The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, is actively promoting Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) technology across all States and Union Territories through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative aims to enhance sustainable aquaculture practices by providing training and capacity building for stakeholders in the management and operation of RAS.
RAS Projects and Financial Assistance
Over the past four years, the government has approved 11,995 RAS units at a cost of Rs. 887.85 crore under PMMSY, covering 31 states. Financial assistance is provided at 40% of the unit cost for beneficiaries from the general category and 60% for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and women beneficiaries, including small-scale farmers. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has issued a detailed action plan on RAS, including culture protocol and system design.
Training and Capacity Building
PMMSY includes provisions for extensive training and capacity building in all aspects of fisheries and aquaculture, with a special focus on promoting RAS-based farming in North Eastern and Himalayan states. The scheme supports the establishment of medium and large RAS units for cold-water fish like rainbow trout. Financial assistance is available for the establishment of RAS units by individual or group beneficiaries, with unit costs of Rs. 50 lakh, Rs. 25 lakh, and Rs. 7.5 lakh for large, medium, and small units, respectively. Assistance is provided at 40% of the project cost for general category beneficiaries and 60% for SC/ST and women beneficiaries.
Certification and Regulation
The NFDB is implementing a pilot certification program for fish hatcheries, fish farms, brood banks, and feed mills under PMMSY in six states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This program covers 3,040 beneficiaries and targets 1,711 units with a total budget of Rs. 4.52 crore. Additionally, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act 2005 (Amendment 2023) mandates the registration and licensing of all aquaculture units, including RAS, to ensure traceability of produce. In Andhra Pradesh, the State Aquaculture Development Authority Act 2020 requires mandatory registration and licensing of RAS farms for their establishment and operation.
This comprehensive approach by the Government of India aims to foster sustainable aquaculture practices, ensuring the long-term viability and productivity of the fisheries sector.
Source: India Education Diary
