Parshottam Rupala, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying for the Government of India, unveiled a new android-based mobile app called “Report Fish Disease” today. The launch event was attended by esteemed guests, including Dr. L. Murugan, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, J.N. Swain, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Officer on Special Duty at MoFAH&D, and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi. This mobile app, developed by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) in Lucknow, is part of the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) and aligns with the vision of “Digital India.”
The Department of Fisheries has allocated a budget of Rs 33.78 crore for the next three years to implement the second phase of the NSPAAD under the PMMSY scheme. The introduction of the “Report Fish Disease” app enables NSPAAD to fulfill national and international obligations through transparent reporting.
The app serves as a centralized platform that seamlessly connects fish farmers, field-level officers, and fish health experts. It addresses the longstanding issue of disease problems faced by farmers, which often went unnoticed or unreported. With this app, farmers can now quickly reach out to experts, allowing for efficient and timely resolution of these problems.
The app facilitates direct communication between farmers and district fisheries officers and scientists. Farmers and stakeholders can self-report diseases affecting finfish, shrimps, and molluscs on their farms using the app. Scientific and technical assistance will be provided through the same app by dedicated scientists and experts, ensuring farmers receive the support they need. This early warning system and expert advice will help farmers minimize losses caused by diseases and bolster disease reporting across the country.
The launch of the “Report Fish Disease” app marks a significant step towards digitizing the fisheries sector in India. By leveraging technology, the app streamlines disease reporting, fosters knowledge exchange between farmers and experts, and ultimately strengthens the overall health and productivity of the aquaculture industry.
It aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting the digital revolution in India and will undoubtedly benefit fish farmers and the nation’s aquaculture sector as a whole.