Connect with:
Saturday / February 22. 2025

logo
mobile-logo
HomePosts Tagged "Rajiv Ranjan Singh"
Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, India

14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) features over 20 lead presentations by renowned experts from India and abroad, with 1,000 participants from 24 countries.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) at Pusa Campus in New Delhi marking a significant milestone in global fisheries and aquaculture.

 Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to sustainable fisheries.  He accentuated that India has risen as the world’s second-largest fish producer under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Minister also emphasised 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 also informed that the Kisan Credit Card scheme has been extended to the fishers and fish farmers and various insurance schemes to the fisheries’ sector were also introduced. He further applauded the ICAR for its technological offerings, recognizing its contributions in the fisheries development in the country. Further he stressed that the research institutes should undertake capacity building initiative involving KVKs to improve the adoption of scientific practices by fishers and farmers. He also inaugurated the 14AFAF expo, a major highlight, bringing together the stakeholders from state fisheries departments, academia, research institutions and the industry to showcase technological advancements.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR highlighted that 75 new fisheries technologies and improved fish varieties developed by ICAR, emphasizing ICAR’s commitment to sustainable, carbon-neutral fisheries and aquaculture for long-term industry resilience.

Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, highlighted the Government’s transformative initiatives, substantial investments, and the vital role of startups in driving innovation for India’s blue economy.

Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Convener of 14AFAF, in his welcome address, stated that the forum will play a crucial role in shaping the future of fisheries and aquaculture. He highlighted that the event features over 20 lead presentations by renowned experts from India and abroad, with 1,000 participants from 24 countries.

The session also saw the release of different publications & technologies by the dignitaries. The event was organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore.

14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF)

Acquaculture, Allied Industry

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Monday laid the foundation stone for 50 projects worth Rs 50 crore to enhance the northeast region’s fishery infrastructure, productivity and create job opportunities

The minister launched the ‘Organic Fisheries Cluster’ in the Soreng district for development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in Sikkim under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Of the total 50 projects under PMMSY, a maximum of 24 projects will be implemented in Sikkim, followed by Assam (12), Tripura and Nagaland (3 each) and Meghalaya (1), according to an official statement. In Assam, an Integrated Aqua Park will be established in the Darrang district with a capacity to produce 150 tonnes of fish annually creating up to 2,000 job opportunities.


A large fish feed plant will come up in the Kamrup district with a capacity to produce 20,000 tonnes of feed annually while hatchery projects in various districts aim to produce 50 million spawns per year, significantly boosting local aquaculture. In Manipur, ice plants and cold storage units will be set up in Thoubal and Imphal districts to preserve fish produce and reduce post-harvest losses. Additionally, hatcheries focusing on locally important fish species will contribute to conserving biodiversity and enhancing fish production in the state.
The projects in Meghalaya will focus on promoting recreational fisheries in the East Khasi Hills District. This initiative, strategically located in a popular tourist area, is expected to attract visitors, generate local employment and enhance the region’s tourism appeal.


In Nagaland, three projects will include the construction of freshwater finfish hatcheries in the Mokokchung and Kiphire districts. These hatcheries will collectively produce 21 million fry annually, helping aquaculture and providing economic opportunities for tribal communities. In Tripura, the projects will include the establishment of ornamental fish rearing units and finfish hatcheries.

Sikkim will implement 24 projects which include the establishment of Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to promote sustainable fish farming, the construction of fish kiosks in Gangtok and other towns, and the development of ornamental fish rearing units. The minister also reviewed the implementation of PMMSY in northeastern states. Union Ministers of State S P Baghel and George Kurian and Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi were present at the meeting.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and

AgroPolicy, Animal Health, India, Live Stock

The census will emphasise breed management, utilising image-based technology to accurately identify livestock breeds, while prioritising critical aspects like animal health, productivity, and disease control to address the sector’s key challenges.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi, which will be conducted until February 2025. The 21st Livestock Census will cover over 30 crore households across all States and Union Territories, including nomadic communities and pastoralists, ensuring that the diversity of India’s livestock practices is captured. The census will focus on important areas such as gender roles in livestock rearing, offering a deeper understanding of women’s contributions to the sector. It will also emphasize breed management, utilizing image-based technology to accurately identify livestock breeds, while prioritizing critical aspects like animal health, productivity, and disease control to address the sector’s key challenges.

21st Livestock Census will play a pivotal role in shaping livestock-centred schemes and initiatives, such as the National Gokul Mission, Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC), and the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). By providing comprehensive and updated data, the census will help identify the needs and opportunities in the sector, enabling the government to fine-tune these programs for greater impact. The insights gathered will not only strengthen existing initiatives but also pave the way for new strategies aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, improving animal health, and boosting rural incomes. Ultimately, this will contribute to the sustainable growth of the livestock sector, benefiting millions of households and driving overall economic development.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the critical role the Livestock Census plays in shaping policies that ensure the sustainable growth of India’s livestock sector. He noted, “India’s livestock sector is not only a major contributor to our rural economy but also a significant source of nutrition, employment, and income for millions of households. The 21st Livestock Census will provide us with updated data on the livestock population, which will allow the government to address key issues like disease control, breed improvement, and rural livelihoods. With the digital advancements introduced in this census, we are confident that the data collected will be more accurate, timely, and comprehensive than ever before.”

He also highlighted the innovations brought in this census, such as a mobile application for data collection and real-time monitoring through a web-based dashboard, marking a significant step toward modernizing data collection methodologies.

Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, emphasized the sector’s vital role in GDP contribution and job creation, especially in rural areas. He noted, “Livestock supports the livelihoods of over 2.1 crore people and is essential to India’s agricultural economy. The data collected from the 21st Livestock Census will help us pinpoint areas where we can intervene to enhance rural livelihoods and improve animal health.” 

Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of DAHD, detailed the extensive preparations for the census launch. “We have trained over one lakh field personnel, conducted regional and state-level training sessions, and established a strong digital infrastructure to ensure seamless and accurate data collection. The innovations in this census, including offline data capture, breed identification through images, and real-time monitoring, will guarantee that this initiative runs efficiently across India.

The census will emphasise breed management, utilising

AgroPolicy, Animal Health, Finance, India, Live Stock, Schemes - Govt

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying also released ‘Revolutionizing Animal Health: Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines and Crisis Management Plan during the event.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Pandemic Fund Project on “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” in New Delhi.  The Pandemic Fund Project is a $25 Million initiative funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund.

The “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” initiative will play a key role in reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans. The Pandemic Fund Project will focus on enhancing India’s animal health systems, thereby fortifying the country’s defences against future pandemics. It will be implemented in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank.

On this occasion the Union Minister also released two important documents aimed at strengthening animal health management in India:

Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG): A comprehensive document that outlines best practices for veterinary care, aimed at improving the overall health and productivity of livestock and supporting to the national action plan for Anti-microbial resistance.

Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases: A critical resource that will provide a framework for managing and responding to outbreaks of animal diseases, ensuring rapid containment and mitigation.

These documents will serve as vital tools for veterinarians, policymakers, and field officials, helping to ensure timely and effective responses to animal health crises and improving disease management protocols.

In his address Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the importance of the Livestock Sector as it contributes to the social and economic upliftment of the society.  He stated that the livestock sector has shown immense growth in the last 9 years with the implementation of many schemes of the department. Through National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP), the department is aiming to control and eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis from the country.  He said that so far, a total of 90.87 crores FMD vaccines and 4.23 crore vaccines for Brucellosis have been administered. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is also planning for creation of FMD Disease Free Zones in nine states of the country.

 He also said that the Pandemic Fund supports the existing initiatives of the department through enhancing disease surveillance including genomic and environmental surveillance for early warning, laboratory infrastructure development, cross-border collaboration, and will create a more integrated system for monitoring and managing zoonotic diseases.

Further, in his address the Union Minister emphasised on the importance of adopting a One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health in preventing and managing health crises. With most recent public health emergencies stemming from animal origins, the project reinforces the need to address zoonotic risks to protect both human and animal populations from future pandemics.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of

Acquaculture, Agri Genomics, AgroPolicy, India

Field trials conducted in Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Maharashtra demonstrated the improved Catla’s ability to reach an average weight of 1.8 kg in polyculture systems.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh  launched “Amrit Catla,” a genetically improved variety of Catla (Labeo catla), at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar. The National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank (NFFBB) of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) received the Amrit Catla, ensuring its wider distribution and availability for farmers across the country. This development represents a significant milestone in freshwater aquaculture and aligns with the institute’s efforts to enhance fish seed quality for India’s growing fish farming community.

ICAR-CIFA began a selective breeding program in 2010 to improve the body weight of Catla at harvest, addressing the need for high-quality fish seed. The program collected nine strains of Catla, sourced from West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. These strains were utilised as the base population for the selective breeding program. Through the Combined Family Selection method, the breeding process was guided by phenotypic information and microsatellite markers. Superior animals were selected based on breeding value, and after four generations of breeding, a 15 per cent genetic gain per generation was achieved, leading to a cumulative gain of 35 per cent by the third generation. Field trials conducted in Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Maharashtra demonstrated the improved Catla’s ability to reach an average weight of 1.8 kg in polyculture systems, compared to 1.2 kg for local strains in one year. Recently, the “Amrit Catla” project received national recognition with the Best Technology Award at the 96th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day on July 16, 2024, and was officially trademarked as “CIFA-Amrit Catla” on August 1, 2024.

In his address, Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to scaling up research initiatives. He assured that the Ministry would provide substantial support for research endeavours in the fisheries sector to ensure sustainable growth and enhanced productivity. He also highlighted that the Ministry has recently declared ICAR-CIFA as the Nucleus Breeding Center for freshwater fishes, further solidifying its role in the development of high-quality fish seed in India.

The event was attended by George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs, along with senior officials and stakeholders from the fisheries sector. The release of “Amrit Catla” underscores the government’s dedication to advancing aquaculture practices, ensuring quality fish seed supply, and boosting the nation’s fish farming industry.

Field trials conducted in Odisha, West Bengal,

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India

The app is designed to meet the growing needs of the ornamental fisheries sector, providing crucial knowledge resources for hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the “Rangeen Machhli” mobile app at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar. Developed by ICAR-CIFA with support from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the app is designed to meet the growing needs of the ornamental fisheries sector, providing crucial knowledge resources for hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers.

The “Rangeen Machhli” app provides multilingual information on popular ornamental fish species in eight Indian languages, making it accessible to a wide audience. Whether hobbyists are seeking guidance on fish care or farmers looking to diversify their breeds, the app offers comprehensive details on care, breeding, and maintenance practices. One of its key features is the “Find Aquarium Shops” tool, which allows users to locate nearby aquarium shops through a dynamic directory updated by shop owners, promoting local businesses and connecting users with reliable sources for ornamental fish and aquarium-related products. In addition, the app includes educational modules for both newcomers and professionals in the ornamental fish industry. The “Basics of Aquarium Care” module covers essential topics such as types of aquariums, fishes, water filtration, lighting, feeding, day to day maintenance, while the “Ornamental Aquaculture” module focuses on breeding, rearing of different ornamental fish. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play store from this link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ornamentalfish

During his address, Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the increasing importance of the ornamental fisheries sector, stating that the Ministry is placing a strong emphasis on its development, recognizing the sector’s potential for generating employment and contributing to the economy. He also stated that aquarium hobby has to be promoted in a bigger way in the country.

The app is designed to meet the