Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Launches “Report Fish Disease” App

Introduction

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in the Government of India have taken a significant step towards digitizing the fish farming sector with the launch of the android-based mobile app, “Report Fish Disease” The app, unveiled by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, aims to enhance disease reporting and surveillance in the aquaculture industry.

The Launch of “Report Fish Disease” App

• As a part of the government’s vision of “Digital India,” the app serves as a central platform connecting fish farmers, field-level officers, and fish health experts.
• The app enables seamless integration and transparent communication among stakeholders.

Benefits of the “Report Fish Disease” App

1.Data Collection and Mapping

• The app collects and stores data on temporal and spatial scales, providing a valuable resource for disease mapping and analysis.
• By analyzing disease cases, researchers and policymakers can gain insights into disease trends and develop targeted interventions.

2.Early Warning System

• The app establishes an early warning system to help farmers mitigate losses caused by diseases.
• Farmers receive scientific advice from experts, enabling them to take preventive measures promptly.
• Timely interventions can help minimize the impact of diseases on fish farms, ensuring sustainable production.

3.Improved Disease Reporting

• The app facilitates direct communication between fish farmers and district fisheries officers and scientists.
• Farmers can self-report diseases affecting their finfish, shrimps, and molluscs through the app.
• By providing scientific technical assistance, experts can promptly address reported issues.

4.Strengthening Disease Reporting

• The app empowers fish farmers to report disease outbreaks efficiently, reducing the chances of unnoticed or unreported incidents.
• By capturing real-time data, the app supports accurate disease surveillance at both the local and national levels.
• Strengthening disease reporting will aid in implementing effective control measures and preventing the spread of diseases.

Background

1.National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD)

• For early detection of diseases, Government of India under PMMSY has implemented National Surveillance Programme on Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) Phase-II throughout the country.
• The program aims to meet national and international obligations through transparent reporting.
• The Department of Fisheries has allocated ₹33.78 crore for the second phase of NSPAAD for a period of three years.
• The app, developed by ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, supports the NSPAAD initiative.

2.Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana(PMMSY)

• The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is a flagship scheme dedicated to the holistic development of the fisheries sector.
• With an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores, the scheme aims to achieve significant milestones by 2024-25, including increasing fish production and export earnings and doubling the incomes of fishers and fish farmers.

Important takeaways for competitive examinations

• Digital India is a campaign launched by the Government of India in 2015 to ensure that the Government’s services are made available to citizens electronically through improved online infrastructure.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was launched by Prime minister Shri Narendra Modi on 10th September 2020.
• “Report Fish Disease” app is developed by ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow