Secretary of Fisheries Chairs Crucial Meeting to Boost Saline Water Shrimp Aquaculture in Northern States

by Fishery News
Published: Last Updated on

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, the Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, led a pivotal meeting via video conference to evaluate the potential of saline water shrimp aquaculture in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among states, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), and other agencies to devise strategies for leveraging saline land resources for aquaculture.

The Department of Fisheries emphasized the need to harness the potential of saline land resources, unsuitable for conventional agriculture, across the identified 25 districts in these states. The focus is on adopting shrimp aquaculture to not only generate employment and livelihood opportunities but also to raise awareness about shrimp consumption.

During the meeting, all four states committed to incorporating project proposals for the development of saline-affected areas in their Annual Action Plans for the upcoming year, seeking requisite support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Recognizing the challenges associated with saline land aquaculture, the participants agreed to organize awareness campaigns, in collaboration with ICAR, State Fisheries Departments, and other agencies, to promote shrimp consumption in the northern part of the country. Surveying potential clusters and culture areas in the identified districts was also identified as a priority.

To further address challenges, workshops and training programs for farmers and entrepreneurs will be organized through close collaboration between ICAR-CIFE Rohtak center and State Fisheries Departments. Additionally, it was proposed to establish a National Level Committee to review existing guidelines for white shrimp culture in fresh water and inland farms. The committee will also develop a roadmap to strengthen existing facilities at ICAR-CIFE Rohtak and formulate sustainable development strategies for saline aquaculture in northern Indian states.

India, being the leading global shrimp producer, contributes over 65% of the total seafood export value. The country holds vast potential for brackish water and shrimp aquaculture in saline-affected areas. With approximately 1.2 million hectares of potential brackish water areas and 1.24 million hectares of salt-affected soils in coastal regions, the government aims to bring an additional 1 lakh hectares under aquaculture.

The meeting saw the participation of key stakeholders, including Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, senior officers, and District Fisheries Officers from the four states, Dr. J.K Jena, DDG (Fisheries Science), ICAR, Dr. Ravi Shankar, Director, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, and Dr. Vasant Kripa, Secretary, Coastal Aquaculture Authority, Chennai, along with senior officers from the Department of Fisheries and scientists from ICAR.

 

 

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Shares