Fish Cryobanks to be set up in different parts of the country, says Giriraj Singh

NEW DELHI, 11 July 2020: On the occasion of National Fish Farmers Day, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Giriraj Singh announced that government has decided to set up many fish cryobanks in the country.

The minister said that these cryobanks will be set up by National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in collaboration with the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) across different parts of the country.

The minister said, “It will facilitate all time availability of ‘fish sperms’ of desired species to fish farmers.”

Adding further, the minister said that this would be the first time in the world when “Fish Cryobank” will be established, which can bring a revolutionary change in the fisheries sector in the country for enhancing fish production and productivity and thereby increasing prosperity among the fish farmers.

Speaking on this, NBFGR director Dr.Kuldeep K. Lal said, “The cryomilt technology developed by the NBFGR in support with NFDB may be helpful in establishment of fish cryobanks, which will provide good quality of fish sperms in hatcheries at any time.”

Addressing a webinar that was hosted today by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in association with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Singh said that in order to consolidate the achievements of Blue Revolution and pave the way from Neeli Kranti to Arth Kranti and to realise his vision of doubling the farmer’s income, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has been launched with highest ever investment of INR 20,050 crore during next five years.

This scheme will address the critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernization and strengthening of value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishermen’s welfare, the minister underlined.

Giriraj Singh said that providing Quality Seed of fish is very important in enhancing production and productivity in the country.

Fisheries secretary Dr Rajeev Ranjan while delivering his welcome address highlighted the ambitious targets under PMMSY and the importance of active cooperation of States/UTs and other stakeholders including private sector in achieving the same.

National Fish Farmers Day celebrations

National Fish Farmers Day is celebrated on 10 July every year in remembrance of scientists Dr. K. H. Alikunhi and Dr. H.L. Chaudhury  who successfully demonstrated the technology of induced breeding (Hypophysation) in Indian Major Carps on 10 July, 1957 at the erstwhile ‘Pond Culture Division’ of CIFRI at Cuttack, Odisha (presently Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, CIFA, Bhubaneswar). 

The event aims to draw attention to changing the way the country manages fisheries resources to ensure sustainable stocks and healthy ecosystems.

The Minister also emphasized the sustainable harnessing of fisheries resources through technology infusion and best farming practices while highlighting the importance of quality seed, feed, species diversification, entrepreneurial models and marketing infrastructure with backward and forward linkages.

Every year, the event is celebrated by felicitating outstanding fish farmers, aquapreneurs & fisher folks in recognition of their accomplishments in the field and their contribution in the growth of the fisheries sector in the country.

Senior officials of Department of Fisheries, Government of India and Dr. C. Suvarna, Chief Executive, NFDB along with officials from State Fisheries Departments, Directors & Scientists from ICAR institutes, entrepreneurs, and about 150 progressive fish farmers from Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, etc. participated in the webinar and shared their experiences during the interaction.

The webinar also saw participation of P. C. Sarangi, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India and senior officers from the Department of Fisheries.

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