The latest 13th Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Center, hosted by the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), revealed the huge role of new technological tools in catapulting India as a leader in fish production. The panel mainly emphasized the usage of AI, robotics, remote sensing, genomics, and nanoscience for the purpose of ensuring sustainability and productivity in the industries of fisheries and aquaculture.
The three-day conference, which officially launched on February 23, was attended by over 1,500 delegates, consisting of scientists, entrepreneurs, industrialists, government officials, and fish farmers from India and abroad. Rupala underlined the fisheries and aquaculture sector as a “sunrise sector,” which recorded an optimistic growth rate of about 10% each year. This growth path in turn resonates with the prime minister’s lofty aim of building a glorious India by 2047, which he depicts as ‘Viksit Bharat’.
A central topic of discussion was the necessity of research for increasing production and sustainability at the same time. Experts highlighted the advantages of quality fish seed production, species diversification for aquaculture, water quality management, and the use of alternative feed resources as the best ways to neutralize inter-sectoral competition, stabilize markets, and combat diseases affecting fish populations. Basanta Kumar Das, the officer of ICAR-CIFRI, pointed out the need to look into water resources like Amrit Sarovars and build specific Matsya Vikash Kendra.
It is essential to take these steps critically as a move ahead towards fulfilling the dream of a ‘2nd Blue Revolution’ in India. Due to the combination of top-level technology, strong research, and strategic frameworks, India has an opportunity to become a global pioneer in fish farming. Through innovation and sustainability, the fisheries and aquaculture sectors can achieve profound benefits for economic development and also help tackle food security and rural livelihood improvement.
Source-TOI
