Ministry of Fisheries Launches – “Matsya Setu” App for Fisherman

Hello everyone!

In today’s blog, we will talk about the ‘Matya Setu’ app which was recently launched by the government of India. We will discuss all the major points of this app, covering what, why and for whom this app is launched. So, if you are interested in knowing all facts about this app, then read the blog carefully. 

About Matsya Setu App

• Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the Online Course Mobile App “Matsya Setu” for fish farmers. 
• It is developed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad provided the funding support to ICAR-CIFA.
• The online course app aims to disseminate the latest freshwater aquaculture technologies to the aqua farmers of the country.
• Matsya Setu app has species-wise/ subject-wise self-learning online course modules.
• In these modules, renowned aquaculture experts explain the basic concepts and practical demonstrations on:

• Breeding
• Seed production
• Grow-out culture of commercially important fishes (like carp, catfish, scampi, murrel, ornamental fish, and pearl farming).

• Upon successful completion of each course module, an e-Certificate can be auto-generated.
• Further, farmers can also ask their doubts through the app and get specific advisories from experts.

Significance of Matsya Setu App

• It will be helpful for the farmers to learn the advanced technologies and better management practices at their convenience.
• It will be an important tool to disseminate the latest information on different schemes among the stakeholders.
•  It will help fishers, fish farmers, youth and entrepreneurs across the country, assist them and facilitate ease of doing business.
• It will conduct quizzes/tests for self-assessment in order to motivate the learners and provide a lively learning experience.

Now let’s talk about the Fisheries sector in India with its challenges and significance.

Fisheries Sector in India

The fisheries sector occupies a very important place in the socio-economic development of the country. It has been recognized as a powerful income and employment generator.  Most importantly, it is the source of livelihood for a large section of the economically backward population of the country. Key points related to this sector are listed below:

• India is the second major producer of fish through aquaculture across the world.
• It is also the 4th largest exporter of fish worldwide because it contributes 7.7% to global fish production.
• Fish constituted about 10% of total exports from India and almost 20% of agriculture exports in 2017-18.
• Fisheries and aquaculture production contribute around 1% to India’s GDP and over 5% to the agricultural GDP.
• This sector provided employment to 28 million people in India.

Challenges in Fisheries Sector

• Lack of a reliable database relating to aquatic and fisheries resources.
• Limited number of species grown / cultured, mainly due to weak linkages between research and development and fish farmers community.
• The weak multi-disciplinary approach in fisheries and aquaculture.
• Inadequate attention to the environmental, economical, social and gender issues in fisheries and aquaculture.
• The decline in fish catch and depletion of natural resources due to over-exploitation of coastal fisheries.
• Climate Change is another challenge to the fisheries sector
• Water pollution, unscientific management of aquaculture and contamination of indigenous germplasm resources.
• Poor yield optimization, harvesting operations, landing and berthing facilities for fishing vessels and issues in the welfare of fishermen.

Other Initiatives in the Fisheries Sector 

1. Blue Revolution: Integrated Development & Management of Fisheries: It is an umbrella scheme by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries for all ongoing fisheries schemes. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of Blue Revolution, financial assistance is provided to the States/UTs to support the fishermen. The scheme has a total Central outlay of 3000 crore for five years. It has the following components:

• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) & its activities,
• Development of Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture,
• Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure & Post-Harvest Operations,
• Strengthening of Database & Geographical Information System of the Fisheries Sector, and
• Monitoring, Control & Surveillance (MCS) & other need-based Interventions.

2. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): The Government has launched the PMMSY for the development of marine & inland fisheries. Rs 11,000 crore for activities in Marine, Inland fisheries, & Aquaculture & Rs. 9000 crores for Infrastructure shall be provided. The focus will be on Islands, Himalayan States, Northeast & Aspirational Districts.

3. Kisan credit cards (KCC) for Fishermen: The government has also extended the facilities of KCC to fishermen to help them in meeting their working capital needs.

4. Fisheries & Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF): FIDF is created with a total of Rs. 7522.48 crore to address the infrastructure requirement for the fisheries sector. It was established during 2018-19. The department of Fisheries, GOI, NARBARD & the Government of Tamil Nadu for its implementation.

5. Shaphari- Certification Scheme for Aquaculture Products: It is a market-based tool for hatcheries to adopt good aquaculture practices. It will help produce quality antibiotic-free shrimp products to assure global consumers.

Before ending the blog, let’s talk a little about the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).

National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)

• NFDB is an autonomous organization under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. 
• It was initially established in 2006 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 
• Objective: To enhance fish production and productivity in the country and to coordinate fishery development in an integrated and holistic manner.
• It works for the development of Fisheries in the country from Intensive Aquaculture in Ponds & tanks to Coastal Aquaculture.
• It also focuses on: –

• Human Resources development programs in fisheries sectors,
• Deep-sea fishing & tuna processing,
• Ornamental Fisheries,
• Innovative Projects Quality seed dissemination program,
• Cage & pen culture in open water bodies etc.

So, this was all the major information that we wanted to share in this blog. To summarise, we started by discussing all the key points of the “Matsya Setu” app. Later, we talked in detail about the scenario of the Fisheries sector in India. At last, we covered the other important initiatives of the Government in the Fisheries sector. 

We hope you find this blog interesting and informative. For more such articles, check our website regularly. 

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