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GS Paper: GS3-09.Economics of Animal Rearing

  • FAO publishes first national report on AMR Surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors

    In the news

    • The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly published the surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22.
    • This report marks the first comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.

    About INFAAR

    • Network Formation: INFAAR, established under ICAR, comprises 20 laboratories, including 17 ICAR Research Institute Laboratories, one Central Agriculture University Laboratory, one State Agriculture University Laboratory, and one State Veterinary University.
    • Collaborative Support: Technical assistance from FAO and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) enhances INFAAR’s capabilities for data collection and analysis.
    • Expansion Goals: INFAAR aims for further expansion to encompass more laboratories and enhance surveillance coverage.

    Antibiotic Use and AMR Trends

    • Impact of Antibiotics: Antibiotic usage in food animal production contributes to AMR development, necessitating surveillance to inform policy decisions.
    • Production Systems: Three key aquaculture systems—freshwater, brackish-water, and marine—were surveyed, covering diverse environments.
    • Panel of Antibiotics: Antibiotics tested included amikacin, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, aztreonam, cefotaxime, cefepime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, meropenem, and tetracycline.

    Surveillance Methodology

    • Sample Collection: Samples collected from 3,087 farms spanning 42 districts in 12 states of India, including fish or shrimp tissues and pond or seawater samples.
    • Bacterial Isolates: A total of 6,789 bacterial isolates were analyzed, including 4,523 freshwater, 1,809 shrimp, and 457 mariculture isolates.
    • Resistance Profiles: Resistance profiles were analyzed for Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS), Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio sp., and Aeromonas species.

    Key Findings:

    (1) Resistance Patterns in Fisheries Sector

    • Species Specific Resistance: Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species exhibited high resistance against penicillin across all systems.
    • Variation across Environments: Freshwater fish showed notable resistance to ciprofloxacin, while marine samples demonstrated higher resistance to cefotaxime.
    • Shrimp Aquaculture: Notable resistance against ampicillin and cefotaxime was observed in shrimp samples, indicating a concerning trend.

    (2) Resistance Patterns in Livestock Sector

    • Animal Origins: E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates from cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, pig, and poultry were characterized for AMR profiles.
    • Poultry Resistance: Poultry-origin isolates exhibited higher resistance rates across various antibiotics compared to other food animals.

    (3) Multidrug Resistance Analysis

    • Emergence of MDR: Approximately 39% of aquaculture-origin E. coli isolates and 15.8% of poultry isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR).
    • ESBL and AmpC Producers: Detection of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC type β-lactamase producers underscores the complexity of AMR challenges.

    Key Recommendations by the Study

    • Baseline Data: The report provides foundational data for understanding AMR trends and evaluating intervention effectiveness.
    • Judicious Use: High resistance to critical antibiotics underscores the importance of prudent antibiotic use in food animal production.
    • Policy Implications: The findings will inform policy and decision-making for AMR containment in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.

    Conclusion

    • The INFAAR surveillance report sheds light on the evolving landscape of antimicrobial resistance in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
    • By highlighting resistance patterns and advocating for responsible antibiotic usage, this initiative paves the way for effective AMR containment strategies and sustainable agricultural practices.

  • PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) launched

    Introduction

    • The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, for the micro and small enterprises operating in the fisheries sector.

    About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

    Details
    Total Investment Rs. 6,000 crores
    Duration 4 years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27)
    Funding Model 50% public finance (Rs. 3,000 crore, including World Bank and AFD financing) + 50% from beneficiaries/private sector (Rs. 3,000 crore)
    Implementation Scope All States and Union Territories in India
    Target Beneficiaries
    • Fishers, aquaculture farmers, fish workers, vendors
    • Micro and small enterprises, SHGs, FFPOs, startups in fisheries and aquaculture
    Employment Generation
    • 1.7 lakh new jobs
    • Special emphasis on employing 75,000 women
    Major Components
    • Formalization of fisheries sector
    • Adoption of aquaculture insurance
    • Support for microenterprises
    • Adoption and expansion of safety and quality assurance systems
    Digital Platform National Fisheries Digital Platform for 40 lakh small and micro-enterprises
    Insurance Incentive One-time incentive for purchasing aquaculture insurance, covering at least 1 lakh hectare of aquaculture farms
    Performance Grants
    • Microenterprise grants up to 25% of total investment or Rs.35 lakhs (whichever is lower) for general category
    • Up to 35% or Rs.45 lakhs for SC, ST, and women-owned enterprises
    • Village Level Organizations and Federations grants up to 35% of total investment or Rs.200 lakhs
    Project Management Establishment of Project Management Units (PMUs)
    Background Achievements
    • Fish production increased by 79.66 lakh tonnes
    • Shrimp production from 3.22 lakh tonnes to 11.84 lakh tonnes
    • Shrimp exports from Rs.19,368 crore to Rs.43,135 crore
    • Employment and livelihood opportunities for about 63 lakh fishers and fish farmers
    Challenges Addressed
    • Formalization of the informal sector
    • Crop risk mitigation
    • Access to institutional credit
    • Safety & quality of fish sold by micro & small enterprises

  • Punganur Cows: The Rare Dwarf Breed Making Waves

    Punganur Cows

    Introduction to Punganur Cattle

    • On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Prime Minister made headlines by feeding Mini Punganur cows at his residence in New Delhi.
    • His gesture not only symbolized a cultural tradition but also shed light on this unique cattle breed.

    About Punganur Cows

    • Origin: Punganur cows hail from the Punganur municipality in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district.
    • Dwarf Stature: These mini cows are exceptionally small, measuring just 70-90 cm in height, with an average weight ranging from 115-200 kg.
    • Distinctive Features: They are known for their broad foreheads, short horns, and are ideal for small-scale dairy and organic farming.
    • Milk Capacity: Punganur cows are recognized for their rich milk production, yielding 3 to 5 liters of milk daily.
    • Temple Use: Many temples in Andhra Pradesh, including the renowned Tirupati Thirumala Temple, use the milk of Punganur cows for Ksheeraabhishekam (milk offerings to deities).
    • Varied Costs: The Punganur Cow cost ranges from Rs 1 lakh to 10 lakhs, depending on factors like purity and health.

    Nutrition in Punganur Cow’s Milk

    • Presence of Gold: Notably, the milk from Punganur cows contains an element identified as ‘Au’, the chemical symbol for gold.
    • High-Fat Content: Punganur cow’s milk boasts a high-fat content of eight percent, in contrast to 3 to 4 percent in other indigenous breeds.
    • Nutrient-Rich: This milk is rich in Omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, offering significant nutritional benefits.
    • Medicinal Value: The milk is believed to possess medicinal properties, contributing to overall health.

    Resilience and Adaptability

    • Drought-Resistant: Punganur cows exhibit remarkable resilience, with the ability to thrive on dry fodder like grass, straw, and hay.
    • Docile Temperament: They have a calm and manageable temperament, making them easy to handle.
    • Disease Resistance: These cows are resistant to common diseases and parasites, adding to their appeal.

    Breed Protection Measures

    • Threat of Extinction: At one point, Punganur cattle faced extinction due to a shift towards hybrid cattle for higher milk production.
    • Mission Punganur: In 2020, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated ‘Mission Punganur’ with an allocation of Rs 69.36 crore to boost the cattle population using IVF technology.
    • Enhancing Reproduction: The mission aimed to enhance reproductive efficiency, with plans to produce 8.5 offspring from each cow within five years.
    • PMO’s Involvement: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is also part of the conservation efforts, rearing a group of Punganur cattle.

  • Gujarat declares ‘Ghol’ as State Fish

    ghol

    Central Idea

    • The Gujarat government’s decision to declare the ‘Ghol’ as the state fish highlights its uniqueness and economic value.

    About Ghol Fish

    • The Ghol fish or the Blackspotted Croaker, is a significant species in marine fisheries.
    • It belongs to the family Sciaenidae and is scientifically known as Protonibea diacanthus.
    • It is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Persian Gulf to Indonesia and north to Japan.
    • The Ghol fish is characterized by its robust body, brownish color, and the presence of black spots on its sides.
    • It has a large mouth and a slightly protruding lower jaw.
    • This species can grow quite large, with some individuals reaching up to 1 meter in length and weighing around 25 kilograms.

    Economic Value of Ghol

    • The Ghol fish is highly valued, especially for its fish maw (dried swim bladder), which is a delicacy and used in traditional medicines, particularly in East Asian markets.
    • The fish maw is believed to have various health benefits and is often used in soups and stews.
    • It can fetch high prices in the market, sometimes as much as Rs 25,000 per kilogram.

  • India’s milk crisis

    What’s the news?

    • India, the world’s leading milk producer for decades, faces a concerning dilemma as milk prices soar to all-time highs.

    Central Idea

    • India is grappling with an unprecedented milk crisis, despite accounting for a quarter of global milk production. In 2021–22, the country produced a staggering 221 million tonnes of milk, as reported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). However, the situation on the ground paints a different picture, with milk prices reaching record highs.

    The price surge

    • The Department of Consumer Affairs reveals a sharp 18.08 percent increase in the average retail price of milk over the past two years.
    • A liter of milk, once priced at Rs 49.18 in 2021, now costs upwards of Rs 58. This dramatic price rise, commencing in 2022–23, has been the chief driver of food inflation across the nation, as highlighted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

    Underlying factors behind India’s milk crisis

    • Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD):
    • One of the primary factors contributing to the milk crisis is the outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) among cattle and buffaloes.
    • This disease, first reported in Odisha in 2019, has since spread to almost all states in India. Between July 2022 and 2023, more than 3.2 million cattle and buffaloes contracted LSD, with 0.2 million of them succumbing to the disease.
    • LSD has not only caused significant mortality but has also led to a substantial drop in milk production, ranging from 20 to 50 percent, depending on the breed.
    • COVID-19 Pandemic Impact:
    • The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on India’s dairy sector. During the lockdowns, many farmers reduced the size of their herds in response to disrupted milk demand.
    • This exodus of dairy farmers, even during the flush season from October to March, when animals naturally produce more milk, has affected the country’s overall milk production.
    • Fodder Inflation:
    • Dairy farmers who continued their operations despite the pandemic faced an acute shortage of dry fodder in 2022. This shortage was partly caused by a decline in wheat stocks due to an unusually hot March in 2022.
    • As a result, farmers have been grappling with steadily rising fodder prices, affecting both the quantity and quality of the feed provided to their cattle.
    • Changing Preferences:
    • Dairy farmers are increasingly opting for crossbred cows over buffaloes.
    • While buffalo milk typically has a higher fat content (7–10 percent), crossbred cows have a higher milk yield, averaging 8.52 kg per day in 2021–22, compared to a buffalo’s average of 5.96 kg per day.
    • This shift in preference has led to a significant increase in the population of crossbred cows, while the population of female buffalo and indigenous cows has grown at a slower rate.
    • Cost Considerations:
    • Buffaloes tend to be more expensive than cows, with the average cost of a good-breed buffalo ranging from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.
    • In cases where dairy farming experiences losses, it becomes challenging for farmers to recover their investments.
    • Additionally, buffaloes have been perceived as less productive compared to cows in certain scenarios, particularly when it comes to maintaining consistent milk production.

    Hidden Crisis: Artificial Insemination

    • Role of Artificial Insemination:
    • Artificial insemination plays a pivotal role in enhancing milk production in India.
    • While the adoption rate of this technology in the country is around 30 percent, it has led to the development of high-yield crossbreeds and improved indigenous breeds.
    • These high-yield animals significantly contribute to the overall growth of the dairy sector.
    • Missed artificial insemination:
    • The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns and restrictions had a profound impact on the practice of artificial insemination.
    • Between 2020 and 2022, as lockdowns and movement restrictions were imposed, India likely missed conducting approximately 16.84 million artificial insemination.
    • This represents a significant setback in efforts to improve breed productivity.
    • Impact on Milk Production:
    • The missed artificial insemination have had a cascading impact on milk production.
    • Before the pandemic, India was steadily increasing its adoption of artificial insemination, with over 80 million insemination conducted in 2019–20.
    • However, the subsequent drop in insemination numbers means that India potentially missed the chance to add 2.97 million high-yield female cattle to its livestock inventory between 2020 and 2022.
    • Economic Consequences:
    • Each missed artificial insemination results in both milk loss and additional maintenance costs until a successful conception occurs.
    • The estimated loss per missed conception is approximately Rs 7,948.50. This loss quickly accumulates, resulting in a national loss of Rs 824 crore in just the month of April 2020.

    Far-reaching Consequences of India’s Milk Crisis

    • Economic Impact: The sharp rise in milk prices coupled with supply constraints can lead to reduced incomes for dairy farmers, potentially pushing many into financial distress.
    • Food Inflation: As milk and dairy products are dietary staples for a considerable portion of the population, their increased prices can strain household budgets and lead to higher food costs for consumers.
    • Nutrition and Food Security: Milk is a vital source of nutrition, particularly for children. Rising milk prices can reduce access to this nutritious food source for vulnerable populations, potentially affecting the nutritional status and food security of millions.
    • Rural Livelihoods: Dairy farming serves as a primary source of income for numerous rural households in India. The ongoing crisis directly impacts the livelihoods of these families, causing economic instability and necessitating alternative income sources.
    • Agricultural Productivity: Dairy farming often complements crop production, so disruptions in the dairy sector can have ripple effects on overall agricultural performance.
    • Global Trade: As one of the world’s major milk producers, India’s domestic dairy challenges can have implications for the global dairy market. Disruptions in production and trade can impact international dairy prices and trade dynamics.

    Way forward

    • Disease Control: Implement robust disease control measures, including vaccination programs, quarantine protocols, and veterinary support, to prevent the further spread of diseases like lumpy skin disease (LSD) affecting livestock.
    • Fodder Management: Develop strategies to increase fodder production, conservation, and distribution to ensure a consistent supply for dairy cattle and buffaloes, addressing challenges posed by fodder shortages.
    • Artificial Insemination Programs: Renew the focus on artificial insemination programs to recover from the setbacks caused by missed insemination during the pandemic. This includes technology adoption, training for insemination technicians, and incentives for farmers.
    • Genetic Improvement: Continue efforts in genetic improvement through artificial insemination to boost milk production, focusing on enhancing the productivity of high-yield dairy cattle and buffaloes.
    • Price Stabilization: Consider measures to stabilize milk prices, potentially involving price support mechanisms or policies to balance supply and demand.
    • Government Policy Review: Assess and update existing government initiatives in the dairy sector as necessary, making policy adjustments to address evolving challenges faced by dairy farmers.

    Conclusion

    • India’s dairy sector, once a beacon of success, now faces multifaceted challenges that threaten its stability.  As the nation endeavors to restore its dairy glory, policymakers, researchers, and farmers must collaborate to navigate these challenging times and secure the future of India’s dairy industry.

  • Northeast’s Mithun gets ‘Food Animal’ Tag

    mithun

    Central Idea

    • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently recognized the mithun as a ‘food animal,’ opening doors for its commercial use.

    About Mithun

    • The Mithun, also known as the Gayal (scientifically Bos frontalis), is believed to have evolved from the Indian Gaur or bison.
    • It was first described in 1804 by Aylmer Bourke Lambert.
    • It holds significant cultural and socio-economic importance among tribes like the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, and Adi in Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Its habitat spans Northeast India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and Yunnan, China.
    • It is often referred to as the ‘cattle of the mountain.’
    • The gayal serves as the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

    Conservation status

    • IUCN: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I.

    Recognition as a ‘Food Animal’

    • This move has sparked efforts to help farmers and tribal communities benefit economically from the sale and processing of mithun meat.
    • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has introduced the M-ANITRA app, facilitating the registration of Mithun farmers as both “buyers” and “sellers” to engage in competitive trade.
    • Mithun farmers from various villages in Northeast India have been participating in training programs conducted by organizations like the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun.
    • Farmers are adopting practices to protect mithun, including enclosures, night shelters, and vaccinations.
    • Mithuns, when sold as meat, can fetch high prices, with an average selling price of Rs 300 per kg.
    • The opportunity to commercially sell mithun meat is generating excitement among farmers.

  • Progress track: PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

    matsya sampada

    Central Idea

    • In 2020, as India’s fisheries sector was gearing up for a transformation through government-initiated reforms, the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to disrupt progress.
    • However, PM Modi turned this crisis into an opportunity by launching the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, specifically targeting the fisheries sector.
    • This initiative breathed new life into the sector, with a substantial allocation of ₹20,050 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), making it the largest-ever investment in Indian fisheries history.

    About PM Matsya Sampada Yojana

    Aim To catalyze the Blue Revolution in India’s fisheries sector.
    Investment Rs. 20,050 crores over five years (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25) as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package.
    Fish Production Increase fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonnes by 2024-25.
    Export Earnings Raise fisheries export earnings to Rs. 1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
    Income Doubling Double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers.
    Post-Harvest Losses Reduce post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10%.
    Employment Generation Generate substantial employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.
    Aims and Objectives 1. Sustainable and equitable fisheries development.

    2. Increased productivity through diversification.

    3. Modernizing the value chain. 4. Income doubling.

    5. Boosting exports.

    6. Ensuring security for fisheries communities.

    7. Effective management.
    Implementation Components Central Sector Scheme and Centrally Sponsored Scheme with active state participation.
    Implementation Approach Structured framework and cluster-based approach for optimal outcomes

    Key Achievements of PMMSY

    • Broad Development Spectrum: PMMSY addressed critical gaps in the fisheries value chain, spanning fish production, productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing.
    • Strategic Priority Areas: The initiative strategically focused on various key areas, including marine fisheries, inland fisheries, fishermen’s welfare, infrastructure development, post-harvest management, cold water fisheries, ornamental fisheries, aquatic health management, and seaweed cultivation.
    • Empowering Youth: PMMSY encouraged young entrepreneurs to venture into fisheries, fostering technological innovation and youth engagement. Notable success stories include young women in Kashmir rearing cold water rainbow trout and aquapreneurs in Nellore becoming successful exporters of biofloc-cultivated shrimps.
    • Expanding to Non-Traditional Areas: The program expanded fisheries activities to non-traditional regions, converting saline wastelands into productive aquaculture zones in landlocked states like Haryana and Rajasthan.
    • Empowering Fisherwomen: PMMSY empowered fisherwomen to explore alternative livelihoods, such as ornamental fisheries, pearl culture, and seaweed cultivation. The establishment of the ₹127 crore Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu exemplifies this forward-looking approach.
    • Infrastructure and Research: The initiative supported the establishment of 900 fish feed plants, 755 hatcheries, and invested in research and genetic improvement of Indian White Shrimp, specific pathogen-free brood stock development, and domestication of tiger shrimp.

    Impact on India’s Fisheries Sector

    • Global Recognition: India has risen to become one of the world’s top three countries in fish and aquaculture production and stands as the largest shrimp exporter globally.
    • Investment Growth: The government’s commitment to the fisheries sector is evident, with recent announcements of ₹6,000 crore as a sub-scheme under PMMSY, totalling investments exceeding ₹38,500 crore over the past nine years.
    • Record Production and Exports: India achieved record fisheries production of 174 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, marking a significant increase. Shrimp production alone surged by 267% from 2013-14 to 2022-23, reaching 11.84 lakh tonnes. Seafood exports doubled from ₹30,213 crore in 2013-14 to ₹63,969 crore in 2022-23.

  • Fishing Industry: India and Sri Lanka Needs a Boost

    Central Idea

    • The neglect of the fishing industry by India and Sri Lanka has resulted in an ongoing dispute over fishing rights in the Palk Strait. Developing the fishing industry could help resolve the conflict and boost the economies of both countries.

    Fishing Industry

    What is Blue Economy?

    • Origin of the concept: Gunter Pauli’s book, “The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs” (2010) brought the Blue Economy concept into prominence.
    • A project to find best nature inspired and sustainable technologies: Blue Economy began as a project to find 100 of the best nature-inspired technologies that could affect the economies of the world. While sustainably providing basic human needs potable water, food, jobs, and habitable shelter.
    • Inclusive approach and objective: This is envisaged as the integration of Ocean Economy development with the principles of social inclusion, environmental sustainability and innovative, dynamic business models
    • Environment friendly maritime infrastructure: It is creation of environment-friendly infrastructure in ocean, because larger cargo consignments can move directly from the mothership to the hinterland through inland waterways, obviating the need for trucks or railways

    Indo-Sri Lankan dispute over fishing rights in Palk Strait

    • Maritime boundary agreement: The maritime boundary agreements signed in 1974 and 1976 allowed fishermen of both nations to fish in each other’s waters as they traditionally did.
    • Absence of physical demarcation: Lack of physical demarcation of maritime boundaries resulted in Indian fishermen encroaching into Sri Lankan waters during the civil war.
    • Rising conflicts: The Sri Lankan fishing community sought to reclaim their rights after the end of hostilities, leading to conflict with Indian fishers. Sri Lankan Navy’s intervention has resulted in arrests and even fatal shootings of Indian fishermen.

    Neglect of the fishing industry by India and Sri Lanka

    • India’s marine fishery: India’s marine fishery has been dominated by the artisanal sector, which can afford only small sailboats or canoes to fish for subsistence.
    • Lack of investment: India’s fisheries are being transformed into a commercial enterprise, but lack of investment in a deepwater fleet results in most fishing taking place in coastal waters, leading to competition with neighboring countries.
    • Underexploited resources: Rich resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone remain underexploited, with much of the catch from India’s fishing grounds taken away by better-equipped fishing fleets of other Indo-Pacific countries indulging in illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing.
    • Growing tensions: Neglect of the fishing industry has resulted in dwindling fish stocks, rising fuel costs, and growing tensions between India and Sri Lanka.

    Development of the fishing industry

    • China: China has mobilized its fishing industry to meet rising demand for protein in the Chinese diet and is now a fishery superpower.
    • India: India needs to invest in a deepwater fleet to exploit rich fishing grounds in its Exclusive Economic Zone and compete with other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • India must focus on modernisation: India should focus on mechanization and modernization of fishing vessels, developing deep-water fishing fleets, building a DWF fleet around the mother ship concept, and developing modern fishing harbours.

    PM Matsya Sampada Yojana

    • PM Matsya Sampada Yojana is a scheme launched by the Government of India in 2020, with the aim of boosting the fisheries sector in the country. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 20,050 crores and is implemented over a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25. The scheme is focused on four key areas of intervention, which include:
    1. Development of infrastructure and modernization of the fisheries sector: This involves the creation of new fishing harbours, fish landing centres, cold chain facilities, and other related infrastructure.
    2. Fisheries management and regulatory framework: This involves strengthening the regulatory framework for fisheries and aquaculture, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and conserving marine biodiversity.
    3. Fisheries post-harvest operations and value chain: This involves promoting the processing and value addition of fish and fishery products, and improving market access for fishermen and fish farmers.
    4. Aquaculture development: This involves promoting the development of inland fisheries and aquaculture, including the creation of new fish farms, and supporting the adoption of modern technologies for fish farming.

    Conclusion

    • Neglect of the fishing industry by India and Sri Lanka has resulted in an ongoing dispute over fishing rights in the Palk Strait. Developing the fishing industry could help resolve the conflict and boost the economies of both countries. The government’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana could be used to form an Indo-Sri Lankan Fishing Corporation to provide a huge boost to the fishing industries of both nations and remove an unwanted irritant in bilateral relations.

    Mains Question

    Q. It is said that fishing industry has been overly neglected by India and Sri Lanka. Development of the fishing industry is crucial to boost the economy for both the countries. Discuss.

  • Domestic Goat as a Drug Factory

    goat

    India’s domestic goats have attracted the attention of biotechnology companies wishing to produce therapeutic proteins in bulk.

    Domestication of Goats

    • The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is a familiar presence in the rural landscape of India and in many developing countries.
    • The goat has played an important economic role in human communities from the time it was domesticated about 10,000 years ago.
    • It has even been argued that the domestication of goats was an important step in mankind’s shift from a hunting-gathering lifestyle to agricultural settlements.

    Various breeds found in India

    • The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that the world has 830 million goats belonging to about 1,000 breeds.
    • India has 150 million from over 20 prominent breeds including-
    1. Marwari: Rajasthan has the most number of goats — the Marwari goat found here is hardy and well-adapted to the climate of deserts.
    2. Osmanabadi: Another hardy breed, found in the dry regions of Maharashtra, Telangana and North Karnataka is the Osmanabadi.
    3. Malabari: Also called Tellicherry of North Kerala, it is a prolific breed with low-fat meat, and shares these traits with the beetal goat of Punjab.
    4. Black Bengal goat: The east Indian Black Bengal goat is a vital contributor to the livelihoods of the rural poor of Bangladesh. It contributes over 20 million square feet of skin and hides to the world’s demands for leather goods, from fire-fighters gloves to fashionable handbags.
    5. Jamunapari: These goats from Uttar Pradesh were favoured as they yield 300 kg of milk during eight months of lactation. Once in England, the Jamunapari was bred with local breeds to produce the Anglo-Nubian, a champion producer of high-fat milk.

    Why are goats significant for farmers?

    • Goats have a quick generation time of about two years.
    • General benefits of goat milk out-powers the high-fat buffalo milk.
    • As many farmers lack the space or funds to rear cattle, the goat is rightly called “the poor man’s cow”.
    • There are no specific fodder requirements for goat. It can feed even on the neem leaves.

    Significance in therapeutics: Antithrombin production

    • Goats have attracted the attention of biotechnology companies wishing to produce therapeutic proteins in bulk.
    • The first success came with ATryn, the trade name for a goat-produced antithrombin III molecule.
    • Antithrombin keeps the blood free from clots, and its deficiency (usually inherited) can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolisms.
    • Affected individuals need antithrombin injections twice a week, usually purified from donated blood.
    • Recently, the monoclonal antibody cetuximab, which has been approved by the FDA as an anti-cancer drug against certain lung cancers, has also been produced in cloned goat lines.

    Why is it a significant development?

    • Transgenic goats carrying a copy of the human antithrombin gene have cells in their mammary glands that release this protein into milk.
    • It has been claimed that one goat could produce antithrombin equivalent to what was obtained from 90,000 units of human blood.
    • Large quantities can be made this way (10 grams per litre of milk).

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  • Species in news: Badri Cow

    badri

    To increase the productivity of its indigenous petite Badri cow that grazes on the medicinal herbs of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is now planning for its genetic enhancement.

    Badri Cow

    • Badri/Pahari desi cow is a native cow species of Uttarakhand.
    • This cow grazes in the Himalayas on native herbs and shrubs and hence its milk has high medicinal value.
    • These cattle are well adapted to the hilly terrain and the climatic conditions of Uttarakhand.
    • This sturdy and disease-resistant breed is found in hilly regions of the Almora and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand.
    • Disease resistance is a very important characteristic of this breed as it rarely gets any disease.

    Medicinal benefits

    • This breed is blessed with strong immunity.
    • The milk of the Badri cow contains almost 90% A2 beta-casein proteins – and is one of the highest in any indigenous varieties.
    • Antioxidants in pure desi ghee help the body better absorb vitamins and minerals, thus boosting immunity.
    • Butyric acid in Badri cow ghee helps strengthen immunity by increasing T-cell production in the gut which helps fight against allergens.

    Why in news?

    • The State authorities proposed to use sex-sorted semen technology to improve production of Badri cattle.
    • They also proposed to opt for the embryo transfer method in order to produce more cattle of high genetic stock.

    Economic significance of Badri cow

    • The Badri ghee is available at the rate of ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per kg.
    • There is a huge marketing potential for gaumutra ark (distilled cow urine), cow dung, and Panchgavya (the five products of the cow, including milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine).

     

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