Reservoir Fisheries Development,Ornamental Fisheries, etc. Dr. S.K. Das, Director ofFisheries, Govt. of Assam held a meeting on 27th April,

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2016 at his office in Meen Bhawan, Guwahati, with Dr. B.Lahon, Sr. Consultant & O-i-C and Shri A Shamim Ahmed,Consultant (Fisheries), NFDB NE Regional Centre,Guwahati, to review the present status and to Monitor &Evaluate different projects sponsored by NFDB and alsoto streamline strategies and future plan of action. OtherSenior Officers of the Directorate of Fisheries viz. Mr. S.Sharma, Joint Director Fisheries, Mr. G. Sharma, DeputyDirector Fisheries, Dr. R.C. Barman, Dr. D. Sharma, Mr.Chandan Chetri, Fishery Extension Officers and Mr. Baroi,Assistant Executive Engineer also participated in the reviewmeeting. Dr. Lahon requested early submission of thepending Utilization Certificates and also requested theDirector of Fisheries for submission of Action Plan2016-17.

Review meeting held by Dr. S.K. Das, Director of Fisheries,Assam, with Officers of NE Regional Centre of NFDB andother Officials of Dept. of Fisheries at Guwahati

1.4 Water bodies in a Health Resort in Kamrupdistrict, Assam inspected for integrating fisheriesM/S Rudraksha Heath Resort & Spa owned by Shri P.Bharali, is situated in Patarkuchi village, about 15 km east

of Guwahati city and about one km north-west of Sonapurin Kamrup district of Assam. The resort is about 100 bighas(13.4 ha) in extent and in a picturesque location boundedby green hills on three sides. The resort has two shallowwetlands with a total area of about 2.5 ha, on the banks ofwhich is a restaurant, a training hall, a conference hall aswell as accommodation for trainees. There is anothershallow wetland of about 1.0 ha bordering the resort.

Shri Bharali owns an ornamental fish retail unit at NehruPark in Guwahati. He proposes to develop the two lowlying areas/ wetlands in the resort for scientific fish farming,breeding and rearing of indigenous ornamental fishes, anaquarium complex for entertainment of tourist, a trainingand education centre for students, etc. There is also a smallswimming pool which he wants to transform into a FishSpa.

Water bodies in the Rudraksha Heath Resort in Patarkuchivillage, near Sonapur, Kamrup district, Assam

Shri Bharali had proposed to the Regional Centre NFDBfor integrating fisheries in the low lying areas at RudrakshaHealth Resort & Spa. Dr. B. Lahon, Sr. Consultant, NFDBRegional Centre, and Dr. Ramendra Ch. Barman and ShriChandan Chetri, FEOs of the Dept. of Fisheries, Guwahati,Assam undertook a joint inspection of the resort premiseson 4 May 2016 to assess the scope of fisheries developmentat the site. Shri Bharali was advised to prepare a DPR.

2. Farmers’ Note Book2.1 Lesser Known Freshwater Fish with GoodEconomic PotentialIndia possesses several medium and minor indigenous fishspecies that have high regional demand and oftenconsidered as delicacies by the gourmets. Under the head‘Lesser Known Freshwater Fish with Good EconomicPotential’, 20 species of freshwater fishes were enlisted inthe July-August 2015 issue of ‘Matsya Bharat’ (page 12).General information on the Striped Murrel Channa striata

(Bloch, 1793), the Spiny Eel Mastacembelus armatus(Lacepède, 1800), Climbing Perch Anabas testudineus(Bloch, 1792) and Mola Carplet Amblypharyngodon mola(Hamilton, 1822) was provided in the previous four issues.In this issue some general information about the fishpopularly called ‘Desi Magur’ is being presented. Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758)Common NameDesi Magur, Walking Catfish

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Vernacular NamesAssamese: Magur, MahgurBengali: Magur, MahgurBihari: WagurEnglish: Walking CatfishHindi: Mangur, Kathmangur,Kannada: Halimeena, MuguduMalayalam: Mazhu, Muzhi, Valay,

Yerivahlay, KatukuManipuri: —Marathi: MagurOriya: Magurah, MaguroPunjabi Kug-gaTamil: Karupputheli, MasaraiTelugu: Marpoo, Marpulu

Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) Diagrammatic (above),Photograph (below)Description

Body elongate, head broader and dorso-ventrally depressed,body laterally compressed and tapering toward the tail;being a catfish it has four pairs of barbells (whiskers) andfleshy lips with papillae; upper jaw projecting forward alittle. Occipital process more or less triangular, its lengthabout twice its width; distance between dorsal fin andoccipital process 4.0-5.5 times the distance from tip of snoutto end of occipital process. Dorsal fin without spines, more

than two-thirds body length, soft rays 60-76, Adipose Dorsalfin absent; Anal fin without spines, about half of bodylength, soft rays 47-58; Pectoral fins with prominent spinewhich is rough on its outer edge and serrated on its inneredge; Pelvic fins small; Caudal fin rounded. It has accessoryrespiratory organ that facilitate air-breathing. Genitalpapilla in males elongated and pointed. Colour eitheruniform reddish-brown or greyish-black. This fish is to behandled carefully due to its hidden sting or thorn-like spineof Pectoral fins.

Habit & Habitat

Inhabits slow-moving freshwater rivers, streams, canals,flooded rice paddies, swamps, stagnant ponds, and eventemporary pools which may dry up; it makes a wrigglingmotion with snakelike movements by means of its pectoralfins to move to other sources of water or to find food andhence the name ‘walking catfish’. It can tolerate brackishwater. It is mostly bottom-living, omnivorous, feeds onsmaller fish, mollusks, invertebrates, detritus; it is avoracious eater; accepts supplementary or formulated pelletfeeds.

Size & Weight

Usually up to 25 cm, maximum length recorded 47.0 cm;usually weighs up to 150 grams, exceptionally 350 grams;maximum weight recorded 1.2 kg in the wild.

Breeding & Life Cycle

Usually this species attains maturity at the age of one yearand breeds during June-August. Spawning period generallycoincides with rainy season, when rivers rise and fish areable to excavate nests in submerged mud banks and dikesof flooded rice fields. The male and female fish gentlynudge each other in the genital region and flick their dorsalfins; male wraps his body around the female, then thefemale releases a stream of adhesive eggs into the nest.Fecundity (number of mature eggs in ovary) ranges from5000 to 7000; maximum recorded 13,400; most often 1500to 2500 eggs are released during each spawning. It doesnot breed naturally in ponds. It has been used as a testanimal for biological assay of pituitary hormones.

Distribution

It is reported from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar,Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, China andPhilippines.

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Fisheries & Aquaculture

Among the catfishes, Clarias batrachus is of utmostimportance owing to its taste, medicinal value and highmarket demand, especially in UP, Bihar, West Bengal, andNortheastern States. It is sold in live condition and the pricerange is Rs. 180-250/kg.

In view of the huge market demand for this fish, there is aneed for promoting aquaculture of Clarias batrachus.Technology for induced breeding in captivity, hatching,rearing of the fry to fingerlings has been developed. Underpond culture conditions the fish attains marketable size of100 to 120 grams in 7 to 8 months, and yields of 3 to 4 tonsper hectare have been reported. It can be grown in cagestoo. However, large-scale seed production and farming ofthe Desi Magur is yet to pick up in the country.

State Fish

Clarias batrachus, popularly known as Mangur, has beendeclared as the State Fish of Bihar [http://izfs.net/state-fish-of-bihar]

A booklet on Desi Magur published in Bihar by S.H. Ahmedand M. Kumari

[Source: The Wealth of India, CSIR, 1962;www.fishbase.org; ww.wikipedia.com; www.rainfedindia.org; http://agropedia.iitk.ac.in]

3. New/ Innovative Technologies in Fisheries

3.1 Energy Efficient Low Cost Effluent TreatmentPlantAn energy efficient Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) wasdesigned and developed by Central Institute of FisheriesTechnology (ICAR-CIFT), Cochin. This technologyemphasizes to reduce or recover and reuse process waterand solids from the plant. A conceptual design was proposedfor the treatment and disposal of effluents generated withall operations from raw material to finished products.

A view of the pilot-scale Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)

Technology Benefits

The effluents discharged from the treatment processconform to the norms of Central Pollution ControlBoard (CPCB)/ State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

The water will be suitable for reuse in the plant.

The land requirement for the treatment plant is verysmall.

Zero pollution atmosphere & Eco-friendly.

Less power consumption

Ease of operation.

Low cost of construction.

The main advantage of the unit is that it is highly energyefficient. It needs only two numbers of 1 HP motors for itsoperation.

On consultancy basis CIFT installed an Effluent TreatmentPlant which functions as a Common ETP for three exportoriented units, viz., M/S Mangala Sea Products, M/SBhatsons Aquatic Products and M/S Roshan Foods located

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at the Industrial Development Area, Aroor, in Alappuzhadistrict, Kerala. It has a capacity to treat 3 lakh litres ofeffluent per day. The treated effluent conforms to the normsprescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) andKerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

In view of the (i) increasing water scarcity all over, (ii)efforts to produce more fish from a unit volume of water,(iii) intensive and recirculatory aquaculture systems, (iv)consideration of liquid waste as a resource that requiresmanagement, and (v) increasing popularity of aquaponicsystems, the above mentioned simple ETP technologyappears very relevant and adaptive.

[Source: Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR),CIFT Junction, Matsyapuri, P.O., Cochin-682029, Kerala.Ph: 91-484-2412300; Fax: 91-484-2668212.E-mail: [email protected] URL: www.cift. res.in]

3.2 ICAR-CIFE Commercialises Eco-Hatchery forCarp Seed ProductionIn the November-December 2015 issue of Matsya Bharat(Vol. 7, Issue 4, pages 23-24) an account on the “Simplelow-cost Eco Fish Hatchery developed by CIFE, Mumbai”was given. The news item had attracted the attention ofstakeholders as well as manufacturers.

On 16 April 2016, the Central Institute of FisheriesEducation (ICAR-CIFE), Mumbai, signed an MoU withM/S Teewave Technologies, Hyderabad for transfer of itsinnovative ‘Eco Fish Hatchery’ technology for carp seedproduction. Dr. Gopalkrishna, Director, CIFE and Mr.Narasimham, Chairman, Teewave Technologies,Hyderabad, signed the MoU. Dr. Dilip Kumar, formerDirector, CIFE graced the occasion as Guest of Honourand lauded the research efforts that have fructified and beingtaken to entrepreneurs and farmers. The inventing scientistsDr. A.K. Verma and Dr. V.K. Tiwari briefed about theadvantages of Eco Fish Hatchery as compared to the otherexisting carp hatchery technologies.

MoU documents being signed in the presence of inventingscientists Dr. A.K. Verma and Dr. V.K. Tiwari (above:standing) and being exchangned between Dr. Gopalkrishna,Director, CIFE (below: left) and Mr. Narasimham,Chairman, Teewave Technologies, Hyderabad (below:right) in the presence of Dr. Dilip Kumar (middle)

As per the MoU, M/S Teewave Technologies wouldmanufacture the ‘ICAR-CIFE Eco Fish Hatchery’ withtechnical support from CIFE and market it across India.M/S Teewave would pay onetime technology transfer feeas well as royalty on the number of units being sold. Theagreement is valid for seven years. It may be noted that apatent application (Application Number: 3042MUM/ 2013;Date of filing: 23.09.2013) has already been filed.

It is learnt that M/S Teewave Technologies, Hyderabad,have manufactured and supplied Two Units of the Eco FishHatchery (each Unit comprising a set of six FRP Jars) toDept. of Fisheries, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC),Assam during April-May 2016, and are in the process ofsupplying One Unit to Dept. of Fisheries, Meghalaya, andOne Unit to CIFE, Mumbai.

The Eco Fish Hatchery FRP Jar Units manufactured byM/S Teewave Technologies Hyderabad, put on display

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4. NFDB Initiatives

4.1 Brainstorming Workshop on Role of ATARIsin Development of Fisheries organized by NFDB,HyderabadWith the objective of forming a network of the eightAgricultural Technology Application Research Institutes(ATARIs) in the country, and to draw a road map for theinvolvement of 642 KVKs in the eight zones and to makeuse of the expertise and extension services availablethrough Subject Matter Specialist (SMSs) in Fisheries, a“Brainstorming Workshop on Role of ATARIs inDevelopment of Fisheries” was organized on 6 April 2016at NFDB, Hyderabad. Dr. R. Suresh, Sr. Consultant (HRD),NFDB, welcomes the participants. Dr. A.K. Singh, DeputyDirector General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR,

The Chief Executive NFDB, DDG Agricultural Extension(second from right), Directors of ATARIs, KVK SMSs andNFDB Officials at the Workshop

Directors of the eight Zonal ATARIs, ProgrammeCoordinators and SMSs from KVKs and Extension Expertsfrom MANAGE and NAARM, and NFDB Officialsparticipated.

Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive, NFDB felt that KVKsshould be in the forefront in taking the NFDB Schemes tothe stakeholders with the participation of Dept. of Fisheries,FFDAs and BFDAs, etc. of States. He opined that fundallocation to the sector is likely to go up substantially andtherefore the extension system should gear itself up. Therole of ATARI-KVKs will be critical. It is expected thatATARIs would:

Ascertain current capacity for fisheriesdevelopment.

Build the potential of SMSs.

Provide thrust needed for fisheries development.

Create awareness on NFDB activities.

Prioritize the respective zones based on fisheriesresources and needs.

Evolve a set of skill-development programmes forstakeholders.

Transfer technologies available with fisheriesresearch/ training institutes.

Act as nodal centres to coordinate fisheriesextension.

Develop action plan for coming two years.

Dr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director General (AgriculturalExtension), ICAR, expressed that there are 118 FisheriesSMSs in KVKs to take up the HRD activity under theATARIs. He proposed fingerling production in all zonesand also suggested the development of integrated fisheriesprogrammes. Regarding HRD issues he felt that skill-development is a component along with the managementof ponds and that renovation of ponds in KVKs is crucial.He conveyed the importance of preparing action plans todevelop fisheries in coastal areas and other saline/ brackishwater areas. He further highlighted interventions that arerequired to promote fisheries in community ponds and alsoto bring up entrepreneurship in fisheries for itsdevelopment.

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The Directors of ATARIs made presentations on the numberof KVKs in the zone, Fisheries SMSs available, currentcapacity building programmes/ projects, financialassistance availed from NFDB, beneficiary success stories,issues/ challenges, designating nodal officer to coordinateNFDB sponsored HRD programmes and future road mapfor fisheries development in their respective zones.

In the concluding session, the Chief Executive, NFDBsuggested that ATARIs may forward proposals prioritizingfish farmers’ needs in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, ornamentalfisheries, fisherwomen centric activities, etc. withoutduplicating State Govt. Programmes. Importance is to begiven to promotion of indigenous and alternate species,and facilities for demonstration, water testing, diseasediagnosis, feed formulation/ preparation, and exposurevisits may be integrated with the training proposals.

Dr. A.K. Singh suggested that region specific HRDinterventions and technologies developed by ICARInstitutes may be incorporated in the training modules. Hefurther emphasized on the indigenous fish species andornamental fish culture. He thanked the Chief Executive,NFDB for organizing a workshop on the role of ATARIs indevelopment of fisheries.

Ms. S. Glory Swarupa, Consultant (HRD), NFDB,suggested that women participants should be included inall the training/ skill-development programmes besidesconducting programmes on ready-to-cook and ready-to-eatfish products exclusively for women.

4.2 National Consultation on NFDB Outreach,organized at HyderabadOver the last few decades a number of technologies andmanagement practices have been developed for freshwateraquaculture, brackishwater aquaculture and mariculture.Similarly, insights have emerged about managing andoptimizing production from natural resources likereservoirs, Beels, seas, oceans, etc. However, there seemto be some gaps in the percolation of some of thetechnologies and management norms to different strata offarmers, fishers and resource managers. This underscoresthe need for some focussed efforts to disseminatetechnologies developed by the Institutes to the realbeneficiaries they have been intended to.

While the Institutes experience a disconnect with thecommunities, the State Govts. are relatively closer. Atechnology not only needs to be validated in different geo-

physical environments, but should also be relevant to theaspirations of the community to which it is addressed to.In some cases such as reservoirs, a proper communitygovernance platform, which is essential to achieve results,is lacking. There is a need to improve governance regimes,or even to create them by empowering the members of thecommunity.

In this backdrop, a need was felt for some definite actionto ensure that at least some promising technologies moveforward to better adoption levels and make a positive impactin terms of production and other benefits to the community.The idea is to facilitate a meaningful relationship andpartnership among three main stakeholders viz., ResearchInstitutes, State Govts. and the farmer/ fisher communitiesthrough some well-conceived network projects, styledas ‘NFDB Outreach Projects’.

Dr. M.V. Gupta, Shri K.N. Kumar, Officers of NFDB,Directors/ Scientists of Fisheries Research Institute,Commissioners/ Directors and Officers of State Fisheriesand Faculty from Fisheries University/ College at theNational Consultation on NFDB Outreach

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As a first step in this direction, a one-day “NationalConsultation on NFDB Outreach” was organized on 12April 2016 at NFDB, Hyderabad. Dr. V.V. Sugunan, Sr.Consultant, NFDB, coordinated the National Consultationprocess. Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive, NFDB, in hisopening remarks observed that with the launch of BlueRevolution Scheme allocations will increase many fold butthe sector is not ready to absorb them owing to lack ofstructural efficiency. Dr. M. V. Gupta, the Chief Guest, feltthat the pre-eminent position held by India with the‘aquaplosion’ of the 1970 has been declining while theneighbouring countries are marching ahead in respect of

technology and species diversification. He appreciated theinitiatives of NFDB.

Representatives from ICAR Fisheries Research Institutes,State Veterinary, Animal & Fisheries Universities, and StateFisheries Depts. participated to discuss the idea, plan theprocess and select the Subjects/ Technologies that need tobe brought under the purview of ‘NFDB OutreachProjects’, apart from identifying the Groups/ Communitieswho should be taken on board as partners. The States willalso identify and nominate the Fish Farmers/ Communities/Societies who are to be associated with the process inrespect of the selected subjects.

The Six Groups formed holding discussions for Projectising Technologies at the National Consultation on NFDB Outreach

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Six Groups were formed with two group leaders and fourmembers to discuss and come up with a structured output,viz., (i) Status of one proven technology/ product/ species;(ii) Constraints in dissemination/ adoption; (iii) Specificaction points/ interventions; (iv) Framework of the projectand infrastructure facilities needed; (v) Identifying potentialcentres/ sites; and (vi) Identifying potential farmers/communities to be brought on board.

After detailed discussions the Group Leaders madepresentations. The following are the outcomes and actionpoints:

1. Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) of KVKs are thepotential promoters of Jayanti Rohu and Amur Crap.NFDB will call a meeting of SMSs to plan disseminationof the culture of these two fishes. CIFA and KVAFSUwill provide the necessary Package Practices and BMPsfor the purpose.

2. Brood Bank is the key to dissemination of the Projectsproposed by CMFRI, CIBA and KVAFSU.Establishment of Brood Banks should be under thepublic sector. Civil concrete construction work shouldbe minimized in it. Meghalaya Govt’s effort tostrengthen their existing Brood Bank facility will besupported by NFDB.

3. Reservoir fisheries project should be taken up by CIFRI,Fisheries Depts. of the concerned States and theFishermen Cooperatives involved in the selectedreservoirs.

4. Carp Hybrid Identification Kits developed by CIFA(vide: Mastya Bharat, July-August 2015, pages 15-16)can be popularized through KVKs.

5. ‘NFDB Outreach Projects’ are to be developed on thefollowing seven themes:

(i) Induction of of Jayanti Rohu into culture systems- Proposed by CIFA: Network of Brood Bank >Multiplication Centres > Farms. Objectives:Contribution of Jayanti Rohu raises to 50% of thetotal Rohu production in five years. NFDB willassist in developing a regulatory mechanism tocheck counterfeit Jayanti and illegal mixing ofstocks.

(ii) Induction of Amur into common carp culturesystem - Proposed by KVAFSU: Network of

Brood Bank > Multiplication Centres > Farms.Objectives: Contribution of Amur raises to 50%of the total common carp production. Cage cultureof Amur also can be tried.

(iii)Participatory Reservoir Fisheries Management -Proposed by CIFRI: Implementing community-involved reservoir management practice by CIFRITechnology and facilitated by States. Objectives:Demonstrate increased production and bettersharing of fish production among the fishercommunities.

(iv) Scaling up of Seabass culture - Proposed by CIBA:Brood Bank by public sector >Hatcheries in privatesector under financial assistance from NFDB andseed supplied to all farmers. Objectives: Increasedproduction and supply of Seabass in the country.

(v) Culture of Pompano - Proposed by CMFRI: Moreinputs needed from the Institute.

(vi) Culture of Cobia in Cages - Proposed by CMFRI:More inputs needed from the Institute.

(vii) Commercialization of products developed -Proposed by CIFT: The Institute will revert afterselecting one of the several products listed andidentifying the partners.

4.3 ‘Awareness Programme on Integrating Fisherieswith Apiculture’, organized at NFDBAt the NFDB it was realized that Apiculture (Bee Keeping)had the potential to integrate well with Inland Aquacultureand can provide additional income to small-scale fishfarmers. To explore the feasibility and opportunitiesavailable, an “Awareness Programme on IntegratingFisheries with Apiculture” was organized on 13 April 2016at NFDB, Hyderabad. Shri K. Sambasiva Rao, President,and Shri Ravindra Kumar Pydi, Vice-President, AndhraPradesh Bee Keepers Association were invited as resourcepersons. Fish farmers and State Fisheries DepartmentOfficials of Telangana State, numbering 35 in all,participated.

Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive, NFDB highlighted theimportance and scope for bee keeping by fish farmers onpond dykes, role of officials, technology available andsupport services from NFDB.

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from these would be 2000 kg of honey (@ 40 kg per colony)which at Rs. 90/- per kg would fetch an annual income ofRs. 1.80 lakh to the fish farmer. In addition, the bee waxand pollen would fetch a further income of Rs. 1.0 lakh.

Shri K. Sambasiva Rao, President and Shri P. RavindraKumar, Vice-President, A.P. Bee Keepers Associationdemonstrating Bee Keeping practices (above 3) andContraptions used in Bee Keeping and different HoneyProducts on display (blow) during the awarenessprogramme at NFDB, Hyderabad

Chief Executive and Speakers (above) and participants(blow) at the Awareness Programme on IntegratingFisheries with Apiculture organized at NFDB, Hyderabad

As a prelude to the theme of Integrating Apiculture &Aquaculture, Dr. Radheyshyam, Sr. Consultant (Fisheries),NFDB, made a presentation on various Integrated FishFarming Systems, viz., Fish-Duckery, Fish-Poultry, Fish-Piggery, Fish-Cattle, Fish-Vegetables and Fish-Floriculture.

Dr. Radheyshyam, Sr. Consultant (Fisheries), making apresentation on various Integrated Fish Farming Systemsduring the Awareness Programme on Apiculture

Shri K. Sambasiva Rao, President, A.P. Bee KeepersAssociation gave a lecture on benefits of Bee Keeping,method of handling & maintaining bees, Do’s and Don’tsand Bee Keepers Association activities. Shri RavindraKumar Pydi, Vice-President, made a presentation onpotential of Bee Keeping, business opportunities, successfulmodels, by-products and Api-therapy. It is said that aminimum of 50 Bee Colonies can be maintained on thedykes of a one hectare pond if there is a perennial watersource and flowering plants exist around there. The yield

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The participants enquired, discussed and interacted. Theresource persons clarified their doubts and answeredquestions. Later they gave a live demonstration on handlingand maintenance of bee boxes and collection of honey.Many practical tips and precautions were explained to theparticipants.

4.4 Fisheries Skill Advisory Board Meeting held atNFDB, Hyderabad

The ‘Fisheries Skill Advisory Board Meeting’ of theAgriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) was held atNFDB Hyderabad on 19 April 2016. Dr. Satyendra SinghArya, CEO, ASCI, gave the welcome address and explainedthe activities of ASCI. Shri K.N. Kumar, CE, NFDB,emphasized the need for Skill Development in FisheriesSector. Shri Aditya Kumar Joshi, Joint Secretary(Fisheries), DAHDF, Govt. of India, gave details of theBlue Revolution Scheme towards integrated developmentand management of fisheries. Ms. Sneha Fartyal, Sr.Consultant, Ernst & Young LLP, outlined the QualificationPacks (QPs) and National Operating Standards (NOS)

Seated (above) from left: Shri P.N. Janardhan, NFDB ECMember, Dr. Satyendra Singh Arya, CEO, ASCI, Shri K.N.Kumar, CE, NFDB, Shri Aditya Kumar Joshi, JointSecretary (Fisheries), Dr. R. Suresh, Sr. Consultant (HRD),NFDB and Dr. K. Rathnakumar, i/c VC, TNFU, and all theparticipants (below) at inaugural session of the SkillAdvisory Board Workshop at NFDB

developed in fisheries sector. Dr. P. Pravin, AGD (MarineFisheries), ICAR, Dr. Usha, from Fisheries Division ofICAR, Dr. K. Rathnakumar, i/c Vice-Chancellor, TNFU,and Office bearers of Seafood Exporters Associationparticipated in the meeting.

4.5 Training Programme on Preparation, Appraisal,Monitoring & Evaluation of Fisheries Projectsorganized by NFDB

A five-day “Training Programme on Preparation,Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation of FisheriesProjects” was organized by NFDB at National Institute ofPlant Health Management (NIPHM), Rajendranagar,Hyderabad, from 25-29 April 2016. Thirty five participantsfrom 15 States (Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar,Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu,Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal) comprising ofOfficers from the Dept. of Fisheries of States, TeachingFaculty from Fisheries Colleges and Scientists from ICARFisheries Research Institutes attended the programme.

Dr. M. Vijay Gupta, World Food Prize Laureate,inaugurated the program and made a presentation onPlanning for Fisheries Development – Relevance andNeeds. Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive, NFDBhighlighted the importance of project appraisal, inputs and

Dr. M.V. Gupta, Shri K.N. Kumar and Officers of NFDB atthe inaugural session of the PAM&E training programme(above) and Dr. S. Subramanyam Sr. Consultant (M&E),NFDB, conducting one of the training sessions (below)

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their relevance while submitting the proposals to NFDBfor financial assistance.

During the five-day programme the important topicspresented, discussed and deliberated are: Sources ofFisheries Data, Statistical Techniques for Data Analysis,Data Management in SPSS, Methods of Sampling, ProjectCycle, Tests of Significance, Preparation of a DPR,Preparation of DPR for Science Projects, ProjectEvaluation: Identification of Benefits and Costs, ProjectEvaluation and Measures of Project Worth, Case Study onProject Evaluation, Cost Benefit Analysis: A Case Studyof Ratnagiri Fisheries Project. Dr. S. Subramaynam, Sr.Consultant, Dr. V.V. Sugunan, Sr. Consultant, Dr. R. Suresh,Sr. Consultant and Mrs. S. Glory Swarupa handled most ofthe Sessions. Guest speakers from NIRD&PR and CESSwere also invited for specific topics.

Presentation by the Groups (above) and Interaction byParticipants (below) at the Training Programme on‘Preparation, Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation ofFisheries Projects’ conducted by NFDB

The participants were given an opportunity to practicallyundertake analysis of data. On the last day participantsformed Groups for preparation of DPRs on FisheriesProjects and they presented the same and discussed.

The participants gave very good feedback about theprogram and most of them rated it as excellent. They opinedthat the learning will help them in preparation of goodproposals to avail the financial assistance from NFDB andother funding agencies as well. Certificates were distributedto the participants.

Distribution of Certificates to the Participants (above) andGroup Photo (below) at the Training Programme on‘Preparation, Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation ofFisheries Projects’ conducted by NFDB

4.6 A Two-day National Consultation on OrnamentalFish held at NFDB

A two-day “National Consultation on Ornamental Fish”was conducted at NFDB, Hyderabad on 27 and 28 April2016. The agenda, format and participants for the NationalConsultation was decided based on the findings of a one-day Brainstorming Session on Ornamental Fish, held atNFDB on 29 February 2016. The two-day NationalConsultation was aimed at identifying the priorities for theNFDB and setting a road map of activities for it.

Dr. V.V. Sugunan, Senior Consultant, NFDB welcomed thedelegates and Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive NFDB,explained the background and objectives of the NationalConsultation. Nearly 70 professionals comprising ofScientists, Academicians, Farmers, SHGs, Breeders,

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Entrepreneurs, Exporters, Fisheries Dept. Officers fromoutside and NFDB Officials participated.

Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive and Dr. V.V. Sugunan,Sr. Consultant (Fisheries), NFDB, at the inaugural ses-sion of the National Consultation on Ornamental Fish

Professionals viz., Scientists, Academicians, Farmers,Breeders, Entrepreneurs, Exporters, Fisheries Dept.Officers and NFDB Officers participating in the NationalConsultation on Ornamental Fish at NFDB, Hyderabad

(i) Wednesday 27 April 2016:

Technical Session – I. Eight Consultation Themes wereintroduced by Theme Leaders, who flagged some majorissues that needed attention. These were:

1. R & D issues in breeding, seed production andculture of ornamental fish – Marine: by Dr GGopakumar.

2. R & D issues in breeding, seed production andculture of ornamental fish – Inland: by Dr B KMahapatra.

3. Role of backyard culture of ornamental fish inemployment, income generation and womenempowerment: by Dr D Seenappa.

4. Sustainability and conservation issues in utilizationof indigenous species for domestic and andinternational trade of ornemental fish: by Prof WViswanath.

5. Best Managemnt Practices and code of conduct inornamental fish industry: by Dr Atul Jain.

6. Certification, quarantine, quality control, and otherregulatory processes: by Dr Ajit Kumar.

7. Role of Infrastructure facilities andentrepreneurship development in creating a valuechain in ornamental fish trade and industry: by DrI Elsamma.

8. Ornamental Fish industry from an export marketperspective: by Dr Ashwini Rai.

Technical Sessions – II. The delegates broke into eightdifferent groups and discussed the key issues in theirrespective areas (eight) listed above.

(ii) Thursday 28 April 2016:

Findings of the eight group discussions were presented bythe respective group representatives, to which all delegatesresponded. All issues raised by the groups were discussedthreadbare and additions/ modifications made, whereverrequired. At the end of the second day, opinion ofparticipants on all issues related to ornamental fish cultureand trade were brought on the table. This is the majoroutcome of the Consultation, which is expected to informthe NFDB’s future strategies in fostering development inthe ornamental fish sector. Ideas, suggestions andrecommendations that came out of the discussion among

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The participants in Eight Groups discussed key issues pertaining to their respective areas of Ornamental Fisheries

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the audience that represented a diverse set of stakeholdersincluding scientists, academicians, conservationists,entrepreneurs, farmers, NGOs, SHGs, etc. are given belowalong with a list of 20 actionable points:

1. R & D Issues of Marine Ornamental Fish Culture

Marine Ornamental Fish worth US$ 200-330 million istraded annually across the world, but India’s share in thisinternational market is only 0.3%. Breeding and productiontechnologies in respect of nine species of Marine and threespecies of Brackishwater Ornamental Fish have beenstandardized by CMFRI and CIBA respectively. Thesetechnologies need to be reached to as many entrepreneursas possible and NFDB will take the lead in this technologyinduction process. Breeding success has been achieved incase of eight other marine species, but these need to befurther refined and standardized. Other requirementsidentified by the group included (a) a model demonstrationand training centre for capacity building (b) market supportby MPEDA, (c) regional brood banks to be located atCMFRI, Fisheries Colleges, KKVs, CIFE, CIBA, TNFUand KUFOS and (d) promotion of public aquaria to raiseinterest among hobbyists.

International trade is almost dependent upon wildcollection. Corals are also a part of the trade. Technologyfor rearing marine species in tanks is not available as yetand this is considered as a research priority. Delegatesexpressed the need for India to become a member of MAC(Marine Aquarium Council) – an International body thatguides and regulates sustainable trade in ornamental fish.It is also found desirable to form a similar regulatory bodyin India for ornamental fisheries, as destruction of coralreefs is taking place and wild collection is unregulated.There is also a limited government capacity for reefmanagement. It was also informed that there was notechnology for marine ornamental shrimps and otherinvertebrates.

2. R & D Issues of Inland Ornamental Fish Culture

Technologies for breeding and culture of a number offreshwater species have been developed by differentInstitutes such as CIFA, NBFGR, CIFE and DCFR. Someare standardized and some others need further refinementand standardization. A need was found to compile, refineand standardize these technologies for disseminating toentrepreneurs in order to hasten the adoption process. DrB K Mahapatra of CIFRI shall lead a team that will

undertake this task, which will be facilitated by NFDB.

There are 374 Freshwater Ornamental Fishes belonging to134 genera in India, mostly found in NE region and theWestern Ghats. Economically viable breeding and seedproduction protocols need to be developed in respect ofhigh value indigenous species, among them such as Puntiusspp., Channa spp., Botia spp., Danio spp. This is animmediate R & D requirement as these are currentlyextracted in large numbers from the wild, especially fromthe biodiversity hot spots such as the Northeast and theWestern Ghats. Concerted efforts from all researchinstitutes and universities are needed to develop andstandardize package of practices for mass scale seedproduction in respect of as many species as possible.

The country is not able to compete with the other leadingplayers in the international market, mainly due to the factthat we do not have technologies for value addition throughselective breeding. Research institutes under ICAR needto give top priority to this area of research. NFDB shouldapproach the Director General, ICAR and request him toallot adequate resources for such research. The grouphighlighted a need for establishing an exclusive OrnamentalFish Research and Training Institute to boost the R & Dactivities.

Establishment of Ornamental Fish Brood Bank for qualityseed and cost-effective and good quality feed are otherresearch priorities. Feed mills for producing microencapsulated feed of 100 micron is needed, the technologyfor which is available at Tamil Nadu Fisheries Universityand CIBA. NFDB was willing to support entrepreneurs toadopt the technologies for feed mills. Intensive culture ofornamental fish needs re-circulatory system, the technologyfor which is not yet available in the public domain.Ornamental fisheries industry lacks a network of effectivedisease diagnosis and control systems to serve the interestof small-scale and backyard level units. Thus, there is astrong case for adding value to the indigenous speciesthrough selective breeding so that better marketopportunities emerge. There is also a case supporting livefeed culture.

3. Backyard Culture to promote Employment, Income-generation and Women Empowerment

Production modules for small-scale ornamental fish,invertebrates and plants specially targeted to women SHGsin the rural and peri-urban areas can play a key role in

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creating employment opportunities, apart from empoweringwomen and raising their income. These are to be developedas a backyard agro-based micro enterprise model, rootedon cost competitiveness among different productionsystems. About 50,000 families are dependent uponbackyard hatchery/rearing units in India. Planning on thebasis of the whole value chain, keeping in view a) thedemand and supply, b) diversification in production and c)supply chain for seed & feed is a prime necessity to developsuch systems. As experience suggests, SHGs, especiallythe women SHGs, are the backbone of backyard productionnetwork and therefore, formation of more women SHGsare to be encouraged and facilitated. There should be avalue chain- rather than a la carte methodology.

The group identified some major constraints that theenthusiasts face while entering the field, main problembeing the lack of reliable source of information on (a) whatspecies to select, (b) who gives the technical advice, and(c) what is the source of seed, feed and other critical inputs.Seed funding is scarce or absent and so are the availabilityof loans either from banks or MFIs not only for start-upventures but also for expanding an existing business. Non-availability of quality brood stock and up-gradation of itsquality are major issues. Other constraints are (a) the lackof cluster/group approach that limits the farmers’ bargainingposition in market and (b) presence of exploitativeintervention by too many market intermediaries. Lack ofdiversity in the cultured fish is also a problem in findingmarket space.

Dr. Tabrez presenting the finding of Group-III

Weak forward and backward linkages have been identifiedas a main constraint for small-scale and backyardproduction systems to grow. Institutional support in termsof infrastructure, supply, delivery systems and marketing

facilities can address these constraints. The backyardproduction module under operation in Bangalore under theleadership of Dr D Seenappa is worth scaling up in theform of micro entrepreneur ornamental fishery projects.The Consultation resolved to move forward in thisdirection, starting with a Workshop to be held at NFDB,which will chart out a course of action.

4. Sustainability and Conservation Issues

The Consultation noted with concern the uncheckedcollection of valuable germplasm from the wild for cateringto the domestic and export markets, often throughclandestine channels, threatening the rich biodiversity,especially in the ‘biodiversity hotspots’ like Himalayas(Eastern, Garhwal, Kumaon and Western) and the WesternGhats. Although an IUCN red list of Eastern Himalayanfish species is available enlisting endangered and criticallyendangered fishes, the data used for informing this processwas grossly inadequate. As a result, many species that arereally under grave threat did not find a place in the criticallyendangered list (e.g., Channa barca). As many species areyet to be described, there is a threat of some fish becomingextinct even before they are identified and recorded. Oneof the main reasons for this state of affairs is the lack ofcapacity in the country to identify the fishes and recordthem. The country needs a cadre of good taxonomists anda strategy to attract talent to this field of specialization isneeded. There is an urgent need to survey the critical regionsand chronicle all fish species of ornamental value andcategorize them based on their threat criteria. An actionplan under the leadership of Prof Viswanath of ManipurUniversity will be drawn up for this purpose and NFDBwill facilitate the survey.

There is also a lack of knowledge on the abundance ofspecies by season and location as well as knowledge onthe biology, habitat preference, feeding biology, breedingbiology and life cycle. Concerted efforts from R & DInstitutions, Universities, State Fisheries Departments, localorganizations are needed for this process.

Yet another major issue was the large-scale destruction ofun-targeted fish species while trying to catch thecommercially important ones. There are special methodsto collect the target species without collateral loss ofuntargeted species. A good amount of ITK is also availablein this area that needs to be recorded. A need to use andpopularize all such available knowledge and techniqueswas identified along with the necessity to generate new

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knowledge through R & D efforts. Special training andawareness need to be imparted to the wild collectors onproper collection techniques and handling. Creation ofawareness among people, especially those involved in wildcollection, will help to avoid stock depletion. In situconservation through (a) declaring sanctuaries and (b) openranching of species under threat are the two approachesrecommended for conservation. Research institutes andexperts have to pay more attention to this area.

Research, education and training are the three key processesthat can promote sustainability in ornamental fish trade.All the successful and proven breeding processes for thethreatened fishes should be used for mass scale productionin farms in order to relieve pressure on the wild stock. Aone-day Awareness Workshop at NFDB was suggested.

Dr. W. Viswanath presenting the findings of Group-IV

5 & 6. BMPs and Code of Conduct in Ornamental FishIndustry

There is near lack of regulatory processes/ regimes in thecountry to ensure quality of products and services inornamental fish culture and trade. This lacuna not only hitsthe consumers, and farmers, but also tarnishes the imageand credibility of the country in the overseas market. Thereis an urgent need to put in place regulatory regimes to ensurequality control and sustainability in all operations. A Codeof Conduct (CoC) needs to be in place to be followed byall players- the producers, traders and hobbyists-voluntarily. Equally important is development of a set ofBest Management Practices (BMPs) for the sector.

The purpose of BMP is to ensure (a) environmentalsafeguards, (b) quality of products, (c) high profitability,(d) sustainability of stock and trade, (e) meeting the

requirement of certifying agencies, (f) workers health andsafeguards, (g) meeting product certification standards, (h)bio-security, (i) cost effectiveness and cost reduction. BMPsshould be met at different critical points such as design ofhatchery & production units, water management practices,culture units, quarantine units, therapeutics, feed and feedmanagement, harvesting, packaging & transportation, andmarketing. Whereas the Research Institutes should give theinputs for developing BMP and Code of Conduct, NFDBwill facilitate creation of a platform that encouragesvoluntary adoption of such norms. Dr Atul Jain will takethe lead in developing BMPs and CoC, in close consultationwith NFDB.

The country needs to build capacity for certification,quarantine, quality control and other regulatory processeson ornamental fish. Stressing the need for a propercertification procedure in the country, it was decided tostart working on the present Green Certification procedurelaid down by the MPEDA. This needs to be improved takinginto account the other quality control aspects. Separatecertification guidelines and quarantine facilities arerequired for marine and inland ornamentals. Healthcertification process need to be simplified and may bearranged through quarantine monitoring authority.Registration of the full value chain including collectors,traders, importers and exporters is needed and preferablythe respective State Fisheries Departments should beaccredited with the responsibility to issue registrationcertificates.

Quarantine system does not exist in the domestic segment.An urgent need was felt for policy level intervention athigher levels to put a quarantine system in place for thedomestic sector which is trader-friendly, transparent andeffective. MPEDA should take the lead in streamlining thequarantine procedure.

The group noted that 65% of the volume of aquarium tradein the country is through accessories like aquarium tanks,filters, aerators, toys, etc., whereas the contribution of fishis not more than 20-30%. Ironically, all the State efforts tosupport the sector in terms of subsidies and other incentives,address only the fish component. A shop needs to have atleast 200 customers and a monthly sale proceeds of at leastRs 50,000 are needed to make it viable. There is a need todevelop skill and create awareness on CoC and BMPsamong the traders. This can be done through postercampaigns, other means of awareness creation and

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trainings. The group identified a need for preparing adirectory of all aquarium traders and a status paper onornamental fisheries, which will be published by the NFDB,with support from Dr Atul Jain. The idea of UDHAYMITAwas discussed for further promotion by NFDB.

7. Infrastructure Facilities and EntrepreneurshipDevelopment

Although about Rs.1500-2000 lakh have been spent forinfrastructure development in the country for theornamental sector by different agencies, much more needsto be done. The group noticed that the academic knowledgeamong entrepreneurs was rather low, although their workingknowledge on the subject was better. Finding that trainingthe manpower is an immediate requirement, NFDB offeredto promote training in ornamental fish culture by liaisingwith all training providers and publishing a calendar oftraining events in the country every year. There was scopefor enhancing the bank loans and subsidies for traders andsetting up of cool rooms in stations and airports. TheRecirculatory System developed by Shri Deepak Nopaniin his facility at West Bengal was cost-effective, bio-secureand able to cut down the water requirements by 80%. NFDBwanted to take a close look at Shri Nopany’s design andexplore the potential for scaling it up.

Tamil Nadu Fisheries University and CIBA have developedtechnologies for establishing feed mills for micro-encapsulated (100 microns) feed for ornamental fish. ShriSaravanan of NAAF may make use of feed mill alreadyestablished by the TNFU.

Collectivization of small units was identified as a goodtool for the domestic producers to face stiff competitionfrom importers. The way shown by Shri Hanson K. Mathewin forming a corporate entity in Kerala is worth emulatingin order to encourage, develop and nurture FarmersProducers Organizations (FPOs) in the country. A Workshopon FPOs for the fishery sector will be organized at NFDBin which Shri Hanson K. Mathew will be a participant.

The group identified a need for developing technicalspecifications of the infrastructure facilities required forsetting up of the units by entrepreneurs. Farms using solarpower should be given higher subsidy. Funding supportneeds to be extended to the existing units to upgrade orrepair their facilities. The group advocated policy levelinterventions to reduce the electricity charges levied fromthe ornamental fish units from the industrial rate to a lower

rate on par with agriculture. Government assistance andincentives should also extended to machinery/infrastructure used for manufacturing the ornamentalaccessories. Region-specific network of centralized minilabs and a mobile app for monitoring water quality, feedand availability of stocks will boost the development ofthe sector, the group observed.

8. Export Market

High air freight cost and the airlines’ reluctance to acceptlive fish as cargo have been identified as the two majorconstraints faced by the exporters. The export communityfaces problems in obtaining Health Certificate for exportin time. Delegates representing the export segment pointedout that in Thailand and Malaysia, Health Certificates areissued at the airport. They asked for creating a similararrangement in India. Several times the certification isdelayed due to absence of officers at the desk. It is necessaryto increase the number of certifying officers to ensurecontinuous certification round the clock. Quarantinesystem, both at export and import points are far from trader-friendly. There is no uniformity in the procedures beingfollowed at different export/import points. There is noclarity on the quarantine requirements of importingcountries. Customs and airport authorities of Indian airportsare poorly informed on the Indian requirements and theprocedures followed in different places are not uniform.

Unrestricted import of ornamental fish is another majorproblem. There is hardly any verification on whether theconditions on which import licenses have been issued arestrictly complied with. For instance, some importers whopossess license for importing freshwater fishes also importmarine fish clandestinely. There is no verification on this.Customs officials have poor capacity to identify fish to thespecies level.

Blanket ban on using plastic covers in packaging ofornamental fishes is a severe constraint. There is a need toseek exemption for ornamental fish similar to the exemptiongranted to medical industry. As accredited producers needmarket linkages, consolidators are required at certain levelsfor linkages to connect exporters with the supply chain.The delegates expressed the need for creating a databaseon producers and exporters and categorizing them on thebasis of their production characteristics so that exportersexactly know where to go for the quality product.

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6. Guidelines issued recently by the Animal WelfareBoard of India are a matter of concern to theornamental fish industry. It appears that theguidelines were not adequately informed about theperspectives of the ornamental fish industry. Whilethe industry can make representation to theMinistry of Environment (MoE), NFDB will tryto highlight the concerns at appropriate fora,wherever possible.

7. Value addition of ornamental fish species by addingnew traits, using selective breeding techniques andother tools is a top priority R & D area to beaddressed by the research institutes. This is the wayto capture the country’s legitimate share in theinternational market. NFDB will write to the DG,ICAR and Vice Chancellors of universities to givetop priority to this activity.

8. There is also an urgent need to establish a separateNational Institute for Research and Training inOrnamental Fisheries.

9. There is considerable scope for developing e-marketing for ornamental fisheries within thecountry. All delegates were requested to explorethe possibility of using this platform for promotionof ornamental fish sector.

10. The backyard culture model being practiced by DrD Seenappa and his team at Bangalore needs to bescaled up through the ‘Business DevelopmentFacilitators’ (BDF) concept. There will be a write-shop on this at NFDB for ‘Ornapreneurs’ of thecountry. Dr Seenappa, the ICAR Institutes and theTamil Nadu Fisheries University will give thetechnological inputs wile Dr. Tabrez will facilitatewrite-shop process. A concept note for this will beprepared by Dr Seenappa and Dr Tabrez in 15 days.

11. Listing and cataloguing of potential ornamentalfish species and marking their conservation statushave been identified as a priority area. DrViswanath will lead a team to undertake the taskof chronicling the fishes from Eastern- Middle andWestern Himalayas as well as the Western Ghatsin collaboration with Scientists of the respectiveICAR Institutes and SKUAS.

12. It has been noted that 65% of the business in theornamental fish sector is attributed the accessories,

Considering that a transparent and trader-friendly systemof import/export procedure is the need of the hour, MPEDAwas requested to look into the genuine problems faced bythe exporters and work towards streamlining the exportregulation processes, aiming at achieving the final goal ofestablishing a single window clearance system for exportof ornamental fish in the country. In this process, NFDBcan play any facilitatory role, if required.

(iii) Action Points

The following action points have emerged out of theNational Consultation:

1. Breeding and culture technologies in respect of 9marine and 3 brackishwater species have beendeveloped and standardized by CMFRI and CIBArespectively. NFDB can play a role in reachingthese technologies across to the entrepreneurs. Tobegin with, NFDB can publish a compendium onthese species on receiving inputs from the tworesearch institutes.

2. Similarly, technologies in respect of a number offreshwater species are also ready for induction ona large scale. Dr B K Mahapatra will take the leadin compiling the details from CIFA, CIFE, NBFGRand DCFR and pass on to NFDB in PDF format topublish the compendium on freshwater ornamentalfish species.

3. There are species which have been successfullybred, but the technologies need to be further refinedand standardized. The research institutes mayutilize the TUP platform of NFDB to developpackages of practices on these species.

4. We have to go a long way in developingtechnologies for commercial level production ofshrimps and other invertebrates of ornamentalvalue. Once production technologies and packagesof practices are developed by the Institutes viz.,CMFRI, CIBA and CIFA, NFDB will take up theirpromotion.

5. At present, India is not a member in MarineAquarium Council (MAC), although the sector canbenefit if the country becomes a signatory to thisbody. NFDB shall write to the Ministry concernedto initiate steps in this direction.

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while fish accounts for only 20% to which allgovernment support goes. NFDB should assistpromotion of accessories trade to the extentpossible.

13. The need for Best Management Practices for theindustry has been recognized. NFDB will supporta Workshop to develop BMPs in ornamental fish.Dr. Atul Jain will prepare a concept note for holdingthis workshop at NFDB.

14. The re-circulatory system model developed by ShriDeepak in his facility at Kolkata that ensures 80%savings on water and obviates the need to releasewater outside has to be studied. This is a bio-secure,cost effective and environment-friendly system thatcan be disseminated to other users on a commercialbasis.

15.Technologies for mass-scale production of fivespecies of live feed, developed by CIFA are readyfor scaling up. Institutions or entrepreneurs whowant to set up production units can be supportedby NFDB on 50% subsidy basis (55% for theNortheast).

16. Tamil Nadu Fisheries University and CIBA havethe technologies for establishing feed mills formicro-encapsulated (100 microns) feed. MrSaravanan of NAAF may take up with TNFU.

17. Collectivization of small units is very importantfor the domestic producers to face the stiffcompetition from importers. The way shown byShri Hanson K. Mathew in forming a corporateentity in Kerala is worth following in order toencourage, develop and nurture Farmers ProducersOrganizations (FPOs) in the country. A Workshopon FPOs will be organized in which Shri HansonK. Mathew will be a participant.

18. A training programme will be conducted by NFDBto build capacity in production and propagation ofaquarium plants.

19. NFDB will facilitate meeting the training needs ofthe industry by:

a. preparing an inventory of training providers,

b. writing to all KVKs, Universities/ Institutes tocollect information on their training schedules,

c. uploading all such training information in theNFDB web site to inform the training seekers,and

d. compiling and publishing a training calendarin Matsya Bharat.

20. NFDB will facilitate publishing a directory ofornamental fish traders, initially by utilizing thedata already collected by Dr Atul Jain.

21. Captive breeding of the endangered ornamentalfish should be facilitated/ encouraged by NFDB.

22. The process and possibilities for re-exporting thefish to other countries should be identified andworked out by the NFDB.

4.7 National Workshop on Breeding and Cultureof Amblypharyngodon molaAt NFDB it is strongly felt that there is a need to promotethe farming of alternate and lesser known species of fish,especially the Small Indigenous Species (SIS) fish that arenutritionally far superior and fetch a premium price.Therefore, a “National Workshop on Breeding andCulture of Amblypharyngodon mola” was conducted on3 May 2016 at NFDB, Hyderabad. The Workshop wasattended by 21 participants including 8 experts (scientists,professors and officials) and 13 fish farmers, besides NFDBOfficials. The main objective of the Workshop was to createa forum for scientists and farmers to meet and exchangeviews so that a standardized breeding and culturetechnology can be developed for this important fish.

Dr. V.V. Sugunan, Sr. Consultant, NFDB welcomed theparticipants. Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive, whilewelcoming the delegates stressed the importance of MolaCarplet, Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton, 1822), infreshwater aquaculture by virtue of its market demand (upto Rs. 400/- per kg) and nutritional value. He complimentedthe farmers for developing their own ways to culture thisfish and expressed the hope that they will make use of thisopportunity to update their knowledge regarding thebiology of this important fish. Similarly, this is an excellentopportunity for the scientists to learn about the practicalproblems faced by the farmers and find solutions. He hopedthat this kind of synergy between farmers, scientists andNFDB will go a long way in developing a technology forbreeding and culture of A. mola in the near future. NFDBis willing to facilitate a partnership between farmers andscientists to work in a project mode, he informed.

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Dr. S.D. Tripathi, renowned Scientist, reiterated theimportance of Mola as candidate species that can be addedto our aquaculture systems. He complimented the farmersfor their innovative approach and requested them to workwith the scientists so that the work they have been doingcan be standardized and developed into a technology.

Dr. V.V.Sugunan, Dr. S.D. Tripathi and Shri K.N. Kumar(above) and participants (below) at the National Workshopon Breeding and Culture of Amblypharyngodon molaconducted at NFDB, Hyderabad

Dr. P.P. Chakraborti, Principal Scientist CIFA; Dr. AnupDatta, Retired Principal Scientist CIFA; Dr. Archana Sinha,Principal Scientist CIFRI, Dr. Radheshyam, SeniorConsultant, NFDB; Dr. Dandadhar Sarma, ProfessorGauhati University, Dr. S.K. Bhagabati, Fisheries College,AAU, Raha; Dr. A.B. Patel, Fisheries College, CAU,

Lambucherra, and Dr. Dhrubajyoti Sarma, Dept. ofFisheries Assam spoke on various technical aspects of A.mola. Dr. Chakraborti described the systematic position ofthe species and presented some case studies on monocultureof mola, and its culture in combination with GiantFreshwater Prawn, IMC and Ompok bimaculatus (Pabda),along with the results obtained wherever it was tried as acomponent of the integrated farming system. He alsopresented some economic analysis of culturing Mola.

Dr. S.K. Bhagabati of the College of Fisheries, AssamAgricultural University, Raha, making a presentation onthe Status of Amblypharyngodon mola in the Northeast

Dr. Anup Datta presented the experience of farmers whocultured the fish in small homestead ponds along with otherminor carps like Labeo bata and Cirrhinus reba. Quotingfigures, he has argued that addition of Mola in theproduction system along with other fishes can result in 51%increase in production and 49% increase in income. Whileillustrating the nutritional and economic advantages of thefish, he also stressed the need for following some bestmanagement practices including use of the right kind ofgear and handling of fish.

Dr. Archana Sinha expressed the need for popularizing A.mola as a health food through awareness campaigns,especially how to cook the fish without losing its nutritionaladvantages. In the small-scale culture of Mola in ruralhousehold ponds, the fish breeds and replenishes throughauto-stocking and the farmers can keep harvesting. In ruralhousehold culture systems in Bengal, 50% of the harvestfrom the pond is sold, 20% is kept for own consumption,20% is left for regeneration of the stock and 10% of thecatch is gifted to neighbours, she informed. Dr. Radheshyamsaid that in a mixed culture with Major Carps, Mola can bea component to the extent of 20 - 30%. Dr. DandadharSarma, shared his experience with Mola in the Aquaculture

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and Biodiversity Centre of Gauhati University, where hecultured the fish in ponds having aquatic vegetation. InAssam, the breeding season of Mola in Beels was May toJuly, Dr. Sarma said. He also made a mention about thenocturnal feeding habit of Mola. Dr. S.K. Bhagabati, wasof the view that bionomics of A. mola need to be studied inorder to develop feed and seed production technologiesfor the fish. Dr. A.B. Patel wondered whether the nutritivevalue of the fish would be affected once we start producingthem in culture systems on artificial feeds. He alsoexpressed the view that proper collection methods need tobe evolved to catch the fish without causing mortality.Standardization of mesh size for catching Mola was alsoemphasized.

The fish farmers from Orissa, West Bengal, and Assamalso took active part in the discussions. Speaking on theoccasion, Shri Kamlesh Ghosh from West Bengal sharedhis experience in getting better production of Mola in weedinfested (water lily Nymphea sp., floatingheart Nymphoidessp. and lotus Nelumbo nucifera) ponds, than normal ones.This was also the experience of many other farmers. Thescientists explained that better performance was due to thepresence of periphyton on the stems of water lilies, etc.

Shri Ratan Jisi, Shri Jibeswar Das and Shri Pradip Patgirifrom Assam explained the good demand for Mola in themarket. At times, the price goes up to Rs 800/- a kg, theysaid. They informed the house about the existence of twovarieties of A. mola, viz., the slender and wide ones; thelatter being in good demand. Shri Jisi also said that thefish is known to cure chicken pox and in Assam it was fedto animals (encapsulated in banana) for their health. His 2ha farm produced 40 – 100 kg Mola each year. The threeparticipants from Assam were keen to receive advice fromthe Scientists to culture Mola in their ponds scientifically.

Shri Kuddus Ansari and Shri Tuhi Mahata, the twoprogressive farmers form Purulia, West Bengal explainedtheir success stories in producing and supplying Mola ingood quantities. Shri Ansari explained how he kept the fishin safe havens during summer. When the first rains arrive,he allowed the fish to enter the ponds, where it breedsprofusely. Shri Ansari also experienced good productionof Mola in weed infested ponds and he attributed the bettergrowth to the nutrients received from the local catchment.Shri Sania Bhumia, Shri Bhagban Das and Shri Sujit Patrofrom Orissa shared their experience in culturing Mola andrequested the scientists to provide them with better

techniques to grow Mola as it has a good demand in themarket. Shri Amlesh Chatterjee of West Bengal said hewas producing 600 – 700 kg of Mola every year along withTilapia, IMC and Scampi from his 3 ha farm.

In the afternoon, the Scientists, Farmers and Officials ofNFDB discussed the possibility of evolving a project sothat a package of practices can be developed. On the basisof discussions, it was decided that a project will beformulated on the following lines:

1. The main objective of the project will be to developand standardize a package of practices forproduction of A. mola.

2. The main emphasis will be on developing apackage of practices for the monoculture of Mola.But its culture in combination with IMC, GiantFreshwater Prawn, and Pabda (Ompokbimaculatus) will also be studied in differentcombinations and methodologies and standardized.

3. Methods for culturing Mola in backyard homesteadponds, suitable for adoption among poor ruralhouseholds will be developed.

4. Production systems based on both auto-stockingsystems and artificial stocking systems will bedeveloped.

5. The project will include standardization ofbreeding/ hypophysation techniques.

6. Feed formulation for Mola will be one of theresearch components of the project.

7. Scientific investigations on the age and growth,physiology, feeding biology and breeding biologywill be included.

8. Reasons for mortality during hypophysation andwhile handling will also be studied by the scientists.

9. Post-harvest technologies including (Solarpowered dehydration) value addition (ready tocook products), and cooking methods will becomponents of the project.

10. The project activities will include determinationof Mola’s nutritive value and its promotion as ahealth food.

11. Region-specific culture techniques will bedeveloped.

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12. Scientists from CIFA, CIFRI, Gauhati University,AAU, College of Fisheries Tripura, Officials fromthe Dept. of Fisheries of States and farmers fromWest Bengal, Assam, Orissa and Andhra Pradeshwill be the partners.

13. Separate sensitization Workshops will beconducted in Assam, West Bengal and Tripura.

14. The initial phase of the project will be for 6 months.

15. Dr. V.V. Sugunan, Senior Consultant will be theCoordinator at NFDB.

16. The ornamental value of A. mola and other specieswill be studied.

17. An E-mail ID [email protected] has beencreated. Group mails will be sent from this E-mail to all participants in future.

Group photo of participants of the National Workshop onBreeding and Culture of Amblypharyngodon molaconducted on 3 May 2016 at NFDB, Hyderabad

4.8 Workshop on Financing Fisheries Sector jointlyorganized by NIRD&PR and NFDB, HyderabadNational Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) incollaboration with National Institute of Rural Development& Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Rajendranagar, Hyderabadconducted a two day planning “Workshop on FinancingFisheries Sector”. The workshop is exclusively conductedfor the bankers of coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh &Telangana State. A total of 55 participants attended theprogramme. The bankers from Visakhapatnam,Srikakulam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna,Nellore, Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts participated.SHG members of traditional coastal fisher community andNIRD&PR officials also attended. The purpose was to

discuss and deliberate on the problems experienced by thebeneficiaries in fisheries sector to obtain the financialassistance from the banks and the reasons behind lowfunding pattern in the sector.

Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive, NFDB and Dr. W.R.Reddy, Director General, NIRD&PR at the inaugurationof the Workshop on Financing Fisheries Sector atNIRD&PR, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad

Shri Ram Mohan Rao, Consultant, CFIE, NIRD&PRwelcomed the participants and the dignitaries. Shri K.N.Kumar, Chief Executive, NFDB in his opening remarkssaid that though India is the second largest producer of theworld in fisheries sector, next to China, the sector is grosslyunder financed and is gasping for capital. Catch fromCapture Fisheries and Culture Fisheries is declining on anaverage by 5% every year. This would have serious impacton the nation’s food security. Literacy rates are very lowi.e. much less than national average among the fishingcommunities. Dr. W.R. Reddy, Director General,NIRD&PR told that there is an obligation on all theinstitutions to finance the fisheries sector. There is enoughmoney with banks and government, but the channel is weakand it has to be strengthened. Around 1.5 crore people aredepending on this sector. All the stakeholders should aimat strengthening this sector.

Dr. C.M. Muralidharan, Member, ICSF, Chennai andConsultant, FAO made a detailed presentation on theoverview of fisheries sector in Andhra Pradesh, problemsfaced by the traditional fishermen and opportunitiesavailable for growth. Through a joint effort by allstakeholders, and a systematic approach, formal financialinstitutions can promote sustainable fisheries and fisherieslivelihoods. Dr. M. Persis, Sr. Executive, NFDB made a

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Participant Bankers (above two), Women SHG and NGORepresentatives (bottom two) at the Workshop onFinancing Fisheries Sector held at NIRD&PR,Rajendranagar, Hyderabad

detailed presentation on Schemes for Coastal Fishermenof A.P. and clarified the questions of the bankers. Dr. R.Ramasubramanian, Principal Scientist, MS SwaminathanResearch Foundation at Machilipatnam, Krishna district,Andhra Pradesh, gave an account of the work done onMangrove Conservation for regenerating nursery groundsof marine fish and shrimp by which fishers in 33 villagesbenefited.

Dr. C.M. Muralidharan, ICSF, Chennai and Dr. R.Ramasubramanian, Principal Scientist, MSSRF,Machilipatnam participating in the Workshop at NIRD&PR

Shri M. Nageswara Rao, Consultant, CREATIVE FishFarmers Producers Organisation (FFPO) made apresentation on the promotion of SNEHA FFPO in Krishnadistrict, A.P., supported by NABARD. He described theconcept, formation, and registration of an FPO, and howtraining and exposure visits were arranged for the Boardof Directors. He opined that Rural Banking Systems andCredit Institutions play an important role in meeting thegrowing credit needs for FPOs. As the financialinvolvement of the Govt. in Cooperatives increased, itsinterference in all aspects of the functioning of Cooperativesalso increased. Dr. V.V. Sugunan, Sr. Consultant, NFDBpresented the present status, potential and emergingopportunities in Ornamental Fish. Shri Gurappa, JointDirector and Shri D Gopi Reddy, Assistant Director, fromCommissionerate of Fisheries, Govt. of AP made apresentation on State Govt. Schemes for the developmentof Fisheries/ Fishermen, problems, prospects and creditneeds. Participants engaged in an elaborate discussion andthe JDF and ADF clarified their doubts. Shri PVSLNarasimham, Chairman, M/S Teewave Technologies madea pictorial presentation on low cost Solar Technologies forcoastal fisheries and credit requirements.

After the day-long presentations and discussions, theparticipants visited NFDB Office for an interactive sessionwith all the NFDB officials.

On day-two, Dr. P.S.N. Reddy, Regional Manager (Retd.),Oriental Insurance Company explained the insuranceoptions for fishermen, different type of insurance schemes,procedure to get a policy, certification, claims procedure,

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Participants of the Workshop on Financing FisheriesSector, with NFDB Officials at NFDB, Hyderabad

Do’s & Don’ts and benefits to the fishermen. Doubts wereclarified. Shri P. Mohanaiah, Project Manager & Shri R.S.S.Ramam, Sectoral Monitor (Livestock), NABCONS,Hyderabad shared the support services being offered byNABCONS. NABCONS is a State Level Credit FacilitationBureau set up by NABARD. This is the first of its kindinitiative from NABARD.

There was a group discussion session. The participants weremade into four groups. Each group was given a task todiscuss on the topics namely: How to double the incomeof fishers; Simplification of lending to fisheries schemes;Promoting MMGs/ JLGs for financing fisheries; Issues and

challenges faced in lending to fisheries sector. Theparticipants actively discussed about their respective topics,listed very important points and made the presentationhighlighting easy facilitation to access the credit byfishermen, increase the income and improve theirlivelihood.

During the last session, the Women SHG Members sharedtheir experience with banks. It was very heartening to knowthe facts and truths. They explained the difficulty in gettingthe financial assistance from branches located in coastalareas. They expressed that their profession is the limitationand they are belittled by the bankers. It was an eye openingto the bankers and seems to have changed their attitude tosome extent.

In his concluding remarks, Shri K.N. Kumar, ChiefExecutive, NFDB emphasized on the need for positivethinking and change in attitude of the bankers towardsfishermen community. Dr. W.R. Reddy, Director General,NIRD&PR reinforced on nurturing good relationshipbetween the banker and customer. All the participants haveagreed that it was a good learning experience as they havecome to know for the first time about NFDB, its activitiesand schemes.

5. Important Events

5.1 NFDB funded three-day National Workshop onManagement of Amur Brood Stock organized atBangaloreA one-day National Workshop on ‘Management of AmurCommon Carp’ was held on 5 April 2016 at KarnatakaVeterinary Animal and Fisheries University, Bangalore. TheWorkshop marked the culmination of NFDB-funded Projecton ‘Brood Stock Development of Amur Carp’ (Cyprinuscarpio – Hungary Strain) for which Rs. 61.0 lakh wasprovided over a period of five years (2011-16). Dr. V.V.Sugunan, Sr. Consultant, NFDB, Shri H.S. Veerappa Gouda,Director of Fisheries, Govt. of Karnataka, Dr. M. Usturge,Director of Research, Dr. Y. Basavaraju, ADR and PrincipalInvestigator, Dr. D. Seenappa, Chief Scientific Officer,Inland Fisheries Division, UAS, Bangalore, Dr. K.M.Shankar, Prof. & Head, Dept. of Aquaculture, CoF,Mangalore, and others participated.

Representatives from State Governments, KVKs and otherInstitutes, who received Amur Carp for trial culture,attended the meeting and shared their experience. FifteenStates, Research Units of CIFE and ICAR ResearchComplex Barapani also presented their observations. Allthe States invariably reported good performance of theimproved variety compared to normal Common Carp.Rohtak Unit of the CIFE reported that Amur Carp was foundextremely suitable for culturing in inland saline waters inHaryana, where up to 7.0 ppt salinity was found to be idealfor growth. As opposed to other species cultured in suchwaters, there was no need for Potassium fortification ofpond water to culture Amur Carp. A common thread of allpresentations was the great enthusiasm shown by thefarmers about Amur Carp. There were also some specificdemands from few Centres for more seed from the Project.NFDB has promised to explore the possibility of sendingthe seed available with its NFFBB facility atKausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

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Dr. V.V. Sugunan, Shri H.S. Veerappa Gouda, Dr. M.Usturge and Dr. Y. Basavaraju at the inaugural programmeof the Workshop on Amur Carp at KVAFU, Bangalore

The meeting developed a plan of action to carry forwardthe good results achieved under the Project in a three tiersystem comprising: (1) Brood Banks, (2) MultiplicationCentres and (3) Production Centres. In order to developand put in place such a system, the following pre-requisiteswill be required:

(i) Developing protocols for running Brood Banks,Multiplication Centres and Production Units.

(ii) Preparing package of practices for breeding andculture.

(iii) Putting in place control regimes to ensure that thepurity of the line is maintained.

(iv) Recognizing accredited agencies to certify seeds andprocesses.

(v) Coordinating all the participating agencies.

The meeting recognized the scope for developing a newproject that can run on a pilot scale as a forerunner to theabove mentioned system. The goal is to induct Amur Carpinto the aquaculture production system of the country tomake a definite impact in production and benefits tofarmers. Eventually, wherever common carp is in gooddemand, there will be a good network of Amur Carpproduction and supply chain, replacing the normal CommonCarp. It was further decided to invite Dr. Basavaraju, thePrincipal Investigator to the ‘National Consultation onNFDB Outreach’ at NFDB, Hyderabad (where theproposed new project was discussed, vide: pages 14-16 ofthis issue).

5.2 Guest Lecture on Overwintering Pangasius Seedin Earthen Ponds, organized at NFDBOne of the activities at the NFDB, Hyderabad, has been toregularly arrange Guest Lectures on topics of fisheries/aquaculture interest for updating the knowledge of theNFDB Officers, Officers of Depts. of Fisheries,Entrepreneurs, Fish Farmers, etc. On 22 April 2016 apresentation on “Indigenous Technology for SavingPangasius Seed during Winter Months in Earthen Ponds”was delivered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, pioneeringentrepreneur from Maharajgunj district, Uttar Pradesh.

Guest Lecture on Overwintering Pangasius Seed, deliveredby Dr. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava at NFDB, Hyderabad

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, undertakes very large scalemultiple breeding and production of spawn, fry, fingerlingof Carps as well as intensive culture of Carps andPangasisus in his farm at Siswa Bazar, Maharajganj district,Uttar Pradesh. Pangasius farming has gained popularity inthe region owing to small land holdings, scope for intensivefeed based production and its sale in live condition. Thereis huge demand for Pangasius seed and 80% of it comesfrom outside (the State/ country). Farmers in the regionrequire Pangasius fingerlings from 25th February till 5th

March. But it does not survive water temperatures below15 oC, while in the region pond water temperature falls to12 oC or less.

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Average annual maximum (orange curve) and minimum(blue curve) temperatures in Maharajgunj, Uttar Pradesh[Source: Dr. S.K. Srivastava]

Therefore, Dr. Srivastava developed an indigenousinnovative technology to prevent mortality of Pangasiusseed in earthen ponds during winter months. For thispurpose he conducted trials in a 0.22 ha experimentalearthen pond constructed with NFDB funding. Hepositioned a system of empty thermocole boxes as floatsin the pond with the help of nylon ropes on which PVCsheet (Silapulin) was overlaid to cut off contact with thecold atmospheric air above the pond surface. In addition,he pumped out pond water for agriculture/ horticulturepurpose and replenished it with bore well water which waswarmer. He was thus able to maintain water temperaturesof 20.0 – 22.5 oC in the ponds (5.5 – 6.0 oC more than inthe control pond).

Schematic cross-sectional view along the pond widthshowing arrangement of 13 thermocole boxes (floats)in three tiers (gallery) in each row (above) and planview of all the 36 rows of ropes and floats (below) tosupport the Silpaulin Sheets on the pond [DrSKS]

Thermocole boxes arranged in Pangasius pond to supportthe Silapulin Sheets [DrSKS]

On 1st November 2015, a total of 3,06,000 Pangasius fishseeds were stocked in 0.22 ha pond. Cost of seed was Rs.1.10 per piece and average weight was 0.53 grams. Afterquality feed based intensive rearing for four months, heharvested during February-March 2016 a total of 2,84,490fish fingerlings (93% survival) having an average weightof 41.5 grams per piece. Cost of production worked to aboutRs. 4.50 per piece and he sold the fingerlings at about Rs.10.00 per piece and made a net profit of Rs. 16,13,430/-.The cost-benefit ratio was 0.79. Dr. Srivastava is of theopinion that this technique could be adopted in warmerregions also when temperatures drop during winter.

Dr. S.K. Srivastava overseeing Pangasius fingerlingsharvest from the experimental earthen pond in his farm atSiswa Bazar, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh

5.3 NFDB participates in NICRA Workshop onClimate Change at CIFA, BhubaneswarA sensitization workshop on “Adaptation and MitigationStrategies in Fisheries and Aquaculture to Climate Changewith Special Reference to Freshwater Aquaculture” was

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organized under the National Innovations on ClimateResilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project on 25 April 2016at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for creatingawareness among stakeholders from Andhra Pradesh,Odisha and West Bengal. Representatives from State Dept.of Fisheries, Odisha, resource persons from NFDB,Hyderabad, OUAT, IIWM, CDA, selected NGOs andKVKs, school teachers; Scientists from ICAR-CIFA andthe Project Team of NICRA participated. Dr. Radheyshyam,Senior consultant (Fisheries), NFDB, Hyderabad, was theChief Guest of the occasion. He released the CIFAPublication on the theme of the Workshop and addressedthe gathering on the implications of Climate Change inAquaculture.

Dr. Radheyshyam, Dr. P. Jayasankar, Dr. S. Adhikari, ShriP.K. Mohan and others at the inauguration of the NICRAWorkshop at CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

5.4 NFDB Sponsored ‘Punjab Fish Festival – 2016’held at LudhianaPunjab is on the threshold of “Blue Revolution” and a trendhas been set in favour of diversification from agriculturalto fish farming. The farmers are adopting intensive fishculture practices in ponds and tanks on modern scientificlines through composite fish culture of fast growing species.The “Punjab Fish Festival – 2016” was held at Guru AngadDev Veterinary and Animal Science University(GADVASU), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)Campus, Ludhiana, on 24 April 2016. NFDB providedfinancial assistance of Rs. 25.00 lakh for this State LevelEvent. Shri Gulzar Singh Ranike, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister,Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development,Govt. Punjab inaugurated the programme. Secretary-Fisheries, Govt. of Punjab; DDG (Fishery), ICAR; Vice-Chancellors of GADVASU and PAU and Director ofFisheries, Punjab attended.

The Fish Festival was an ideal platform for fish farmers,hatchery operators, aqua-feed manufacturers, inputsuppliers, manufactures and suppliers of variousaquaculture and aquarium equipment and for scientists andexperts to acquaint with latest developments in the fields.The festival was also aimed at creating awareness amongthe consumers on fish as a healthy food highlighting itsnutritional advantages.

An Exhibition with several stalls was arranged, a ColourfulBrochure on ‘Punjab Fish Festival–2016’ was publishedand a Seminar on “Prospects of Fisheries Development inPunjab” was organized on this occasion. Dr. Bimal KinkarChand Executive Director (Tech.), NFDB, participated inthe events and made a presentation on “Role of NFBD onFisheries” highlighting the different ongoing Schemes ofNFDB. The ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana displayed theprototype of ‘Live Fish Transport Vehicle’ developed underthe NFDB funded Technology Upgradation Project (TUP).

“Punjab Fish Festival – 2016” held at GADVASU, Punjab:Inauguration (above) and ICAR-CIPHET Stall in theExhibition showing prototype of ‘Live Fish TransportVehicle’ developed under NFDB funded TUP

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5.5 NFDB funded ‘International TrainingWorkshop on Taxonomy of Bivalve Molluscs’ heldat CUSAT, Kochi, KeralaThe “1st International Training Workshop on Taxonomy ofBivalve Molluscs”, for which NFDB provided financialassistance, was held on 10 May 2016 at the School ofMarine Sciences, Cochin University of Science andTechnology (CUSAT), Lake Side Campus, Ernakulum,Kochi, Kerala. The Workshop was inaugurated by Prof. J.Latha, Vice-Chancellor of Cochin University of Scienceand Technology. Dr. Grham Oliver, National MuseumWales and School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University,North Wales, United Kingdom, Dr. Ramakrishna, formerDirector, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Dr. SubbaRao, an eminent malacologist in India, were present amongothers. Dr. V.V. Sugunan, Sr. Consultant (Fisheries) fromNFDB, Hyderabad, participated.

Prof. J. Latha, VC, inaugurating the Training Workshopon Taxonomy of Bivalve Molluscs at CUSAT, Kochi, Kerala

5.6 Review Meetings on Business DevelopmentFacilitators (BDFs) held at NFDBBased on the findings of a one-day ‘Brainstorming Sessionon Ornamental Fish’, organized by NFDB on 29 February2016, the agenda, format and participants for a NationalConsultation was decided (Matsya Bharat, January-March2016, pages 36-37). Subsequently, the two-day ‘NationalConsultation on Ornamental Fish’ was conducted at NFDB,Hyderabad, on 27 and 28 April 2016 (item 4.6 in this issueof Matsya Bharat), with the aim of identifying the prioritiesfor the NFDB and setting a road map for developing andgiving a thrust to the Ornamental Fisheries Sector in thecountry.

One of the action points proposed at the NationalConsultation was to promote, scale up and replicate theBackyard Ornamental Fish Culture models being practicedin West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka throughBusiness Development Facilitators (BDFs) concept. Dr.Tabrez and Dr. D. Seenappa were nominated toconceptualize and facilitate this whole process.

As a follow up action on the proposal submitted by Dr.Tabrez and Dr. D. Seenappa, meetings were held with themand other NFDB Officers under the Chairmanship of Dr.V.V. Sugunan, Sr. Consultant, NFDB, first on 12th and thenon 25th May 2014 at NFDB, Hyderabad. It was proposed toidentify/ select Business Development Facilitators (BDFs)from different geographical regions of the country and trainthem in three batches. The BDFs in turn would identifyexisting and new Ornamental Fish Entrepreneurs, to bereferred to as “Ornapreneurs”, and help them in preparingBusiness Plans, which will be screened by a ReviewCommittee comprising possibly of SMSs, Bankers andNFDB Officers. The recommended Business Plans will bemade into Projects for NFDB funding.

Presentations being made during Review Meeting onBusiness Development Facilitators in OrnamentalFisheries, held at NFDB, Hyderabad

5.7 Stakeholders Workshop for Human ResourceDevelopment in Fisheries held at Guwahati, AssamAs a sequel to the ‘Brainstorming Workshop on Role ofATARIs in Development of Fisheries Sector’ organized byNFDB on 6 April 2016 at Hyderabad (item 4.1 in this issueof Matsya Bharat), the Agricultural Technology ApplicationResearch Institute (ATARI), Zone-III, Umiam, Meghalayaorganized a ‘Stakeholders Workshop for Human ResourceDevelopment in Fisheries’ at ICAR-CIFRI, RegionalCentre, Guwahati on 13 May 2016, to finalize KrishiVigyan Kendras (KVKs) HRD Projects in Fisheries forNorth Eastern Region.

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Dignitaries on the dais and participating SMS from KVKsof the NE States at the HRD Workshop at Guwahati

Dr. B.C. Deka, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone- III, Umiam,Dr. R. Suresh, Senior Consultant (HRD), NFDB,Hyderabad, Dr. B. K. Bhattachariya, Head, ICAR-CIFRI,Regional Centre, Guwahati, Dr. B Lahon, Sr. Consultant(Fisheries) & O-i-C, Shri A Shamim Ahmed, Consultant(Fisheries), NFDB, Regional Centre, Guwahati, ShriChandan Chetri, FEO, Dept. of Fisheries, Assam attended.Thirty five Fisheries Subject Matter Specialists (SMS),Programme Assistant form KVKs and Scientists from ICARInstitutes participated in the Workshop. Dr. B.C. Dekaappreciated the role of KVKs in the fisheries developmentof the North-East Region and emphasized the need ofhands-on training for the stakeholder. Dr. R. Sureshexplained the HRD initiatives of NFDB and the fundingpattern for Training/ Skill-Development Programmes infisheries.

Presentations were made by the SMS of the KVK of eachof the NE States, viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. In all 123need based training programmes for a total of 115 batchescomprising of 2690 farmers were proposed by the 34 KVKs.After the deliberations, a detail discussion was held andthe suggestions offered were asked to be incorporated inthe revised proposals and submitted to NFDB forconsideration.

5.8 Meeting conducted to finalize TrainingProgrammes in Fisheries from KVKs in the regionunder ATARI Zone-V, HyderabadA meeting to finalize Training Programme proposals fromFisheries SMSs of KVKs in the region under ATARI, Zone-V, Hyderabad, was held on the 19 May 2016. In all 11KVK in the zone participated and presented proposals for

organizing training programmes in fisheries, to be fundedby NFDB during the year 2016-17. Dr. R. Suresh, Sr.Consultant, Dr. M. Persis, Sr. Executive (Tech) and Dr.T.V. Suresh, Consultant from NFDB and Shri JanardhanGangaputra, Board Member, NFDB participated in themeeting.

Dr YG Prasad, Director, ATARI Zone-V, informed that theICAR-ATARIs have been identified as nodal institutionsfor enhancing the skills and knowledge of farmers throughtraining on various issues in fisheries.

In all 55 training programmes were presented by theFisheries SMSs from the 8 KVKs that participated. Theproposals were scrutinized by the team of Officials fromNFDB, and those based on the needs of the fish farmers ofthe respective districts were deliberated upon in depth, andnecessary modifications in the proposals were suggestedto be made before submission to NFDB.

5.9 Meeting on ‘Finalization of Fisheries CapacityDevelopment Programmes’ through KVKs held atICAR-ATARI, BengaluruA meeting on ‘Finalization of Fisheries CapacityDevelopment Programmes’ of ATARI Zone-VIII KVKs tobe funded by NFDB, Hyderabad was organised by theDirector, ATARI Zone-VIII, Bengaluru, on 25 May 2016.Dr. Sreenath Dixit, Director, Dr. M.J. Chandre Gowda,Principal Scientist and Dr. K. Rejula, Scientist (AE) ofATARI Directorate, Zone-VIII, Bengaluru. Dr. R. Suresh,Sr. Consultant and Mrs. Glory Swarupa, Consultant, HRDDivision, NFDB, also participated. There are 14 FisheriesSMSs under Zone-VIII, but only 12 SMSs from 12 KVKsrepresenting Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu Statesattended the meeting.

Participants of the NFDB HRD Meeting held at ATARIZone-VIII Directorate, Bengaluru

Based on the local needs and availability of resources, theSMSs made presentations covering the broad areas, viz.,

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training topics, number of programmes, duration, numberof beneficiaries and budget. There was discussion on therelevance of training, fish species, location, number ofbeneficiaries, engaging guest speakers, infrastructureavailable, training resources, etc. Where ever requiredmodifications/ changes in the programmes, duration, etc.were asked to be made. Need based programmes whichcan build the capacity of the fish farmers/ coastal fishermen/fisherwomen/ entrepreneurs are to be prioritized. It wasinstructed to take the help of nearby Fisheries SMS if aHome Science SMS wants to conduct a programme on valueaddition in fish. The SMSs were asked to follow NFDBguidelines strictly, and their doubts were clarified. Around60 training proposals (5 each from the 12 KVKs) areexpected to be submitted by the second week of June 2016.

5.10 Annual Review Meeting of NFDB FundedNSPAAD Project held at NBFGR, LucknowA two-day Annual Review Meeting of the NFDB funded“National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic AnimalDiseases” (NSPAAD) was held at the National Bureau ofFish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow on 27 and 28May 2016. NFDB sanctioned Rs. 3162.94 lakh on 05February 2013 for the five year Project in which ResearchInstitutes, Fisheries Colleges and Dept. of Fisheries inAndhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala,Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujrat, Tripura, Assam,Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,Bihar, Haryana and Andaman & Nicobar are partners.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. J.K. Jena (DDG-Fisheries),ICAR. Prof. Iddya Karunasagar, FAO expert & Rtd.Professor of Microbiology, CoF, Managalore reviewed theperformance of the Project. Dr. V. V. Sugunan, Sr.Consultant and Dr. Bimal Kinkar Chand Executive Director(Tech.), NFDB, participated as Observers. A total of 27

Participants at the Annual Review Meeting of NFDB fundedNSPAAD Project held at NBFGR, Lucknow on 27 and 28May 2016

Presentations were made by different implementinginstitutes. All the investigators and research scholarsworking for the Project were provided training about theentry of information in the National Aquatic AnimalDatabase.

5.11 NFDB organizes Workshop to formulate aNational Level ‘Project on Amblypharyngodon mola’at CIFRI, Barrackpore, West BengalAs a sequel to the one-day ‘National Workshop on Breedingand Culture of Amblypharyngodon mola’ held at NFDBHyderabad on 3 May 2016 (item 4.7 in this issue of MatsyaBharat), another Workshop to discuss, finalize andformulate a ‘Project on Amblypharyngodon mola’ wasorganized on 31 May 2016 at the Central Inland FisheriesResearch Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, West Bengal.Thirty one delegates including Dr S D Tripathi, FormerDirector, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai,Dr V R Suresh, Director Central Inland Fisheries ResearchInstitute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, Dr V V Sugunan, SeniorConsultant, NFDB, Hyderabad and Dr B K Chand,Executive Director, NFDB, apart from 16 farmers and 12scientific/ technical personnel form different participatingorganizations. Shri Sankar Barua of AmalgamatedPlantations Pvt. Ltd. (APPL) also participated and sharedthe experiences in NFDB funded Project on culturing A.mola successfully in the Fish Farm in TATA’s Tea Gardensof Upper Assam.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. V. V. Sugunan, Sr.Consultant, NFDB. Dr. S.D. Tripathy, former Director &VC of CIFE and Dr. V. R. Suresh, Director (Actg.), CIFRIwere the expert members. Scientists from different ICARInstitutes and Universities of West Bengal, Assam andTripura participated. Farmers and NGO partners who areto be associated with the project also participated. Notableparticipants were Dr. Archana Sinha, Principal Scientists,CIFRI, Dr. P.P. Chakrabarty, Principal Scientists, CIFA,Rahara Center, Dr. Anup Dutta, former Principal Scientists,CIFA, Dr. Bhagabati, CoF, Assam, Dr. Patel, CoF, CUA,Agartala, Dr. Dandhadhar Sarma, Gauhati Univeristy, ShriSankar Barua, Tata’s APPL, M/S. S D. Ghosh, KudusAnsari, Biswajit Mahakur, Amlesh Chatterjee, Farmers,Scientists and technical persons participated.

Seven groups were formed and each group formulated aSub-project with specific objectives. Deliberations weremade on all draft Sub-projects. All groups were requested

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Dr. S.D. Tripathy and Dr. V.V. Sugunan coordinating the‘Project formulation on Amblypharyngodon mola’ atCIFRI, Barrackpore, West Bengal

to submit the revised proposal as per the suggestions of theexperts. These Sub-projects will be the components of theMain Project so that all concerned aspects are addressed.It was suggested that the project should mainly focus on(a) breeding and seed production of A. mola, (b)monoculture of A. mola, (c) prospects and economicviability of culturing A. mola along with a number of otherspecies in different combinations, and (d) assessing itsperformance in integrated farming systems such as paddy-cum-fish and pig-cum-fish culture.

While the main Institute-based research activity onaquaculture of A. mola, especially on different aspects ofbreeding and culture will be conducted at the Rahara

Groups formed among participants to formulate Sub-projects with specific objectives on Mola Project at CIFRI,Barrackpore, West Bengal

Research Centre of CIFA, Kolkata, under the leadership ofDr P P Chakraborti and Dr Anup Datta who have theInstitutional mandate and maximum field experience onculture of A mola, similar research studies will also beconducted at the farms of Fisheries College Raha, and theGauhati University, Assam. All field trials to validate thesescientific principles will be conducted at the farmers’ pondsunder the guidance of the respective leaders. The sites forvalidation studies in the field have been selected based ongeographic considerations. Through this exercise, theknowledge possessed by and the improvisation made bythe farmers will be imbibed by the scientist and vice versa,adding value to the technology.

6. NFDB Field Notes

6.1 NFDB funded Fish Market Sites in Thane andProgress of Work on Fish Markets in Pune,Maharashtra, inspectedNFDB sanctioned four Modern Hygienic Fish Marketsproposed for construction by the Maharashtra FisheriesDevelopment Corporation (MFDC) in place of the existingold and unhygienic markets in Thane and two newWholesale-cum-Retail Fish Markets in Pune, Maharashtra.On 6 and 7 April 2016 Shri G. Vijaya Lazarus, SeniorExecutive (Engr.) and Dr. T.V. Suresh Consultant (Tech.),NFDB, held discussions with MFDC officials in MFDCOffice and later, along with Officials of MFDC andrespective Municipal Engineering Divisions, inspected thefish market structures and sites of the existing four fishmarkets in Thane and progress of construction work on thetwo fish markets in Pune.

(i) Fish Market at Kalwa Vitawa, ThaneThe existing market has sheet roof, and covered drainagesystem. There are nearly 15 retail stalls. The market is inthe midst of the residential locality, beside the main roadand having good connectivity. The market is beingmaintained by the local body; it was informed that the solidwaste is being collected and disposed daily once in themorning at 10 AM and again during night at 10 PM andtherefore there was no solid waste anywhere. The MunicipalExecutive Engineer informed that the tender process wasalready completed and intimation letter sent to the agency.Further, the municipality already identified a location toreallocate the vendors during construction work.

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(iv) Fish Market at Kalwa Naka, ThaneThe existing market is dilapidated and totally abandoned.The vendors are relocated along the main road. The tenderprocess completed and intimation letter sent to the agency.

Existing Fish Market at Kalwa Naka, Thane,Maharashtra(v) Construction of Wholesale-cum-Retail Fish Marketat Ganeshpet, PuneSanction was accorded on 30 March 2011 and Rs. 157.50lakh was released out of the sanctioned amount of Rs.225.00lakh. The cellar and ground slab is laid and the first floor isunder progress. It was informed that there was delay inlaunching the work due to time taken in relocating thevendors into temporary sheds beside the main road. Themunicipal engineers promised to speed up the work.

Construction of Wholesale-cum-Retail Fish Market inprogress at Ganeshpet, Pune, Maharashtra(vi) Construction of Wholesale-cum-Retail Fish Marketat Khopoli, PuneSanction was accorded on 27 August 2013 and till nowRs.140.87 lakh was released out of the sanctioned amountof Rs. 187.83 lakh. Construction of the Market Building,ETP Plant and other civil structures are completed. Flooring

Existing Fish Market at Kalwa Vitawa, Thane,Maharashtra(ii) Fish Market at Kalwa Kharegaon, ThaneThe existing market has sheet roof, and covered drainagesystem. There are nearly 30 retail stalls. The market is inresidential locality and connected by roads on both sides.It has facilities like water and electricity connection anddrainage. The tender process was completed and intimationletter sent to the agency.

Existing Fish Market at Kalwa Kharegaon, Thane,Maharashtra(iii) Fish Market at Kalwa Gaondevi, ThaneThe existing market has sheet roof, and covered drainagesystem. There are 60 retail vendors operating in the existingmarket. The tender process is completed and intimationletter sent to the agency.

Existing Fish Market at Kalwa Naka, Thane, Maharashtra

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and electrification work is under progress. The market islocated in the centre of the city and having goodconnectivity.

Wholesale-cum-Retail Fish Market under construction atKhopoli Pune, Maharashtra: Exterior (above) and RetailStalls (below)6.2 Executive Director (Engr.) and ExecutiveDirector (Tech.) Inspect Works at NFDB’s NationalFreshwater Fish Brood Bank, BhubaneswarNFDB took up the establishment of the ‘NationalFreshwater Fish Brood Bank’ (NFFBB) in about 40 hectare(100 acre) Fish Farm site at Kausalyaganga, Bhbaneswar(handed over by the Dept. of Fisheries, Govt. of Odisha toNFDB during 2012), at a total estimated cost of Rs. 18Crore. The objective of NFFBB is to achieve a targetedproduction of 100 crore quality seed of geneticallyimproved and commercially important freshwater fish andsupply to the States to in turn develop State Fish BroodBanks and supply Brood Stock to Fish Seed Farms.Under Phase-I some 16 ha (40 acre) are being developedfor construction of different sized fish ponds with strongperipheral and internal bunds/ dykes. Thirteen (13) fishponds/ tanks having a total water spread area of 7.32 acresare presently under use for fish culture at NFFBB.On 29 April 2016 Shri G. Vijaya Lazarus Executive Director(Engr.), Dr. Bimal Kinkar Chand Executive Director (Tech.)

from NFDB, Hyderabad and Shri Subrat Dash, SeniorExecutive (Tech.) from NFFBB, inspected the ongoingconstruction/ renovation works at NFBB Site accompaniedby Officials from CPWD, Executive Engineers of OdishaFisheries Engineering Department (OFED) and others.Internal Road Work by CPWD: The toe wall on bothside of the road is nearing completion and simultaneouslyroad widening also progressing well. Considerable quantityof good earth and moorum has been deposited at site.CPWD have setup a site office for regular monitoring theongoing road work.

Ongoing internal road work at NFFBB, Kausalyaganga,Bhbaneswar, OdishaPond Works done by OCC: Six new ponds on theNorthwestern side and 15 old ponds on the Northeasternside were done by Odisha Construction Corporation (OCC).As there is sinking and sliding of soil, non-uniformity inthe section of the bunds, strengthening and compaction isrequired. Also cross bunds are to be formed in some pondswith good earth and pond bed soil leveling is to be donebesides weed removal to put them to use.

Dr. Bimal Kinkar Chand Executive Director (Tech.) at oneof the newly constructed ponds at NFFBB, Kausalyaganga,BhbaneswarThe Executive Engineer OFED and CPWD were requestedto reexamine the DPR prepared for the Phase-II, i.e.development of the remaining 60 acre of NFFBB farm land.

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Interactive meeting with Officials from Dept. of Fisheries,Odisha, Executive Engineers, Odisha FisheriesEngineering Department (OFED), CPWD and othersAction Plan for Breeding Season of 2016: A meeting washeld with Dr. P Jayasankar, Director, CIFA and Dr. KantaDas Mohapatra, Principal Scientist, CIFA, to apprise themof infrastructure development and to chalk out the breedingprogramme for 2016. About 1.2 lakh fingerlings of breederseed of Jayanti Rohu, Amur and Improved Catla areavailable at NFFBB. If indents from the State FisheriesDepartments are not received in time for the breeder seeds,it is proposed to dispose them to private hatcheries.Other Aspects: A mini Circular Fish Hatchery of theOdisha State Fisheries Department which is in their part offarm and lying idle is proposed to be renovated and use forbreeder seed production by NFFBB. The State FisheriesDepartment has agreed to the proposal. The Hatchery unitcomprises of one spawning pool of 6 feet radius and 2hatching pools of 4 feet radius.

The Circular Fish Hatchery of the Odisha State FisheriesDepartment on the site adjoining NFFBB atKausalyaganga, Odisha

A meeting with the Chairman & Managing Director of FishFederation of Odisha was held to review of NFDB fundedprojects. Also a visit to NFDB funded Fish Retail Outlet“Chilka Fresh” established by an entrepreneur at Siripur,Bhubaneswar was visited.

NFDB funded Hygienic Fish Retail Outlet “Chilka Fresh”at Siripur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

6.3 NFDB, CAA and MPEDA Joint Inspection ofSPF L. vannamei Hatcheries in GujaratA joint inspection committee comprising of Shri R.Jayaraman, Director and Shri S. Mani, Asst. Director, ofCoastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), Shri G. Rathina Raj,Joint Director (Aqua), Marine Products ExportDevelopment Authority (MPEDA), Dr. T.V. Suresh,Consultant, NFDB, and Shri Jagdish Tandel, Asst. Directorof Fisheries, Govt. of Gujarat, visited two SPF Litopenaeusvannmei hatcheries in Gujarat State on 24 May 2016.M/S Gujarat Golden Marine Hatchery: This hatchery located at Velan Village, Kodinar Taluk, Gir-Somnath district, Gujarat, has an installed capacity toproduce 100 million post larvae (PLs) of SPF L. vannameiper annum. The following infrastructure and componentsat the hatchery were inspected: Freshwater intake system,Maturation/ Spawning section, Larval rearing section, Livefeed culture section, Feed storage facility, Laboratoryfacility and equipments, Common facility (Generators, Airblowers, Compressors, Staff quarters, Office building) andEffluent Treatment System (ETS). The hatchery wasrecommended for approval with the following changes/alterations: (i) Packing area facility has to be improved;(ii) One shower room at Algal Section to be created; and(iii) Partition in PCR Lab.

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The Laboratory Section in Gujarat Golden MarineHatchery in Gir-Somnath district, GujaratM/S Ocean Blue Hatcheries:This hatchery located at Jawar Naka, Porbandar district,Gujarat, has installed capacity to produce 160 million PLsof SPF L. vannamei per annum. The followinginfrastructure and components at the hatchery wereinspected: Freshwater intake system, Maturation/ Spawningsection, Larval rearing section, Live feed culture section,Feed storage facility, Laboratory facility and equipments,Common facility (Generators, Air blowers, Compressors,Staff quarters, Office building) and Effluent TreatmentSystem (ETS). After the inspection, it was informed thatthe hatchery does not comply with the requirements andtherefore posted for further inspection.

Post Larval Section in Ocean Blue Hatcheries in Porbandardistrict, Gujarat

6.4 Executive Director (Tech.) holds ReviewMeetings with West Bengal Fisheries Officials atKolkataDr. Bimal Kinkar Chand Executive Director (Tech.),NFDB, met Mrs. Malavika Jha, IAS, Director of Fisheries,West Bengal, Dr. S N Biswas, Joint Director of Fisheries,West Bengal, and Shri Bidhan Ray, Managing Director,BENFISH, Govt. of West Bengal, and reviewed the physicaland financial progress of the projects funded by NFDB.

With Mrs. Malavika Jha, Director of Fisheries, Kolkata,West Bengal

Discussion with Mr. Bidhan Roy, Managing Director,BENFISH, Kolkata, West Bengal

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7. Fishers & Farmers News

7.1 NFDB sponsored Workshop on “Promotion ofStriped Murrel (Channa striata) Culture inTelangana State” held at KVK Jammikunta,Karimnagar DistrictThe Striped Murrel Channa striata is one of the most soughtafter fishes that commands premium price in markets acrossthe country. NFDB felt the need to promote and popularizeMurrel Culture among the fish farmers and for this a one-day National Workshop on Breeding, Farming andManagement Practices of Striped Murrel (Channa striata)”was held at NFDB, Hyderabad, on 9th October 2015(Matsya Bharat, Sept-Oct 2015, pages 25-26). As a followup, among other things, it was decided to establish a MurrelHatchery at KVK Jammikunta, Karimnagar district,Telangana and to develop Murrel culture in water logged/wetland areas in Telangana State.

A State Level Workshop on Promotion of Murrrel Culturewas held on 11 April 2016 at Prakasam Krishi VignanaKendra, Jammikunta, Karimnagar district, Telangana State.Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive, NFDB inaugurated theWorkshop. Shri P. Janardhan Reddy, Chairman & FormerDirector of the KVK and Shri P.N. Janardhan, GoverningBody Member, NFDB, graced the occasion.

Shri K.N. Kumar, Chief Executive, NFDB in his openingremarks dwelt on present scenario of Marine vs. InlandFish production trends, national food security and health,importance of Inland Fisheries, production of Murrel seedand table size fish in Telangana State and also emphasizedon Greening the Blue Revolution, and Mission Kakatiyaworks in inland water bodies in Telangana State.

On this occasion a Brochure (in Telugu) on Guidelines forEnhancing Fish Production in Water Resources ofTelangana State was released.

In all 228 participants from 10 districts of Telangana State,comprising of District Fisheries Officers, FisheriesDevelopment Officers, field level Staff of the Dept. offisheries, Scientist from Central Institute of Fresh waterAquaculture (CIFA) Bhubaneswar, ATMA FisheriesTechnical Staff, KVK Scientists, Fisheries ResearchStations Scientists, Fish Farmers, Fish Traders, Districts

Presidents and Directors of Fishermen Coop Societies andFishermen participated.

A section of the participants at the Workshop on MurrelCulture held on 11 April 2016 at KVK Jammikunta,Karimnagar district, Telangana State

Shri G. Prabhakar, Fisheries Scientist, KVK, Jammikunta,briefed about the objectives of the NFDB funded Workshopwhich was to bring all the stakeholders, experts &experienced farmers together to discuss the presentproblems/ constraints in larger scale seed productionthrough establishment of Murrel fish hatcheries and seedrearing centres and latest technologies available forcommercial culture of Murrels and promoting its productionin low lands and underutilized inlands water bodies in theTelangana State the Govt. of which recently declared it asTelangana State Fish.

Shri G. Prabhakar, Fisheries Scientist, KVK Jammikunta,explaining the objectives of the NFDB funded Workshopon Murrel Culture

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Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Fisheries Scientist, CIFA-ICAR, Dr. T.Suguna, Principal Scientist and Head, FRS, Undi, Mr. G.Prabhakar, Fisheries Scientist, KVK, Mr. R. Arun Kumar,Project Manager, ARESEN Bio-Tech & Farms, Mr. G.Balaji, Technical Service Manager, Cargil India Pvt. Ltd.,Mr. G. Shiva Prasad, FDO, Khammam, Mr. Shaik NavazBasha, Teaching Assistant, Fisheries Polytechnic,Avanigadda, Dr B. Laxmappa, FDO Mamabubnagar andMr. B. Raghu, Fish farmer, Eluru, were the ResourcePersons and Guest Speakers in the technical sessions. Thefollowing aspects were deliberated in detail:

Captive Breeding, spawning and seed rearing ofStriped Murrel,

Feeds & feeding practices - Live fish foodorganisms in Murrel seed production,

Feeding strategies and management practices incommercial grow-out culture of Murrels,

Latest advances in hitech Murrel weaned/ trainedseed production and farming systems,

Murrel fish diseases and control measures, Formulated fish feed in commercial production of

Murrel, and Value addition to Murrel fish.

The following Suggestions/ Recommendations were madeby the Experts and Stakeholders for development of MurrelCulture in Telangana State: More focus on Homestead Murrel Culture for

getting regular income and to fulfill nutritionalrequirement of the consumers.

NFDB to provide support for conductingDivisional/ District Level Workshop for promotionof Murrel culture for the benefit of fishermen/ fishfarmers.

Promote Murrel culture in small water bodies, lowland and wet land areas of Telangana State.

Establishment of Striped Murrel Hatcheries andSeed Rearing Centres for production of weaned/trained seed by utilizing NFDB schemes withtechnical approval from Central Institute of FreshWater Aquaculture.

NFDB to provide support only for need based fishfarm projects for production of Murrel.

Dr. N. Venkateshwara Rao, Senior Scientist & Head, KVKconveyed vote of thanks.

7.2 NGO facilitates formation of Fishers andFarmers Producers Organization (FPO) inVisakhapatnam district of Andhra PradeshAbility Foundation is an NGO based at Thagarapuvalasavillage, Bheemili Mandal, Visakhapatnam district, AndhraPradesh. The following are the objective and activities ofthe NGO:Project Objective:Mobilizing farmers in groups and build their associations(FPOs) to plan and implement product specific cluster/commercial crop cyclesActivities:

1. Organize Farmers into informal groups (FGs).2. Train members and leaders in matters relating to

group functioning, group norms and systems.3. Form associations/ FPOs of FGs.4. Train members and leaders of FPOs to nurture FGs

and mediate vis-à-vis external resource institutionssuch as government, financial institutions andmarkets.

On 18 April 2016 Ability Foundation organized VillageLevel Meetings with Fisherman Co-op Society Membersto explain about formation and promotion of FarmersProducers Organization (FPO).

Village Level Meetings with Fisherman Co-op SocietyMembers organized by Ability Foundation, Visakhapatnamdistrict, Andhra Pradesh

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8. Fisheries & Aquaculture Industry News

8.1 Tuna Fishing Vessel ‘Bluefin’ Launched byLakshadweep AdministrationThe multipurpose Motor Fishing Vessel “MFV BLUEFIN”of the Department of Fisheries, Union Territory ofLakshadweep (UTL) was built at M/S Samudra ShipyardPvt. Ltd, Aroor, Kerala, with financial assistance fromNational Fisheries Development Board (NFDB),Hyderabad. The commissioning of the vessel is a land markin the history of Lakshadweep Fisheries and this is the firsttime that a vessel constructed in Fiber Reinforced Plastic(FRP) with modern amenities is to operate in Lakshadweepterritorial waters. The vessel delivered on 29 April 2016was built at a total cost of Rs.103 lakh (Rs. 75 lakh fromNFDB and 28 lakh from UTL Fisheries Dept). Shri Vijay

After successfully convincing them, Ability Foundationpromoted formation of one Fishermen’s FPO in the nameof “The Amaravati Integrated Inland Fishermen FarmersProducers Organization” with 513 Inland FishermanMembers in 15 villages in 3 Mandal: Bheemilipatnam,Ananadhapuram and Padmanabham Mandals ofVisakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. Each member waselected as FPO Board Member and out of them 12 memberswere elected as Executive Board Members.

The elected 12 Executive Board Members of “TheAmaravati Integrated Inland Fishermen FarmersProducers Organization” Visakhapatnam district, A.P.

[Source: Shri Surya Bhaskar - surya.ability@ gmail.com]

7.3 SHG Fisherwomen receive NFDB Funded FishTransport VehicleThe proposal of Pudimadaka Fisherwomen SHG,Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, requesting for amini truck for transporting fresh and dry fish to the marketswas favourably considered by the NFDB. The four-wheelerwas received by the SHG Memebers on 28 May 2016. Outof the total vehicle cost of Rs. 5,20,000/- NFDB providedan assistance of Rs. 1,67,200/-. The Fisherwomen are nowa happy lot and they expressed their gratitude to the ChiefExecutive NFDB, through the Executive Secretary,Visakhapatnam District Fishermen Welfare Association.

SHG Fisherwomen Members receive the NFDB FundedFish Transport Vehicle at Pudimadaka, Visakhapatnamdistrict, A.P.

Kumar, IAS, Administrator, Union Territory ofLakshadweep flagged off and commissioned the vessel on21 May 2016 at 4.30 pm at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.(i) Principal Features of the Vessel:OA Length: 19.90 metre (65-footer)Breadth Moulded: 5.50 metreDepth Hull: 2.75 metre (max)Draft: 1.50 metreSpeed: 10 - 11 knotsPropulsion: Single screw FPPConstruction: FRPFuel Oil Capacity: 3000 litres

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8.2 Soil and Water Health Cards for Aqua Farmers

The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiannounced in February 2015 the Soil Health Card (SHC)Scheme for agricultural farmers with a target of distributing,14 crore soil health cards over a span of next 3 years. Withthe launch of the scheme in February 2015, in the firstphase, the target was to cover 84 lakh cards. This is aflagship programme for the agricultural sector of thecountry. Among all the States in India, it is Andhra Pradeshwhich has taken the lead in distribution of the Soil HealthCards to farmers.The Soil Health Card provides details of the quality of soil,water and nutrients content and other biological properties.It will also contain corrective measures that a farmer shouldadopt to obtain a better yield.In a major step towards achieving sustainable aquacultureproduction the ICAR Fisheries Research Institutes andKrishi Vigyan Kendras have begun collection of soil andwater samples from farmers ponds, analyzing them andissuing Soil and Water Health Cards.For the first time in the country, the Central Institute ofBrackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) issued ‘Soil and WaterHealth Cards’ (SWHC) in fisheries sector to a group of 44shrimp farmers hailing from State of Tamilnadu. The cardwere released and distributed for farmers involved inaquaculture, at a workshop on ‘Soil and Water Health CardDistribution to Brackishwater Aquaculture Farmers’organised on the occasion of Celebration of “InternationalYear of Soils – 2015”, at Mahabalipuram, near Chennai.Principal Scientist & Head, Soil and Water Quality Unit,CIBA, Dr. M Muralidhar, explained about the importanceof Soil and Water Health card in aquaculture and its benefitsto farmers. The soil samples have been collected from thefarmer’s ponds of TN, AP, WB and Gujarat, and CIBA willtake this initiative forward. During Technical Session, Dr.S.V. Alavandi, HOD of Aquatic Animal Health &Environment, explained about the soil and water qualityimportance in relation to current scenario of diseases in L.vannamei farming. Dr. R. Saraswathy and Dr. P.Kumararaja, Scientists of Environment Section of CIBA,demonstrated the protocols for collection and submissionof soil and water samples to the laboratory.

Freshwater Capacity: 4000 litresCrew Capacity: 14 max in air conditioned cabinFish Hold Capacity: 10 tons of fish in ice

(ii) Main Objectives of the Vessel: Control, Monitoring, Surveillance and Rescue. To tap deep sea Tunas and to impart onboard training

to local fishermen and trainees of Fishermen TrainingCentre in modern fishing techniques, navigation, fishhandling, preservation, etc.

Monitoring Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) andtheir maintenance.

Assisting Lakshadweep Police and Coast Guard forscouting illegal fishing in territorial waters.

Collection of Marine Ornamental Fishes andSpecimens for Marine Aquarium and Museum of theFisheries Department.

Transportation of Fisheries Department materials toother fisheries units as and when required.

Transportation of fresh Tuna to Canning Factory atMinicoy, on need basis.

Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Administrator, U.T of Lakshadweepflagging off and commissioning the MFV Bluefin (above)and as it sets sailing from Kavaratti (below)[Source: Shri Kazim, Directorate of Fisheries,Lakshadweep]

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9. NFDB News9.1 Officials from Philippines interact with ChiefExecutive, NFDBOn 14 April 2016 a team of officials from World Fish Cen-tre and Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of Philippines, visitedNFDB, Hyderabad. They interacted with Shri K.N. Kumar,Chief Executive, NFDB, and enquired about the fisheriesdevelopmental activities. Dr. R. Suresh explained to themabout the various Schemes of NFDB. Dr. I.M. Karuppan

Shri K.N. Kumar, CE, NFDB interacting with the Team ofOfficials from Philippines. Dr. I.M. Karuppan Chetty andDr. R. Suresh are also seen

The first batch of Brackishwater Farmers that received theSoils and Water Health Card from ICAR-CIBA, Chennai

[Source: www.soilhealth.dac.gov.in, www.ciba.res.in]

8.3 Superior Indian Strain of Artemia developed byDr. P.A. Vikas, Fisheries SMS, KVK, ErnakulamDr. P.A Vikas, Subject Matter Specialist (Fisheries) baggedthe Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)instituted Jawaharlal Nehru award for P.G. OutstandingDoctoral Thesis Research in Fisheries Science 2014. Therecognition is for conducting qualitative assessment anddevelopment of superior Indian strain of Artemia followingselective breeding method as an alternative for exoticArtemia. The award comprises of Citation, Gold Medal

Chetty, CEO, Agri-Business Incubation Programme,ICRISAT, Hyderabad, who accompanied the team, dis-cussed about the Business Incubation Models in fisheriessector.9.2 Dr. Raj Naresh Gopal, Senior Executive (Tech)NFDB, repatriatedDr. Raj Naresh Gopal, on deputation from the Dept. ofFisheries, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, joined NFDB as Senior

The Chief Executive NFDB recalling the service renderedby Dr. Raj Naresh Gopal (right) on the occasion of hisleaving NFDB, Hyderabad; Shri B.V. Balaji, Sr. Executive(Adm. & Fin.) is to the left

Dr. P.A. Vikas receiving the award from Dr. Sanjeev KumarBalyan and Shri Mohan Bhai Kundariya, Union Ministersof State for Agriculture, Govt. of Indiaand Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand). The award waspresented during the ICAR foundation day celebrations heldat Patna during 25-26 July, 2015. The Union Ministers ofState for Agriculture, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan and Shri.Mohan Bhai Kundariya together presented the award tohim. Dr. P.A Vikas completed his research under theguidance of Dr. P.C. Thomas, Principal Scientist of ICAR-CMFRI, from Mangalore University.

[Source: kvkernakulam.org.in]

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Executive (Tech) on 29 April 2013. Upon completion ofhis deputation tenure he was repatriated on 28 April 2016.

9.3 Technical Officer Appointed at NFDBDr. Bimal Kinkar Chand, on deputation from West BengalUniversity of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, joinedas Executive Director (Tech) at NFDB, Hyderabad, on 5th

April 2016.

9.4 Recruitment of Executive Assistants in NFDBThe process of selection for recruitment of entry level postsof Executive Assistants (Technical) [professional fisheryscience graduates and postgraduates] and ExecutiveAssistants (Finance & Administration), through Written

10. NFDB in the Media

Test and Personal Interview has been completed.

Among the 13 EA (Tech) candidates shortlisted for groupdiscussion & personal interview on 15th April 2016, thefollowing four have been selected:

1. Mr. Vipin Chandra Nautiyal, MFSc

2. Ms. Sreerenju Hariharan, MFSc

3. Ms. M.S. Dorothy, MFSc

4. Ms. Meda Aihun Khongjliw, MFSc

Among the above four, Mr. Vipin Chandra Nautiyal, MFSc,(PhD), joined NFDB on 18 May 2016.

Among the four EA (F&A) candidates shortlisted forpersonal interview on 21st April 2016, Shri Are Mallikharjunwas selected and he joined NFDB on 3 May 2016.

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11. Announcements

11.1 Second Global Summit on Aquaculture &Fisheries: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 11-13 July2016

The ‘2nd Aquaculture Summit – 2016’, being organized atKuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 11-13 July 2016 (HostingOrganization: Conference Series LLC). The event bringstogether a unique and international mix of experts, likeaquaculture engineers, researchers and decision makersboth from academia and industry across the globe toexchange their knowledge, experience and researchinnovations to its world aquaculture conference.Aquaculture is a major field in modern food supplyaccording to the FAO, ‘aquaculture is understood to meanthe farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs,crustaceans and aquatic plants’. Farming implies some formof intervention in the rearing process to enhance production,such as regular stocking, feeding, protection from predators,In the recently published global outlook report entitled ‘Fishto 2030’, the overwhelming majority of the projectedincrease in global fish production is expected to come fromaquaculture as it has for the past several decades. Theproduction gains from various regions of the world andthe share that comes from aquaculture would be presented.

[Source: www.was.org]

11.2 International Institute of Fisheries Economicsand Trade Conference - 2016: Aberdeen, Scotland,UK, 11-15 July 2016

The ‘International Institute of Fisheries Economics andTrade (IIFET) Conference-2016’ will take place inAberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre(AECC), Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, from11to 15 July 2016. There will be a pre-conference workshopon “Getting Published”, and then a welcome reception onthe Monday evening (11th July). The main conference willrun from the 12th - 15th July 2016. A range of optionalpre- and post-conference events will also be open todelegates. For the 18th International Conference the theme

is ”Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector– a Northern Enlightenment”. Among the session topicsincluded are: (i) Aquaculture Economics, (ii) Economicsof Commercial and Recreational Fisheries, (iii) SeafoodMarkets, Trade and Consumption, (iv) Seafood Processingand Logistics, (v) Managing Marine Ecosystems andCompeting Uses and (vi) The BIGGER PICTURE. Aspecial feature this year is the ‘ Industry & Policy’ Day

[Source: www.thefishsite.com]

11.3 ASEAN Fisheries and Aquaculture Conferenceand Exposition – 2016 & the 11th Asian Fisheriesand Aquaculture Forum: Bangkok, Thailand, 3-7August 2016

The ASEAN Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference andExposition - 2016 with the theme ‘ASEAN Seafood for theWorld’ and the 11th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forumwith the theme ‘ASIAN Food Security for the World’ willbe organized on 3-7 August 2016, at the BangkokInternational Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) inBangkok, Thailand, by the Department of Fisheries,Thailand, in collaboration with the Asian Fisheries Society(AFS), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of theUnited Nations Regional Office for the Asia and the Pacific,GLOBEFISH, INFOFISH, the Network of AquacultureCentres in the Asia-Pacific (NACA), and the SoutheastAsian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) andother partners. Scientists, researchers, traders and producersfrom around the world are expected to attend this expositionand forum.

The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF)provides an international platform for distinguishedscientists from all over the world to discuss the issuespertaining to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in theAsia-Pacific Region. The forum has been convened 10times to date, around the ASEAN region. The forum willbe a mixture of key note speeches, participant presentations,posters and plenary discussions. Invited speakers from

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around the world will share their experiences and lessons-learned in fisheries and aquaculture. Participants from allover Asia and elsewhere will showcase recent advances infisheries and aquaculture research and development in Asia.Presentations and discussion will be organised into sixthematic sessions plus the ‘6th Global Symposium onGender in Aquaculture and Fisheries’ (GAF6), which willbe run in parallel.

[Source: http://www.asianfisheriessociety.org]

11.4 Eleventh International Conference onRecirculating Aquaculture & 2016 - AquacultureInnovation Workshop: Roanoke, Virginia, USA, 19-21 August 2016

Two concurrent events: The Virginia Tech’s ‘11th AnnualInternational Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture’(ICRA) and The Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute’s‘2016 - Aquaculture Innovation Workshop’ (AIW), are tobe held at Roanoke, Virginia, USA, 19-21 August 2016.The ICRA coupling industry and research for theadvancement of RAS: The Recirculating AquacultureConference features presentations and poster sessions fromleading experts in recirculating aquaculture – well over 80papers will be showcased during the event. Ample time isallotted during all sessions for questions and freediscussion. Equipment manufacturers, companyrepresentatives, producers, researchers, regulators,investors, and others gather in the trade show area to discussthe challenges and breakthroughs in recirculatingaquaculture. The 2016 ICRA promotes both structured andinformal learning opportunities. Sessions and industryrepresentatives will reflect the state of recirculatingaquaculture.

The 2016 – AIW Motivating RAS Development:Aquaculture Innovation Workshop (AIW) focuses ondiscussing the technical, biological and economicperformance of land-based recirculating aquaculturesystems (RAS) for production of market sized fish.Reaching across the value chain, each program is designedto support the active engagement of researchers,

commercial-scale producers, industry suppliers, regulators,the market, environmental organizations and investorsinterested in the growing opportunity in sustainableaquaculture. The 2016 AIW promotes both structured andinformal learning opportunities. Sessions and industryrepresentatives will reflect the state of recirculatingaquaculture, challenges and breakthroughs. One can alsoexplore new products and technologies at the trade show.

[Source: www.was.org]

11.5 Third International Conference on Fisheriesand Aquaculture (ICFA) - 2016: Negombo, SriLanka, 24–25 August 2016

The International Institute of Knowledge Management(IIKM) is organizing the ‘3rd International Conference onFisheries and Aquaculture (ICFA) - 2016’. The conferencewill be held on 24–25 August 2016 at Negombo, Sri Lanka.In parallel to the ICFA- 2016 organizers propose to establishInternational Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum.Entrepreneurs, producers, scientists, researchers and policymakers from around the world are expected to attend thisExposition and Forum. Issues pertaining to sustainablefisheries and aquaculture in the global region are to bediscussed. New post-harvest techniques and aquacultureproducts that would increase incomes of entrepreneur/business community are to be showcased. Under the themeFisheries Management and Governance, current policiesof the Govt. related to Fisheries and Aquaculture wouldalso be discussed. The participants would get an opportunityto see the rapidly expanding Fisheries and AquacultureIndustry in Sri Lanka – nearly 120% increase in the last 10years and contributing to 1.2% of GDP and to 70% ofanimal protein intake of the population in Sri Lanka.

[Source: http://aquaconference.com]

11.6 Breeding and Culture of FreshwaterOrnamental Fishes

Training Programme on ‘Breeding and Culture ofFreshwater Ornamental Fishes’ is being offered at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, Maharashtra, from 20 to 27 August 2016(8 days). [E-mail: [email protected] ]

National Fisheries Development Board(Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries,

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India)Fish Building, Pillar No. 235, P.V. Narsimha Rao Expressway

Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Police Academy (SVP NPA) PostHYDERABAD – 500 052

Ph: 040-24000201; Fax: 040-24015568, 24015552Toll Free Number: 1800-425-1660

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nfdbindia Website: nfdb.gov.in

Give your feedback to:[email protected]

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