Mobile app ‘Matsya Setu’ for Fish Farmers Launched

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Giriraj Singh, unveiled an online course mobile app ‘Matsya Setu‘. The app was designed and developed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, with the financial aid of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.

The online course ‘Matsya Setu’ app intends to promulgate the newest freshwater aquaculture technologies to the aqua farmers of the nation.

The app comprises species-wise/subject-wise self-learning online course modules, where famous aquaculture experts elaborate the fundamental concepts and practical demonstrations on breeding, seed production and grow-out culture of commercially important fishes such as carp, catfish, scampi, murrel, ornamental fish, pearl farming.

Better Management Practices to be followed in maintaining the soil and water quality, feeding and health management in aquaculture operations were also included in the course platform. The modules are categorized into small video chapters for the convenience of the learners, along with some add-on learning materials.

In an attempt to encourage the learners and offer a lively learning experience, Quiz/Test options were also provided for self-assessment. After successful completion of each course module, an e-Certificate can be auto-generated. Farmers can also enquire their queries and doubts through the app and get specific advisories from renowned experts.

Sharing his views on the occasion, Giriraj Singh, declared that capacity building of fish farmers is a very crucial part of spearheading the Technology-led Aquaculture Development in the country. He accentuated that training should be provided on various activities including ornamental fisheries, seaweed culture, module on feed preparation, post-harvest value addition. He underscored to include inputs of successful farmers while providing training.

He informed that the app will be surely helpful for the farmers to learn the advancements in the technologies and Better Management Practices at their convenience. Learning the advanced technologies will certainly influence the adoption of scientific methods in fish farming; thus the productivity will be enhanced, and the income will also be improved.

This app can also be a vital tool to disseminate the latest information on different schemes among the stakeholders, especially fishers, fish farmers, youth and entrepreneurs across the country, assist them and facilitate ease of doing business. He displayed confidence that the app will serve as a wonderful platform for the farmers for learning.

During the event, the minister interacted with progressive fish farmers from different places across the country and took inputs from the farmers. During the interaction he asked about the cost economics of the various fish culture practices and also enquired about some of the successful farmers to share videos of 1-2 minutes of their projects implemented.

While lauding the efforts of the ICAR-CIFA & NFDB for bringing out the app for the benefit of the farmers. The Union Minister stated that the app should be popularized widely and should reach every fish farmer in the country.

Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; J.N.Swain, secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India and senior officers of the Department of Fisheries also attended the launching ceremony.