Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Wednesday lauded Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for its technological offerings and contributions in the fisheries development in the country and asked it to take steps for wider adoption of scientific practices on the ground by fish farmers.
Addressing the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) in New Delhi, the minister highlighted the government’s commitment for sustainable fisheries.
“The research institute should undertake capacity building initiative involving Krishi Vigyan Kendras to improve the adoption of scientific practices by fishers and farmers,” he said.
World’s second-largest fish producer
Informing the audience that India is implementing cutting-edge digital solutions such as National Digital Fisheries Platform and vessel monitoring, transponders, and emergency alerts to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea, he said the country has become the world’s second-largest fish producer.
ICAR’s Director General Himanshu Pathak said 75 new fisheries technologies and improved fish varieties have been developed by the Council. He emphasised ICAR’s commitment to sustainable, carbon-neutral fisheries and aquaculture for long-term industry resilience.
Crucial role
J K Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, who is also the convener of the conference, said that the forum will play a crucial role in shaping the future of fisheries and aquaculture in Asia. He highlighted that the event features over 20 lead presentations by renowned experts from India and abroad, with 1,000 participants from 24 countries.
Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of WorldFish, Malaysia, spoke on global innovations in fisheries and applauded India for its transformational initiatives in sustainable aquaculture. Neil Loneragan, President, Asian Fisheries Society, Kuala Lumpur, emphasized the significance of international collaboration in advancing the fisheries sector globally.