Joint Secretary (Inland fisheries and Administration), Department of Fisheries, Shri Sagar Mehra will inaugurate the Workshop on Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan (MSJA) on 23^rd October 2023 at National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), Kochi. In the Workshop, Joint Director (Central Zone), Dept. of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala, Shri S. Mahesh will make a presentation on implementation of fisheries development schemes through PMMSY in Kerala. Joint Director (Aquaculture) Retd., MPEDA and Consultant (NFDB), Shri M. Shaji will deliver address on Aquaculture Technologies under PMMSY scheme in Kerala – Methods for its successful implementation. Head & Principal Scientist, QAM Division, CIFT, Kochi, Dr. Zynudheen A.A will present on initiatives of CIFT in start-ups/ entrepreneurships in relation to PMMSY. Processing Technologist, NIFPHATT, Shri Kamalraj will present NIFPHATT’s intervention in value addition and capacity building with reference to PMMSY.  Deputy Director (Training), Dept. of Fisheries, Kerala, Smt. Maja Jose will lead the interaction with stakeholders and the stakeholder will share their success stories during the programme.

Fishers, fishermen representatives, fish-farmers, entrepreneurs, fishermen cooperative society leaders, professionals, scientists, and other stakeholders will join the interactions during the MSJA workshop at NIFPHATT.

Background:

Fisheries and aquaculture sector is an important source of food production, nutrition security, employment, income and foreign exchange. This promising sector provides livelihood, employment and entrepreneurship to more than 2.8 crore fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and several lakhs along the value chain. Over the last decade, it has been the endeavour of the Department to address challenges and on-ground issues that have demanded attention from policy makers for long. In order to overcome problems and implement solutions, understanding the pulse of the fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders thus becomes critical. Therefore, conducting sustained grass root level outreach activities is a turning point for the success of the Departmental schemes and initiatives.

Since the launch of PMMSY (2019-20), outreach activities have been stepped up by the Department and 2.71 crore stakeholders have been reached out by Department of Fisheries. This includes achieving outreach of 70.22 lakh fishermen, fish farmers and stakeholders through Sagar Parikrama, 137.63 lakh stakeholders through fish festivals, expos, campaigns and publicity events, 50.29 lakh stakeholders through social media platforms among other initiatives. While the outreach efforts are ongoing, however there is lack of information and awareness amongst farmers about the welfare schemes undertaken by the Government. These gaps entail low uptake of many fisheries activities under PMMSY, low uptake of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and challenges excluded from ongoing schemes. For sustained and larger outreach at the grass root level across the country, the Department has meticulously planned strategic initiative “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” from September 2023 to February 2024.

Various efforts have been made to popularize fisheries programmes and schemes and enhance domestic fish consumption through various physical publicity and awareness program, and digital platforms. Department of Fisheries, Government of India launched ‘Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan’ with the following objectives :-

1. To disseminate information and knowledge about Nine Years’ of achievements and success stories of the Department of Fisheries and its field institutions across the country.
2. Reach out to 2.8 crore fish farmers (1.23 Crore Female and 1.56 Crore Male)  particularly communities in 3477 coastal villages; fish farmers, fishers, fish workers, SHGs/ JLGs, FFPOs/co-operatives/federations, Mandals and local fisheries societies.

The program will provide a platform to disseminate and showcase valuable information, best practices, and the latest advancements in fisheries and aquaculture techniques, modern and innovative fish farming technologies, fish processing and value addition to a large audience of fish farmers, and other fisheries stakeholders. This will encourage the adoption of advanced practices, leading to increased efficiency and profitability. The outreach program will play a vital role in promoting responsible fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, and the overall well-being of the communities dependent on this crucial sector.

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