Fisheries Startup Conclave 2.0 Sparks Innovation
The Department of Fisheries, part of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, hosted the Fisheries Startup Conclave 2.0 in Hyderabad today. The event, inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the fisheries sector. A key highlight was the launch of the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge 2.0, which will provide significant funding and support to promising startups in the industry.
Empowering Startups with Grand Challenge 2.0
The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge 2.0 is designed to stimulate innovation in manufacturing and related areas within the fisheries sector. This initiative will support ten selected startups, each receiving ₹1 crore in funding. The goal is to enhance production and efficiency through technological advancements and sustainable practices. Winning proposals will benefit from structured incubation support provided by institutions such as the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
These incubators will play a vital role in mentoring the startups, offering capacity-building programs, and providing access to essential manufacturing infrastructure. This comprehensive support system aims to help startups scale their solutions effectively, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the fisheries sector.
Launch of the NFDP Mobile Application
During the conclave, the NFDP Mobile Application was unveiled to facilitate access to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PM-MKSSY) benefits. The launch was led by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh and other dignitaries, alongside participating startups. The NFDP app, now available on the Google Play Store, offers a user-friendly interface for startups to navigate various modules and access scheme benefits.
Developed under the PM-MKSSY scheme, the NFDP app aims to create digital identities for fishers, fish farmers, vendors, and processors. This integration into formal financial and welfare systems simplifies access to government schemes, including financial aid, insurance, and training programs. The app has already registered over 19 lakh users and is enhancing market linkages while strengthening cooperatives within the sector.
Background and Future Prospects
India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector supports approximately 30 million livelihoods, making it a crucial part of the economy. Since 2015, the government has invested ₹38,572 crore in various initiatives to promote sustainable growth in this sector. This investment has led to the emergence of over 300 fisheries startups that utilize advanced technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI to develop innovative solutions aimed at improving productivity and ensuring traceability.
To tackle challenges within the fisheries value chain, the Department of Fisheries has identified several key problem statements. These focus on creating nutritious aquaculture feeds from sustainable sources, enhancing sustainability through AI-driven precision farming, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology. The recent launch of the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) further underscores the government’s commitment to digital transformation in the fisheries sector.
As the Fisheries Startup Conclave 2.0 concludes, the initiatives launched promise to pave the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and prosperous future for India’s fisheries sector.
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