Technicalities to be considered for culture fisheries development in Indian inland waters: seed and feed policy review

Abstract

The government and premier fisheries research institutes of India are in pursuit to sensitize the fish farmers and entrepreneurs regarding prospects of highly promising ‘culture-based fisheries (CBFs) technology’ in inland waters. Some crucial aspects, key drivers and existing policy-level lacunae having implications for culture fisheries development in inland waters from fish farmers and fisheries experts perspective have been discussed. Although the technicalities encompassing fish seed and feed are discussed in Indian context, the information may be useful for other developing countries as well. The opinions from fisheries policy, vision documents, meeting proceedings, experts and stakeholders have been compiled to suggest some advanced strategies for hastening culture fisheries development in inland waters and its easier acceptability among stakeholders. Based on recommendations, a centralized fish seed and feed vigilance-cum-certification system is the need of the hour. Stakeholder extracted technicalities and ambiguities surrounding seed and feed aspects can be the basis on which these systems shall function. Periodic upgradation of policies is suggested through feedbacks obtained from stakeholders, especially fish farmers, and shall not be limited to experts only.