In a visionary address during his visit to the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), India’s Fisheries Minister, Shri Parshottam Rupala unveiled a strategic vision for the evolution of India’s aquaculture sector. The minister articulated that the time had come to transcend the limitations of nearshore cage fish farming by venturing into offshore waters with advanced cage designs, boasting impressive diameters of 30 meters or more. These pioneering cages, capable of accommodating lakhs of juvenile fish, mark a revolutionary step towards transforming mariculture production in the country.
Currently, cage farming in India predominantly takes place in nearshore waters, employing cages with a modest 6-meter diameter. Shri Rupala highlighted that it was imperative for the CMFRI to spearhead research and development endeavors in creating these state-of-the-art cages. The expansion of cage farming into offshore waters holds immense promise, promising to catapult mariculture production to unprecedented heights.
“This strategic shift is poised to significantly elevate mariculture production in the country,” emphasized the minister, reflecting the far-reaching impact of such a transformation on India’s fisheries industry.
In addition to pioneering cage designs, Shri Rupala underscored the importance of expanding seed production technologies for finfish across all coastal states, utilizing the synergy of public-private partnerships (PPPs). This collaborative approach aims to alleviate seed constraints and ensure a steady supply of quality seeds to fish farmers nationwide.
The minister also offered a glimpse into the central government’s forthcoming mariculture leasing policy, a strategic move to ensure the responsible and sustainable utilization of mariculture resources. He emphasized that this policy would designate suitable areas for mariculture operations while mitigating potential environmental repercussions.
“The objective is to harmonize mariculture activities with environmental conservation,” the minister explained, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering responsible aquaculture practices.
Shri Rupala, recognizing the untapped potential of pearl oyster production, urged the CMFRI to play a proactive role in expanding this sector. Highlighting the pivotal role of hatchery technologies in supporting large-scale pearl oyster production, he stressed the imperative need for research and innovation in this domain.
Furthermore, the minister proposed an ambitious sea ranching program, aimed at cultivating hatchery-produced pearl oyster spats along the Tuticorin coast. This groundbreaking initiative, to be executed under the guidance of the CMFRI, promises to rejuvenate the pearl oyster industry.
Effective marketing strategies also found their place in Shri Rupala’s vision. He suggested the development of robust marketing avenues for marine ornamentals and urged the CMFRI to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to devise and implement effective marketing strategies. This holistic approach is poised to elevate the marine ornamental sector, providing a well-deserved boost to India’s marine ornamental industry.
Shri Parshottam Rupala’s forward-looking directives signal a transformative phase for India’s aquaculture and mariculture sectors. With innovations in cage design, enhanced seed production, sustainable leasing policies, and a commitment to nurturing niche sectors like pearl oyster production and marine ornamentals, the vision outlined by the minister promises to reshape India’s aquaculture landscape and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the sector.
