Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying unveils ICAR CMFRIs study on Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022

Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has unveiled a remarkable study report by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) on 31st August 2023 during the ‘Sagar Parikrama phase VIII at Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.The report titled ‘Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022’ reveals that India’s marine fish stock is healthy and sustainable. According to the study, a resounding 91.1% of the 135 fish stocks assessed in 2022 were deemed healthy, marking a significant milestone in India's efforts to maintain the sustainability of its marine fisheries. The report also highlighted the substantial reduction in unsustainable practices, with just 4.4% of the stocks facing overfishing.These findings are poised to substantiate India's position at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and are anticipated to have a favourable impact on the country's stance in international trade negotiations. This report is also expected to be a game-changer in India’s seafood exports as sustainability has emerged as a key criterion in the global seafood trade. Minister Shri. Rupala also released ICAR-CMFRI’s special publication titled ‘Good Management Practices in Seaweed Farming’ on the occasion. ICAR-CMFRI has identified 333 prospective seaweed farming sites covering 23,950 hectares, aimed at horizontal expansion of seaweed cultivation. India has a seaweed production potential of 9.88 million t wet weight per year while the current production stands at merely 52,107 t wet weight per year. Seaweed farming has the potential to provide revenue up to Rs. 13.28 lakhs per hectare in a year on a dry weight basis.

On the previous day, 30th August 2023, Union Minister Shri. Prashottam Rupala visited the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, Vizhinjam, Kerala. Addressing the gathering at the Centre, the Minister emphasised that offshore cage farming is the immediate focus of the country using bigger cages. “Cage fish farming is to be expanded to the offshore waters with better cage designs having a size of 30 diameters or above that can accommodate lakhs of juveniles”, Shri Rupala said. He added that ICAR-CMFRI should spearhead research and development efforts in creating these advanced cages. The Minister also urged ICAR-CMFRI to expand seed production technologies for finfishes to all the coastal states utilising the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. Shri Parshottam Rupala also underscored the untapped potential of Pearl Oyster production, urging ICAR-CMFRI to take a proactive role in scaling up its production in a bigger way. Dr L Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Shri. V Muraleedharan, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs accompanied Shri Parshottam Rupala.

Shri. Abhilaksh Likhi IAS, Secretary, to the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India also visited the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI on 31st August 2023. He said that the Central Government is keen on developing bivalve farming, including mussels, edible oysters, pearl oysters and clams in the country under its PMMSY scheme. He appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CMFRI and its Vizhinjam Centre, which has been at the forefront of providing training to the fish farmers of Kerala in ornamental fish culture and cage culture. 

Refresher Workshop on “ Finfish and Shellfish Species Identification” organised by the Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI

Mandapam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) organised a five-day Refresher Workshop on “Finfish and Shellfish Species Identification” in Hybrid mode from February 12th to 16th, 2024. A total of 20 participants from the Chennai, Tuticorin, and Mandapam regions attended the training. Dr G. Tamilmani, Senior Scientist and Head-in-Charge, inaugurated the training and briefed on the importance of marine fish landing data collection. Dr. J. Jayasankar, Head, FRAEED gave the inaugural address. The training included theory and practical classes taken by Shri.M. Rajkumar (Identification of Shrimp, Crab, Lobster, Stomatopod, Cephalopods, Gastropods, and Bycatch Resources), Dr. L. Remya (Demersal Resources), Dr. R. Vinothkumar (Pelagic Resources), and Dr. Shoba Joe Kizakudan (Sharks). Field visits to Mandapam South and North fish landing centres and Pamban Therkuvadi for species identification were also arranged. The species identification skills of the participants were evaluated at the beginning and end of the workshop.

The workshop concluded with a valedictory function on February 16th 2024. Dr. G. Tamilmani, Senior Scientist and Head-in-Charge, delivered the valedictory remarks and distributed the certificates. Dr. J. Jayasankar, Head, FRAEED, and Dr. Shoba Joe Kizakudan, Head, FFD and Principal Investigator, shared their remarks about the workshop. Dr. L. Remya proposed the vote of thanks. Shri. M. Rajkumar, Scientist (Shellfish Fisheries Division), Dr. L. Remya, Scientist (Finfish Fisheries Division), MRC of ICAR-CMFRI, and Dr. R. Vinothkumar, Scientist (Finfish Fisheries Division), TRS of ICAR-CMFRI, were the Coordinators. This Refresher Workshop was organised under the ongoing in-house project “Resource assessment and management framework for sustaining marine fisheries of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry” (PEL/RMS/08).

Corporate My Stamp and Postal Cover Released to Mark ICAR-CMFRI’s 75 Years of Research Excellence

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) has unveiled a commemorative Corporate My Stamp and special postal cover, signifying the institute's rich legacy and contributions to the field of India’s marine fisheries research and development.Shri. Sayeed Rashid, IPoS, Postmaster General, Kochi officially released the stamp and cover by handing over them to Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of ICAR-CMFRI on 21st November 2023.  

In the special release, 5000 sheets of stamps, each containing 12 stamps, have been made available, making them a prized collectible for philatelists and marine enthusiasts. The stamp's design encapsulates CMFRI's dedication to marine research, bearing the inscription ‘75 Years of Research Excellence’ alongside the institute's logo and the image of CMFRI headquarters in Kochi.From a humble beginning in 1947, the institute has emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries and mariculture research hub in the world. Presently, CMFRI has 11 Regional Research Centres all along the peninsular coast of the country at Mandapam, Visakhapatnam, Veraval, Mumbai, Chennai, Calicut, Karwar, Tuticorin, Vizhinjam, Mangalore and Digha, along with 17 Field Centres and two Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) under its wings.Speaking on the occasion, CMFRI Director Dr A Gopalakrishnan said: "This is a proud moment for CMFRI. It is a testament to the institute's unwavering commitment to advancing marine fisheries and mariculture research and development for the socio-economic betterment of the coastal communities."

Over the years, serving as a leading institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CMFRI has made significant contributions to marine fisheries research, helping to sustain marine fish production and management of the sector in the Indian Ocean region and augmenting the livelihood of close to 40 lakh fisherfolk in India, he said. The unveiling ceremony was attended by senior officials and scientists, including Senior Superintendent of Post Offices Sivadasan P K, CMFRI Chief Administrative Officer Hareesh Nair, Comptroller Prashant Kumar, Mariculture Division Head Dr V V R Suresh, Dr Prathibha Rohit, Dr Boby Ignatius, Dr Rekha J Nair, Dr Geetha Sasikumar, Dr Miriam Paul Sreeram, Dr Eldho Varghese and C Jayakanthan.

ICAR CMFRI s two seaweed-based nutraceuticals commercialised

ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has commercialised patent protected technologies of two seaweed-based nutraceutical products: one to boost anti-viral immunity and the other to combat high cholesterol or dyslipidemia.Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of ICAR-CMFRI signed a license agreement with Joby George, Managing Partner of Pioneer Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a wellness and pharmaceutical company based in Kochi for commercial production and marketing of these products. Bioactive pharmacophore leads from seaweeds were used to develop these two nutraceutical products, which are a 100% natural blend of highly nutritious bioactive ingredients extracted with eco-friendly ‘green’ technology.  Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Head of the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division of ICAR-CMFRI led the research works to develop these products.

Anti-viral immunity booster

The product CadalminTM Immunalgin extract or CadalminTM IMe could be used against post COVID complications as this nutraceutical has antiviral properties against delta variant of SAARS CoV-2 virus. It elevates immune responses by the regulation of the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.  It will act as a good naturally derived alternative source for health benefits against inflammation and autoimmune disorders.

Natural remedy for high cholesterol

CadalminTM Antihypercholesterolemic extract or CadalminTM ACe has proved to be a natural remedy to combat dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemic disorders. Dyslipidemia is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. This was developed using seaweed concentrate with anti-dyslipidemic activities following a sequel of purification steps.

These nutraceutical products contain 100% natural marine bioactive ingredients from selected seaweeds, which are commonly available in the Indian coastal waters.

Dr Gopalakrishnan said that ICAR-CMFRI is in the process of developing more health products from seaweeds towards their utilization based on the National Policy to harness the potential of this natural wealth of Indian coastal waters. Seaweeds are termed as the ‘wonder herbs of the ccean’ and are the sources of future pharmaceuticals and food for human well-being.

Besides these two products, the institute has successfully brought out nutraceuticals targeting a range of lifestyle diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis and fatty liver.

These products would be made available in the market within a six month time-frame by the Pioneer Pharmaceuticals.

Cage Harvest Mela SCSP and TSP Project Madras Regional Station, ICAR CMFRI, Chennai

With a vision to improve the livelihood of schedule caste fisher folks, six open sea cages were installed under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan project at Kottaikadu Village, Cheyyur Taluk, Chengalpattu District. The cage reared sea bass fishes on attaining the marketable size and weight were harvested on 1 December 2023 in the presence of Shri.D.Janarthanan, Assistant Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu,  panchayat leaders, panchayat members, beneficiaries of different groups involved in cage farming and the staff members of Madras Regional Station of ICAR-CMFRI. The harvested fishes were immediately marketed to traders arranged by the fishermen. The total revenue generated was Rs. 4,16,340. The cheques were handed over to the head of beneficiary groups who were involved in the cage farming.

Under the Tribal Sub-Plan Project, 4 cages were installed at Senjiamman Nagar, Pazhaverkadu coastal village, Ponneri Taluk, Thiruvallur District. The Irular Community were the key beneficiaries who were mainly involved in open sea cage farming of sea bass fishes. The fishes were harvested in the presence of Panchayat leader and beneficiary members of different groups. The total revenue generated was Rs.3,23,250 and the cheque was handed over to the beneficiary group leader in the presence of its beneficiaries and staff members of MRS, CMFRI.

The ICAR-CMFRI open sea cage technology was well adopted by the fishermen of both coastal villages which in turn helped them to generate more revenue and make them self sufficient by improving their livelihood. 

Ernakulam KVK under ICAR-CMFRI organises Millet and Fish festival

Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra functioning under the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) organised a three-day Millet and Fish festival at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi, Kerala from 28th to 30th December 2023.  The festival, held in line with the observance of the International Year of Millets-2023, had its focus on creating awareness about the rich nutritional value and health benefits of millets as well as their harmonious fusion with fish for a balanced diet. The event also aimed to facilitate the development of a robust market value chain within Kerala for millets grown by farmers outside the state.The festival was inaugurated by Dr C Tara Satyavathi, Director of ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad. Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of ICAR-CMFRI presided over the function. Dr L Narasimha Murthy, Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was the Guest of Honour at the inaugural function. The fest featured a variety of activities, including millet and fish food festival, buyer-seller meet, live fish sale, sale of millets and millet-based products, millet cookery show, millet recipe contest, technology exhibition, nutrition and health talks, seminars and panel discussion. 

An array of nutritionally beneficial and healthy fusion dishes of millet-fish combination was available across the food stalls, providing the public with the opportunity to savour these wholesome dishes and understand their nutritional and health benefits. It showcased delightful delicacies such as kodo millet-shrimp biryani, little millet-seafood sadya, octopus fry, seaweed halwa, pearl millet smoothie, millet sweats, ragi-fish sausage, millet porridge with shrimp, etc. drawing food enthusiasts from all walks of life. A special highlight of the food festival was the Karnataka vegetarian millet food stall, run by a team of 12 farmers, including women, from Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Belagavi and Gadag districts of north Karnataka. Their offerings included mouthwatering dishes like bajra bread, finger millet poori, ragi ball, millet snacks and sweets.Led by experts from the KVKs Belgavi and Gadag districts of Karanataka, the cookery show unveiled methods of preparing several millets, emphasising the importance of cooking these nutricereals in a way that keeps the nutritional potentials of millets in their full form. The recipe contest featured a wide range of millet-fish combo dishes. Innovations like fish nirwana, millet khawa and multi-millet steam cake, different varieties of millet biryani were the highlight of the contest that brought out creativity as well as culinary expertise of the participants.A Spice Expo-cum-Buyer-Seller Meet sponsored by ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) was also held at the festival. It offered an opportunity for millet farmers, farmer producer companies, self-help groups and agri-startups alike to forge business deals with consumers and traders. Spice farmers' producer organisations and start-ups associated with the ICAR-IISR and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) also participated in the buyer-seller meet.  

An entrepreneurship meet held at the fest unveiled promising business opportunities in areas such as millet processing, value addition, branding, packing and marketing. Information on funding support for budding entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, technology incubation facilities and services for food entrepreneurship being offered by various institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) were discussed at the session. A panel discussion at the fest highlighted that increased efforts to promote and popularise the millet products should continue even after the International Year of Millets in 2023.ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, and ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi among many others were partners of the event.

NITI Aayog organises national workshop on Harnessing the Potential of Fisheries in Marine States at

ICAR-CMFRI

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi hosted a high-level national workshop on ‘Harnessing the Potential of Fisheries in Marine States’ on 5th January 2024. The workshop was ogranised by the NITI Aayog, in association with ICAR-CMFRI and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala.Shri Suman Bery, Hon’ble Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog inaugurated the workshop.  He underscored the importance of frontier technologies like artificial intelligence in tackling the challenges in the marine fisheries sector.  He stressed the importance of understanding the dynamics of demand for prioritising production strategies.

The workshop was organised to discuss relevant issues in the sector and evolve strategies for optimal utilisation of the highly prospective marine resources.Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ramesh Chand, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog said the growth of demand for fish doubled in the past decade ending 2022, compared to the previous decade ending 2012. Fisheries has a promising export share in agriculture and food commodities, he said. On measures to boost seafood export, Prof. Ramesh Chand proposed enhancing value addition and cutting-edge processing innovations in the sector.Dr J K Jena, Deputy Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) pitched for exploring untapped potential of oceanic and deep-sea resources. Citing the estimated harvestable potential of oceanic and deep-sea resources, he said that deep sea fishing would offer a potential new frontier for commercial fisheries. Dr Jena emphasised the importance of ensuring quality and enhancing the skilled capacity to utilise the prospects of deep-sea fishing.

 ICAR-CMFRI proposes policy suggestions for sustainable marine fisheries management

During the technical session on Certification and Sustainability in the Marine Sector, ICAR-CMFRI proposed a set of comprehensive policy suggestions, including the introduction of central legislation (Marine Fishery Act). The proposed Act is necessary for the regulation of fishing in areas beyond territorial waters to address policy and legislative vacuum, providing a much needed frame-work for sustainable practices. The proposals were presented by Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Direcotor, ICAR-CMFRI.Institutionalisation of regular stock assessments of marine fishery resources was another major recommendation. The government has to institutionalise a regular mechanism for the stock assessment of these resources, as resource health status is going to be crucial in WTO subsidy negotiations and other national and international discourse, Dr Gopalakrishnan said.Referring to the recent debate on certification of Indian marine fisheries, CMFRI suggested a national guideline on the eco-labeling of marine fishery resources. “Private investments must be made competitive and subject to regulations to safeguard the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and entrepreneurs in the post-harvest sector”, ICAR-CMFRI Director said.

Some of the major proposals are as follow:

· Streamlining of open sea mariculture, emphasising the need for sustainability and equity to receive adequate focus in determining different ownership and operatorship formats for scaling-up mariculture activities;

· Implementation of AI-mediated automated mechanisms for landing estimation, tracking of fishing vessels through Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), and analytics of sub-stock-level information;

· Focused research and exploration projects are required to assess and characterise deep-sea and non-conventional fishery resources;

· Establishing an institutional mechanism for overseeing deep-sea fishing was also recommended, with a clear emphasis on economic viability and adherence to national and state-specific policy guidelines;

·  Estimating the potential and exploring the possibility of utilising mesopelagic resources as source for fish meal;

·  Strengthening of accident insurance, fishing vessel insurance, and coastal immovable asset insurance is required through technological and policy interventions;

·  Greater attention needs to be given to island ecosystems and planned expansion of the fishery and value chain development, along with management of the live bait fishery of Lakshadweep; and

· Ongoing artificial reef installation programmes in coastal waters should be intensified with mechanisms for continuous impact assessment monitoring and improvisation.

Dr J K Jena, Deputy Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) who moderated the discussion, said India needs to achieve sustainable production from coastal waters and enhanced production from offshore waters. “One of the approaches to intensify capture fish production is the exploitation of oceanic and deep-sear resources, which are yet to be tapped fully”, he added.The proposals were presented in the presence of NITI Aayog member Prof. Ramesh Chand and a diverse array of key stakeholders, including policymakers from the Central and state governments, leading industry experts and researchers.The workshop provided a platform for experience sharing between marine states, enabling open dialogue on the challenges faced and potential solutions. Discussions on critical aspects of certification and sustainability, market linkages, value addition and seafood export, and the challenges in the fishing and seafood industry were held.Rrepresentatives from the governments of Kerala, Odisha, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu attended.  A diverse array of key stakeholders, including policy makers from the Central and state governments, leading industry experts and researchers attended the workshop that served as a platform for experience sharing between marine states, enabling open dialogue on the challenges faced and potential solutions.Discussions on critical aspects of certification and sustainability, market linkages, value addition and seafood export, and the challenges in the fishing and seafood industry were also held at the workshop.

Public Awareness Programme on Conservation of Marine Resources

Mangalore Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI),  in collaboration with the NITTE University and NSS unit of College of Fisheries, Mangalore organised a public awareness programme on Ocean Health: Our Action & Our Future at Fiza Nexus Mall in Mangalore on 26.01.2024. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. M. S. Moodithaya, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, NITTE University.   Prof. Dr. Harsha Halahalli, Registrar, NITTE University and Dr. H. N. Anjaneyappa, Dean, College of Fisheries, Mangalore were the Guests of Honor. Dr, Sujitha Thomas, Head, Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, presided over the inaugural programme. 

To raise awareness about ocean health, a calendar designed by the Mangalore RC of ICAR-CMFRI with the theme "Conservation of Marine Ecosystem" was released by the dignitaries and distributed to the public. Students of college of Fisheries, NITTE University and the staff and research scholars of RC of ICAR-CMFRI enacted skits and flash mobs highlighting themes like marine ecosystem conservation, shark protection, and the impact of plastic pollution. More than a thousand people attended the event. 

Honorable Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Lauds ICAR-CMFRIs Strategic Seaweed Farming Project along Indo-Pak border marine waters

A distinguished delegation of dignitaries led by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Honorable Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt of India visited the sites of strategic project on seaweed farming spearheaded by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) along Indo-Pak border marine creeks Kori, Padala and other selected locations along Kutch coast on 27th January 2024. The visit highlighted the Minister's keen interest and appreciation for the innovative approaches in marine production methods, and ICAR-CMFRI's pivotal role in steering sustainable development of resource poor coastal communities along the Kutch coastal waters. Hon’ble minister commended the collaborative efforts between government agencies, research institutions, and private enterprises, emphasizing the project's transformative impact on the region's coastal sustainability.

This strategic seaweed farming project, funded by the Department of Fisheries and closely monitored by the PMO and Ministry of Home Affairs, is a major step towards sustainable coastal development and the Blue Economy. It represents a unique collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and local communities, aiming to revolutionize marine seaweed production methods and improve the livelihoods of coastal residents.

Under the aegis of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Gujarat, experts from ICAR-CMFRI and CSIR-CSMCRI have joined forces, with an entrepreneurial partnership with The Seaweed Company (TSC) and Purple Turtle Pvt. Ltd., in coordination with Border Security Forces (BSF) for ensuring sustainable development of seaweed farming activities along the Kutch coastal waters.

The distinguished delegation, which included Shri Vinod Chavda, Member of Parliament, Kutch, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Dr. J.K Jena, DDG (FS), ICAR, Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, JS (Marine), Shri Sagar Mehra JS (Inland), and Dr. L.N. Murthy, CE, NFDB , along with dignitaries from BSF and various state’s fisheries department officials, witnessed the cutting-edge advancements in raft-based seaweed farming systems deployed at the Indo-Pak border marine creeks, specifically at Kori and Padala Creek Project Site.

Honorable Union Minister Parshottam Rupala urges fishers to embrace seaweed cultivation at  First National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation at Koteswar, Gujarat 

Shri Parshottam Rupala, Honourable Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt of India inaugurated the first National Conference on the Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation at Koteshwar, Kutch in Gujarat on 27th January 2024. In his address, the Honourable Union Minister urged fishermen and fisherwomen to embrace seaweed cultivation for its diverse product opportunities. Emphasizing the historic significance of the first national conference, he highlighted its potential to generate employment, increase fish farmer income, and diversify coastal livelihoods. Referring to the Kori Creek pilot project as a potential game-changer, he called on stakeholders to contribute suggestions for the success of seaweed cultivation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary to the Department of Fisheries, Govt of India, illuminated challenges and prospects in seaweed cultivation. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions, robust policy frameworks, and collaborative endeavours to foster growth. Dr. Likhi underscored the government's commitment to innovating seaweed production, crafting effective policies, facilitating networking, and mapping the entire seaweed value chain. 

Dr. J.K. Jena, DDG (FS) ICAR, affirmed the unwavering support of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) to farmers and expressed the institute's readiness to provide demonstrations. He discussed the ongoing refinement of technology in seaweed farming, highlighting that the identified sites result from a preliminary survey, with more significant developments currently underway. Dr. Jena emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and alignment with the Prime Minister's vision as catalysts for the growth of the sector.

The dignitaries explored seaweed cultivation sites, gaining insights into various methods demonstrated by ICAAR-CMFRI, CSMCRI, and NFDB pilot projects. Approximately 300 participants attended, including fish farmers, fishers, fisheries cooperatives, government officials from various states, scientists, and researchers. The conference served as a comprehensive platform for discussing the project's achievements, with a focus on promoting awareness about seaweed farming.

During the conference, Dr. Divu D, Senior Scientist and PI of the strategic project on seaweed farming highlighted the advanced technologies developed for seaweed cultivation by the institute. He elaborated on the contributions of ICAR-CMFRI for the Seaweed Mission, outlining its objectives and positive impacts on coastal regions including combating climate change.

The successful implementation of the Kori Creek Seaweed Cultivation Project stands as a testament to the collective dedication of ICAR-CMFRI, government agencies, industry partners, and esteemed figures. The collaborative strides underscored the sector's transition towards a sustainable and transformative future. With a shared vision and ongoing advancements, the seaweed cultivation sector is poised for significant growth, promising positive changes in marine production, uplifting coastal livelihoods, and contributing to the overall well-being of communities. The pioneering efforts in Kori Creek mark only the beginning of a journey that holds immense potential for a more sustainable and prosperous coastal landscape.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) is organised by the Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu

Through the various Krishi Vigyan Kendras situated in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has coordinated the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Tamil Nadu. The objective of the yatra is to highlight the various schemes of the Central Government and raise awareness through outreach activities in villages, small towns, and cities. also, to enrol the beneficiaries of such schemes. The Ramanathapuram district was led by Dr. S. Vallal Kannan, Programme Coordinator and District Nodal Officer, ICAR-KVK, Ramanathapuram, for organising the VBSY programme. As part of this yatra VBSY programme, the Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI actively participated, and the VBSY was conducted in 68 Gram Panchayats of the Mandapam, Raja Singa Mangalam, Paramakudi, and Nainarkovil Blocks of Ramanathapuram Districts from December 15, 2023, to January 25, 2024. In this programme, officials from the Departments of Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry elucidated the public on various central government schemes. Also, these events spotlighted diverse Central Government schemes such as the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, the Ayushman Card, the soil health card, the Kisan Credit Card, the Prime Minister's LPG scheme, the utilisation of drone technology in agriculture, and various farmers' insurance schemes. General health camps and awareness programmes (tuberculosis and sickle cell anaemia) were organised by the health department. Scientists from the MRC, ICAR-CMFRI, and representatives of the fisheries department elaborated on all PMMSY schemes. The natural farming practices were explained by the KVK officials of Ramanathapuram. The various schemes—leaflets, brochures, booklets, calendars, caps, T-shirts, and badges—were distributed to the public to create awareness. Furthermore, as a part of the event, Madras Fertilisers Ltd. showcased the application of nano-fertilizer spraying using drone technology to benefit farmers. Day nodal officers have explained to farmers insights into the latest agricultural technologies aimed at enhancing farm produce yields.

Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, has participated in the VBSY programme at Kavanoor and A.R. Mangalam GPs. Other dignitaries like Dr. Vageesh Tiwari, IRAS, Director, MeitY, and local administrative officials of Ramanathapuram have also participated in this programme. Shri. M. Rajkumar, Scientist, Shellfish Fisheries Division, and Shri. S. Thirumalaiselvan, Scientist, Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division, Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, served as the Day Nodal Officers for organising VBSY programmes in the allotted GPs of Ramanathapuram district.

Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje interacts with farmers of Lakshadweep; Issues Soil Health Card and vegetable saplings to farmers

Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare visited Amini and Agatti Islands, Lakshadweep on 5-6 March, 2024, to review the agriculture activities in the region. The visit was coordinated by the UT Administration of Lakshadweep in collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra- Lakshadweep of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).During the visit, the Hon’ble Minister interacted with farmers, members of self-help groups, and young entrepreneurs supported by the Department of Agriculture and the KVK. She distributed Soil Health Cards, which were arranged by the KVK as part of a resurvey to renew the organic status of the Union Territory. Farmers expressed concerns about the Whitefly infestation and inquired about organic methods to control it.

The Minister instructed the Administration to collaborate with ICAR institutions to identify organic solutions to control Whitefly, which has been decreasing coconut production. She encouraged farmers to take advantage of development schemes provided by the Central Government. The Minister praised the organic status of the islands, acknowledging the dedication and efforts of the local community in maintaining organic practices.Farmers commended the efforts of the KVK-Lakshadweep of ICAR-CMFRI and ICAR-IIHR in promoting vegetable cultivation, which was endorsed by the Hon’ble Minister. The interaction was attended by all staff from the Department of Agriculture and the KVK.The Minister distributed vegetable seedlings to farmers and appreciated the collaborative efforts of the organisations in promoting vegetable cultivation in the islands.