Fish welfare remains an underrepresented yet critical topic in both aquaculture and wild fisheries. Public awareness of fish welfare standards is scarce, and misconceptions abound, leading to widespread challenges in the industry. In highly intensive food production systems with minimal welfare considerations, this issue becomes even more pressing.
The aquaculture industry in Andhra Pradesh provides direct and indirect livelihoods to approximately 1.45 million people, including professionals and farmers who form the majority. Despite welfare associations for workers in various sectors of the state, it is noteworthy that until 2012, there was no association exclusively dedicated to safeguarding the interests of employees in the aquaculture sector—a sector that generates an annual income of over ₹1,95,000 crore for the country.
To bridge this gap, the Aqua Profession Welfare Association (APWA) was established. Founded in 2012, APWA focuses not only on protecting aquaculture professionals but also on the overall welfare of farmers and the integrated development of the aquaculture industry.
ABOUT AQUA PROFESSION WELFARE ASSOCIATION
APWA is the first welfare association for aquaculture professionals in India, boasting over 400 members. The association actively works to empower industry professionals, promote skill development, and assist farmers with practical knowledge and innovative technologies.
Key contributions by APWA include:
- Introducing advanced aquaculture technologies to farmers.
- Providing information about feed management.
- Raising awareness about disease prevention and management.
- Conducting impactful training programs and workshops.
With a successful 12-year journey, APWA has earned numerous accolades. Some milestones and notable events include:
November 8 Event in Bhimavaram: During this event, all members unanimously elected Mr. Tetali Srinivas as the new President of APWA. Former President Mr. Amarneni Srinivas, along with former Secretary R. Srinivas, Treasurer S. Rajaramam, and EC Members, participated in the event.
In his speech, Mr. Tetali Srinivas acknowledged the dedication of the previous committee under Mr. Amarneni Srinivas’s leadership in ensuring the stability and progress of APWA. He emphasized the importance of their invaluable guidance and experience for the future growth of the association.
The newly elected General Secretary, Mr. Bodapati Vijaya Satish Kumar, and Treasurer, Mr. Palasala Venkata Subrahmanyam, expressed their commitment to strengthening APWA’s connection with aquaculture professionals and farmers. They outlined plans to significantly increase membership and develop a new agenda focused on inclusivity, skill development, and job creation.
FUTURE VISION
The new committee aims to:
- Create a comprehensive agenda for involving every aquaculture professional in APWA.
- Prioritize skill development and job creation to empower members.
- Enhance the association’s role in supporting India’s aquaculture sector to achieve sustainable growth and global recognition.
Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that integrates animal welfare into sustainable development policies. This includes improving nutrition, food security, ecosystem health, Conducting a membership drive.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE DETAILS
- Event Name: Aqua Profession Welfare Association (APWA) Membership Drive
- Date: Saturday, 14 December 2024
- Venue: Comfort Inn, Kaikaluru
- Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
POST-EVENT SCHEDULE
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Membership Registration
- 7:00 PM Onwards: Dinner
Aqua Profession Welfare Association
Together for a better tomorrow!
