July 6, 2021
The app was launched by the Union Fisheries and Dairying Minister Shri Giriraj Singh on July 6 2021.
It was developed by the ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar with funding from the Fisheries Development Board.
It’s course modules are classified based on the species or subjects being dealt with.
Additionally, renowned aquaculture experts will be available to clear any doubts of the farmers.
On July 6, 2021 Hon’ble Minister of Union Fisheries and Dairying Shri Giriraj Singh launched a mobile app for Indian Aqua farmers called ‘Matsya Setu’ with an aim to primarily educate aqua farmers by promulgating the latest freshwater aquaculture technologies. It will also guide them to adopt better management practices, which will consequently help them enhance productivity and increase their turnover. Developed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, the initiative received funding support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.
Matsya Setu will be offering self- learning online course modules which are classified on the basis of the species or the subject. These course modules will include renowned aquaculture experts explaining basic concepts with the aid of practical demonstrations on breeding, production of seeds and grow-out culture of breeds with high commercial value such as catfish, carp, scampi, murrel, ornamental fish and pearl farming. It will also provide tips on better management practices to help maintain the quality of the water and soil along with feeding and health management in the field. To make the app more user-friendly and convenient for the farmers, the modules have been divided into smaller video chapters to provide additional visual aid for the same. There are other learning materials available on the app in addition to these. To further motivate the farmers and make the learning process more interactive and interesting, the app also offers quizzes/tests for self-assessment and provides advice from experts in the field to clarify any further doubt. Upon successful completion of each course module, the farmers will receive an auto-generated e-certificate as well.
Shri Giriraj Singh, in his address at the launch, mentioned that one of the vital steps in paving the way towards tech-assisted aquaculture development in the country was to build the capacity and support aqua farmers. He placed special emphasis on the training and education of farmers on various activities and expressed his confidence over the app aiding them in learning the advancement in technologies and better management practices taking note of their convenience. The increase in income as a consequence will also be instrumental in the growth of the fishery enterprise in the country. Under the purview of the Blue Economy, this app will help bolster and develop the fisheries sector and help put in place programmes that will aim at improving and strengthening the infrastructure and operational facilities with the motive of improving fish production, bearing in mind the overall societal good and in particular the holistic welfare of the fishermen community.