Ebooks

India is an agrarian economy; about 55% of the total work force isengaged in agriculture and allied sector activities (Census 2011). The people belonging to the farming community, whether in agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, fisheries, etc. are the main actors in improving agricultural production and productivity, and therefore, empowering them with skill, knowledge, training, and mass awareness programmes (collectively called capacity building, CB) would ensure food and nutritional security by alleviating hunger and malnutrition. Such knowledge empowered farmers, in combination with the right government policies, would lead towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal #2: Zero Hunger by 2030. Keeping such facts in view, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Government of India, follow the policy of “Farmers First” and lay great emphasis on capacity building through their institutional mechanisms. In this document, a modest attempt has been made to compile and highlight a few such CB programmes sponsored by national and international agencies like ICAR, NFDB (National Fisheries Development Board under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying), MANAGE (National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management), World Fish, USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and other institutional mechanisms.

Health benefits of fish consumption Fisheries and aquaculture play an important role in providing food and nutritional security. Fish is a rich source of quality animal proteins, omega- 3: poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), minerals, and vitamins. Fish is a superfood that is rich in all nutrients except carbohydrates, and its combination with rice or wheat makes it a complete food, forming a balanced diet with the right combination of macronutrients (quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins), which are essential for good health. Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors. India is bestowed with all types of aquatic habitats; freshwater, including the cold waters in the highlands, brackish waters, and the marine system. Being a tropical country, India is a biodiversity hotspot. It is rich in a wide variety of fish fauna, and wherever there is water, there are fish. Thus, fish is widely available in India, Thus, India is the third largest fish producing country and ranks second in aquaculture production. In comparison to other sources of animal proteins, fish is more chicken, mutton, beef, pork, etc., as affordable is available in wide varieties in the markets. Therefore, the common man can afford to consume fish regularly and provide his family with a balanced and healthy diet. As a diet, fish is important for all age groups of humans. Fish oil, especially the omega-3 PUFAs, EPA, and DHA, keeps away several preventable human ailments (Table 1).

The village of Khan Saheber Abad is located in the Sagar subdivision of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India. It is situated 4.8 km away from the sub-district headquarter Rudranagar (the tehsildar office) and 99.6 km away from the district headquarter Alipore. A training programme was conducted for the empowerment of rural tribal communities through sustainable inland fisheries development and utilisation of open water bodies in the village. Challenges and opportunities The Khan Saheber Abad is primarily a tribal dominated village. These Tribal people belong to the Santhal community. They have a low level of literacy, declining or stagnant population, and are economically weak, but they are very close to nature.

Canals and waterways are the most important source for irrigation and have been identified as one of the most important aquatic resources for fish culture. The natural canal systems in the Sundarbans cover an area of 907.33 ha. Fisheries activities were planned in order to provide a source of livelihood to the underprivileged people of the cyclone-prone area of the Sundarbans. Challenges and opportunities Fisheries in the Sundarbans are poorly documented and less attention is given to producing fish from canals. Information on the trophic status of the canal habitat, biotic community structure, and hydrological parameters is also lacking. However, the villagers reported that the fish enter these canals from the source waters naturally, and form natural populations. The villagers residing beside the canal catch fish, especially during monsoon, and the women of the adjoining households often collect small indigenous fish (SIFs) or prawns through small dragnets or scoop nets for household consumption. The shared information of the villagers was utilised to sensitise them and convince them to initiate fish culture in these canals.

Village Madangunj is situated on the bank of the Hatania Duaniya, a branch of the Hoogly River in Namkhana. The cyclone Aila unleashed its fury on the people residing on the islands in the Sundarbans and changed their lives forever. The Sundarban is the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. The cyclone also affected the fish resources and livelihood of the villagers. Efforts were made to provide alternative sources of livelihood to the poor people of these villages. Challenges and opportunities We conducted field surveys to understand the status of small indigenous fish after cyclone Aila in the Sunderban region, particularly in Namkhana block, which was badly affected by the cyclone. Hundreds of people under various age groups ranging from 27 to 65 years old and involved in various occupations were interviewed personally to know about the present status of small indigenous fish after Aila. It was reported by 60% of the respondents that there is a significant reduction in the availability of small indigenous fish (SIF). To rejuvenate their stocks, it was decided to develop a conservation site, as a common seed bank for SIF. The SIF are self-recruiting species and can be cultured in various cultural systems like ponds, canals, wetlands, cages, etc. They can tolerate the adverse water quality cond

Fresh fish serves as a protein-rich food for people of all income groups. Dry fish is in greater demand when the availability of fresh fish in the market is low. Dry fish have a higher concentration of protein (in terms of weight) as compared to wet fish and are an inexpensive source of animal protein. Moreover, dry fish production provides employment opportunities to fishermen, fish farmers, rural youth, and women and also helps them to generate extra income. In addition, it also provides food and nutritional security to the rural, underprivileged population. Though dry fish enterprises have a significant role in improving the livelihood as well as the nutritional security of society, not much attention has been paid to the production and marketing of dry fish products.

The demand for nutrients is rising, along with the population, which is rapidly expanding. The sustainability of life on earth now places a high focus on protecting the sources of sustenance. In this regard, aquaculture has a crucial role to play. The regulated raising of fish and other breeds in a particular environment is known as aquaculture. The natural resources and other elements required for sustainable development can be preserved using this method. The promotion of the value of nutrients and the expansion of employment prospects in the future are both made possible by aquaculture. Biofloc fish farming, which has set trends in fish farming all over India, facilitates recycling and reusing of the nutrients in the culture medium by filtering the unwanted substances and metabolites and converting them into nutrients, which benefits the zero exchange of water.

It is clear that Odisha has significant potential for aquaculture due to its vast brackish water resources. However, as the aquaculture industry grows, it is important for farmers to be knowledgeable about the inputs and techniques they use to ensure the sustainability of the industry. A total of 2.98 lakh ha of estuaries, 0.081 lakh ha of backwater, 0.80 lakh ha of Chilika Lake, and 0.32 lakh ha of cultivable brackish water area make up the 4.18 lakh ha potential brackish water area for fish and shrimp production. Additionally, proper disease diagnosis and management are crucial for reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and ensuring the health of the aquatic animals being farmed. With appropriate training and support from organisations such as the Aqua One Centre, farmers can improve their practices and increase their yields, while also contributing to the economic growth of the region.

The one-day SCSP-training program on “Opportunities for fish farmer producer companies and government schemes for fisheries stockholders” was organised by Shashwat Sheti Vikas Pratishthan, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharastra, on 4 January 2022. The training programme was sponsored by MANAGE, Hyderabad. 50 people participated in the training program, consisting of agrifarmers, fishermen and unemployed youths. Out of the 50 participants, 19 were women and 31 were men. The session is all about FPO formation MANAGE organised a training programme to sensitise farmers about Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and various schemes under PMMSY. FPOs can help farmers take advantage of economies of scale in production and marketing, and the government’s plan to establish 10,000 new FPOs by 2024 is a step in the right direction. It is while social media is a powerful tool for spreading information quickly, not everyone has access to it, especially in rural areas. So, training programmes like this can be very effective in reaching out to farmers and providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their farming practices.

KVK Ramkrishna Ashram in Kolkata undertook a 5-day SCSP (Schedule Class Sub-Plan) training programme from MANAGE, Hyderabad, to develop integrated farming practices and encourage young people to choose farming as a career. West Bengal’s status as the highest fish producing state in India and its leadership in fish seed production present a significant opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs in the fishery sector. Fish is widely consumed throughout the nation, especially in West Bengal, where it is estimated that each person consumes 15.6 kg of fish per year, compared to India’s average of 9.0 kg. It is regarded as a major source of essential micronutrients and the primary source of animal protein. By leveraging smart farming solutions enabled by technology, farmers can increase their productivity and income, while also meeting the demand for fish and essential micronutrients in the region. The training programme could play a vital role in empowering farmers and entrepreneurs in the state to adopt innovative and sustainable farming practices and make the most of these opportunities.

The aim of this training programme was to empower women from the Scheduled Caste community by providing them with skills to create handmade seashell jewellery and other handicraft products, which they could then sell to supplement their income. The training was conducted in a modular format, which included soft skill development, theoretical sessions, practical sessions, and field visits. The training programme was conducted in Keelathilayenthal Village in Ramanathapuram District, which is known for its rich marine life and abundance of seashells. About the seashell-making-entrepreneurship model The training programme was funded by MANAGE, Hyderabad, and was overseen by Dr. Shahaji Phand, Programme Director, and Dr. Sushrirekha Das, Coordinator. All 30 participants were women from the fishing community who were interested in learning seashell ornament- making skills. 

ICAR SCAD Krishi Vigyan Kendra Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, organised a 3 -day SCSP training programme on inland shrimp farming during 21st - 23rd December 2021, sponsered by MANAGE, Hyderabad. SC/ ST communities are given training on sustainable shrimp/prawn culture so as to enable them to take up shrimp culture as a means of self-employment or to get employed in shrimp farms by other farmers, thereby earning a livelihood. The participants were provided with hands-on training on pond preparation, stocking, feeding, water quality management, disease control, harvesting, and post-harvest processing of shrimp. In addition to this, they were also given insights into market trends and opportunities for shrimp farming. The participants were enthusiastic and showed keen interest in learning about the latest shrimp farming techniques and practices.

A one -day SCSP training program was organised by Mitraniketan Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR), Kerala on 17 December 2021. The training theme was “Market opportunities for value-added Fish Products.” 4 male and 46 female participants participated in the training program. The training was taken at KVK, Mitaraniketan, Kerala. The sessions were oriented towards theory and practice. The training modules and session topics delivered on various value-added fishery products were arranged for the beneficiaries to transfer their expertise in fishery products and equip them to establish entrepreneurship in fish and fishery products and market the fishery products. In addition to providing financial support for women, the programme would also help pregnant women and adolescent girls with their nutritional needs

There are various training programmes being conducted in Tamil Nadu to promote seaweed cultivation and its various applications. The one-day SCSP training programme organised by ICAR-RVS KVK, Tiruneveli, Tamil Nadu, and the three-day SCSP training programme on seaweed for food and industrial application by Jehovah Shamma Aqua One Centre, both sponsored by MANAGE, Hyderabad, seem to have been well received by the coastal population of Tamil Nadu. The training programmes covered topics such as the status and distribution of seaweeds on the Indian coast, by-products from marine seaweeds, and nutraceutical products from marine seaweeds. These are important areas of knowledge that can help the coastal population explore the various opportunities available in seaweed cultivation and to utilise the seaweed species to their full potential.

The SCSP training programme on biofloc-based fish farming in Manipur aimed to promote entrepreneurship in fish farming by providing training on modern and innovative techniques. The training programme was sponsored by MANAGE, Hyderabad, and was conducted by two organisations in Manipur: AOC Manipur and Green Biotech Ecosolutions Pvt. Ltd. The programme was held over a period of three days at Khurkhul Village, Imphal West, Manipur. The programme focused on biofloc-based fish farming, which is an innovative and sustainable method of fish farming that uses microbial flocs as a source of nutrition for fish.

Ornamental fish trade is a part of the culture of fisheries in India and is an important sector for livelihood and income generation, especially for women. Recent trends in production and demand share assume that during the next five years, domestic trade will double from the present. The growth of any business depends on technology, management, market, and infrastructure. The ornamental fish industry includes breeding of exotic live-bearer and egg layer fish, captive breeding of indigenous ornamental fish, the development of small-scale enterprises, backyard fish breeding and culture activities in rural areas, and ancillary units with high potential for large- scale exports as part of the multibillion-dollar global trade of the ornamental fish sector. Women are sensible and caring enough to take care of and nurture the small, tiny, colourful fish in their backyard units of ornamental fish. One of the important sectors of the ornamental fish industry is aquarium making and decoration, which is not only women friendly but also ensures earnings. 

Ornamental fish breeding and culture: an innovative scheme for the development of rural women.” Funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology Govt. of India, New Delhi. Selection of members and group formation The location was selected to impart the training on ornamental fish culture, based on the PRA, group discussions, and meetings with NGOs, village panchayat authorities, and members of the area. Raichak, Kamar Pool, and Diamond Harbour Road were the working locations. Groups formed by identifying the interested women from the selected location. In each group, there are 25 women registered for the training. The selected members were introduced to the ornamental fish farms located at Amtala to appraise the working possibilities and viability of the activities.

Madhya Pradesh has the highest population of Schedule tribes in India. With a population of 15,316,784, they occupy 21.1% of the state’s total population and 14.7% of the total tribal population of India. About 61% of the rural tribal population in Madhya Pradesh is living below the poverty line and is primarily relying on agriculture and allied industries for their livelihood (Planning Commission Report, 2010). But since the majority of them rely on unscientific subsistence farming, the income earned from such practices is very low. Apart from the higher poverty level, the nutrition levels in Madhya Pradesh also signify a grave situation. The state has one of the highest levels of anaemic children and women in India, and this incidence is highest in tribal regions of the state. The tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh have one of the highest percentages of malnourished children in India (UNICEF, 2019). The undernutrition and anaemia in tribes are primarily due to the lack of access to quality food. 

In May 2020, The Government of India launched the flagship scheme called Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with an estimated investment of Rs. 20050 crores, comprising a Central share of Rs. 9407.00 crores, a state share of Rs 4880.00 crores, and a Beneficiary contribution of Rs. 5763.00 crores for its implementation during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories (Guidelines on Entrepreneurship Models in Fisheries and Aquaculture under PMMSY, 2020). The PMMSY will address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, traceability, post-harvest infrastructure, and management.

India’s journey through the 75 years of independence and its splendid achievements are acclaimed by the Government of India through its initiative, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Since independence, the nation has traversed a great distance and achieved feats in various spheres, such as agriculture, science, technology, art and culture, to name a few. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commemorates 75 glorious years of progressive India and its rich history, diverse population, magnificent culture and great achievements. The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi’s, through this campaign, envisioned the foundation of a self-reliant India, and he said, “The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav means elixir of energy of independence; elixir of inspirations of the warriors of freedom struggle; elixir of new ideas and pledges; and elixir of Aatmanir bharta. Therefore, this Mahotsav is a festival of awakening the nation a festival of fulfilling the dream of good governance, and a festival of global peace and development” 1 . The government of India, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, organised a series of events under the campaign Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. 

Fisheries and aquaculture sector have been increasingly recognized for their essential contribution to global food security and nutrition. In 2020, total global catches in inland waters were 11.47 million tonnes and India stands top in the world with 1.8 million tonnes. India has witnessed remarkable growth in fish production in the last couple of years and stands second in world aquaculture production. The total fish production during 20-21 is estimated at 14.7 million metric tonnes (MMT) with a contribution of 11.25 MMT from inland sector and 3.48 MMT from marine sector. During FY 2020-21, export of marine products stood at 1.15 MMT and valued at Rs. 43,717.26 crores despite the market uncertainties raised by the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. The inland open water resources of India are the life line of country?s vast population and provide nutritional and livelihood security besides other innumerable economic, social and ecological services. In addition to India, countries of Mekong cooperations including Myanmar, LaoPDR, Vietnam, Copyright: New India Publishing Agency, New Delhi, India. Commercial Use will call for Legal Action. Cambodia and Thailand contribute significantly to the Asian Fish production. As per FAO (2022) report, a number of Asian countries majorly contribute to the Inland capture fisheries production including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Cambodia have reported a steady or decline in fish catch, since the last few decades. Though there are several potential threats behind this declining fish production trend, major is linked to water availability, pollution, overfishing and climate change. 

To combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, nutrition-sensitive agriculture is a food-based strategy to agricultural development that emphasizes dietary diversity, fortification, and consumption of nutrient-rich foods. This strategy recognizes the importance of consuming a wide range of foods for optimal nutrition and acknowledges the social and economic significance of the food and agriculture industries in supporting rural livelihoods (WHO, 2014) The overarching goal of nutrition-sensitive agriculture is to enhance the ability of the global food system to produce nutritious outcomes. An increasing number of governments, donor agencies, and development organizations are endorsing nutrition-sensitive agriculture as a means to achieve their developmental objectives. However, relying solely on nutrition-specific interventions falls short of meeting global targets for improving nutrition. Agriculture, with its significant potential to influence nutrition outcomes, must also play a role. 

A Aamtala 90 Adivashi Yuvak Sangh 12 Agriculture Infrastructure Funds (AIF) 52 Amblypharyngodon mola 10, 24 Anabus testudineus 24 Andaman and Nicobar Islands 7 Aqua One Centre 34, 41, 42, 46, 77, 78, 81 Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav 129, 130, 140