Rupala Launches Online Market Place Feature "Aqua Bazar" App for Fish Farmers, Stakeholders

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala launched the Online Market Place feature "Aqua Bazar" in the “Matsya Setu” mobile app on 18 August 22 during the 9th general body meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad.

The meeting was attended by Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying and Vice Chairman of the governing body, as well as Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, special invitee, and other officials of the governing body, Member (Agriculture), Niti Ayog.

Ministers from Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim attended the meeting in person. Ministers from the states of Haryana and Puducherry were virtually present. Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog, and Secretaries of other Departments, as well as 14 nominated Non-official governing body members from various states, attended the meeting.

Parshottam Rupala released a book titled "Super Success Stories from Indian Fisheries" published by NFDB to commemorate the 75th Independence Day- Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations an outreach activity with a focus on disseminating technologies, innovative ideas practiced by the small-scale farming sector and to expand the promotion of initiatives to a larger population, successful fisheries and aquaculture practices across the country.

What is Aqua Bazar App

The "Aqua Bazar" app was developed by ICAR-CIFA with funding support from NFDB under PMMSY followed.

Aqua Bazar app will assist fish farmers and stakeholders in locating inputs such as fish seed, feed, and medicines, as well as services required for fish culture. Farmers will also be able to list table-size fish for sale. It is a marketplace that connects various stakeholders in the aquaculture industry.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan stated that the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab have enormous potential for shrimp farming. He also stated that as aquaculture develops in these states, they will be able to compete with Andhra Pradesh in shrimp production. Farmers in these states, he believes, should be provided with extension services. He also mentioned that the Animal Welfare Board facility could be used to establish a training centre. He also stated that the NFDB, in collaboration with the ICAR, should develop a plan for the development of shrimp farming in the region.

According to Dr. L. Murugan, Vice Chairman, fisheries departments should prioritize infrastructure development projects such as fishing harbours, fish landing centres, ice plants, and cold storage. He went on to say that, for the first time, the government, through the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, has promoted startups by entrepreneurs in order to achieve the targeted fish production.

Jatindra Nath Swain spoke about the role of NFDB in the fisheries sector, the technical arm of the Department of Fisheries, and its contribution to the development of the country's fisheries sector.

Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog, stated that the fisheries sector has experienced consistent growth of around 8% over the last decade. He stated that the Board should demonstrate the output and outcomes in accordance with the Board's objectives. He stated that Andhra Pradesh contributes approximately 52% of inland fish production. He stated that One District, One Product must be promoted, and cutting-edge technologies must be used in the fisheries sector.