New Delhi, India – February 24, 2025 The Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology program, implemented by the Department of Biotechnology, is at the forefront of enhancing aquaculture production and productivity while harnessing marine resources for valuable products and processes. This program plays a vital role in the agricultural economy by ensuring food production for nutritional security. The Department has undertaken various initiatives to benefit the aquatic and marine sectors, including the development of novel cell lines, improvement of aqua feed, creation of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics, research on fish genomics and transcriptomics, management of fish and shellfish diseases, exploration of marine ornamental resources, and engagement in bio-prospecting activities. Shrimp Diet Research: A Breakthrough in Aquaculture Nutrition One of the key areas of research in aquaculture nutrition is the replacement of fish meal, an expensive and unsustainable ingredient in shrimp feeds. Scientists at the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture in Chennai have made significant progress in this area. Their studies have shown that yeast fermentation of soybean meal significantly improves the inclusion level in shrimp diets, increasing nutrient digestibility and growth. The growth trial results indicated that soybean meal can be included up to 35% in the grow-out feed of P. vannamei, with fermentation improving growth by approximately 8.5%. This innovation not only reduces the reliance on fish meal but also enhances the sustainability and efficiency of shrimp farming. CIFA-Brood-Vac: A Novel Vaccine for Fish Spawn Another groundbreaking initiative is the development of CIFA-Brood-Vac, a novel vaccine designed to prevent mortality in fish spawn. This vaccine ensures healthy aquaculture stock by protecting fish spawn from diseases, thereby securing the future of aquaculture. The vaccine has been tested and proven effective in various trials, contributing to the overall health and productivity of fish populations. Interactive Fish Feed Designer (IFFD) Software In addition to these innovations, the development of the Interactive Fish Feed Designer (IFFD) version 2 software represents a significant leap forward in the formulation of cost-effective fish feed. This user-friendly software allows for the creation of fish feed using non-conventional ingredients, making it more sustainable and economically viable. The software is designed to help aquaculture farmers and feed manufacturers optimize their feed formulations, ensuring better growth and health of fish while reducing costs. Other Key Achievements and Initiatives Conclusion The integration of biotechnology into aquaculture and marine biotechnology is fostering sustainable food production, disease resistance, and enhanced productivity. These innovations, backed by research and commercialization efforts, are paving the way for a resilient and efficient aquaculture ecosystem. As biotechnology continues to evolve, its role in ensuring food security and environmental sustainability will only strengthen in the years to come.

The highly anticipated World Aquaculture 2025 India conference is set to take place in Hyderabad from November 10 to 13, 2025. This prestigious event, part of the World Aquaculture conference series, returns to India after its successful debut in Chennai in 2019. This year’s conference will focus on the broad theme of “Opportunities, Options, and Optimism,” aiming to inspire innovation and foster collaboration within the aquaculture sector. Event Highlights Networking and Knowledge Exchange Over the three-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Specialized sessions will cover a wide range of aquaculture topics, providing a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing. This event is designed to bring together experts and professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the aquaculture industry. Trade Exhibition Parallel to the conference, a three-day trade exhibition will feature both international and Indian companies showcasing the latest products, services, and equipment essential for efficient aquaculture management. The trade show will provide an additional opportunity for attendees to connect with potential partners, explore new technologies, and discuss solutions to drive progression in the aquaculture industry. Call for Abstracts The event organizers are inviting abstract submissions for presentations on aquaculture research, projects, or innovative ideas. This provides an excellent opportunity for participants to present their work to a community of experts and professionals. Abstract submissions will be accepted until August 31, 2025. Key Themes and Sessions The conference will cover a wide range of topics, including: Why Attend? World Aquaculture 2025 India offers a unique opportunity for professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs to: Conclusion World Aquaculture 2025 India promises to be a significant event in the global aquaculture calendar. With its focus on “Opportunities, Options, and Optimism,” the conference aims to inspire and foster collaboration within the sector. Attendees will have the chance to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the future of sustainable aquaculture. About The Fish Site The Fish Site is a leading online platform dedicated to providing the latest news, analysis, and insights into the global aquaculture industry. For more information on World Aquaculture 2025 India, visit The Fish Site.

New Delhi, India – February 23, 2025 The aquaculture sector in India has recently garnered significant government attention due to its potential to generate substantial employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s GDP. The Union Budget 2025 has allocated a record annual budgetary support of ₹2,703.67 crore for the fisheries sector, marking a 3.3% increase from the previous year’s allocation of ₹2,616.44 crore. The Union Budget 2025-26 has emphasized the need for a sustainable framework to harness fisheries from exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and high seas, with a special focus on the Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This initiative is expected to drive growth in the marine sector by tapping into the untapped potential of marine fish resources in the Indian EEZ and high seas. In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that India ranks second globally in fish production and aquaculture, with seafood exports valued at ₹60,000 crore. This underscores the importance of increasing focus and effort on this high-potential sector. A High-Potential Sector on the Rise Aquaculture, which involves the farming of fish, shrimp, algae, and other aquatic species, has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. It has become one of India’s most dynamic and high-potential sectors, driven by rising global demand for seafood, technological advancements, and improved production methods. According to government data, India’s seafood export volume reached an unprecedented 17,81,602 tonnes in FY24, valued at ₹60,523.89 crore (approximately $7.38 billion). This surge in exports highlights the growing role of Indian aquaculture in the global seafood market and its increasing economic significance. As per a Press Information Bureau (PIB) report, the fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes approximately 1% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 5% to the agricultural GDP. India is the third-largest fish producer worldwide, accounting for around 8% of global fish production. This not only strengthens India’s position as a major player in the global seafood industry but also makes significant contributions to the national economy. The sector adds about 1.09% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.72% to agricultural GVA. With continued innovation and investment, aquaculture in India is poised to further enhance its contribution to economic growth, job creation, and food security, making it a critical component of the nation’s future growth strategy. Enhancing the Impact of Aquaculture Development While the Indian aquaculture sector is witnessing rapid growth and exports are reaching record highs, a significant portion of the industry still lacks proper structure, quality control, and efficient marketing practices. This hampers its profitability. The government has initiated several programs to formalize the sector, such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). Formalizing the sector will lead to higher yields due to standardized farming practices and reduced wastage through optimized resource use. This will also generate more employment as more workers enter the sector due to factors such as job stability, better wages, and social security. At the global level, Indian seafood products will have greater access to global markets, boosting foreign exchange earnings. The development of India’s aquaculture sector holds immense potential to reshape the country’s economic landscape, propelling it towards greater dominance in the fisheries industry. While India has already secured its position as the second-largest aquaculture producer globally, its future growth lies in expanding its marine fisheries sector. Currently, the country’s reliance on inland resources is evident, with 131.13 lakh tonnes of the total 175.45 lakh tonnes of fish production in FY2022-23 coming from inland fisheries, and only 44.32 lakh tonnes from marine sources. This presents a clear opportunity to tap into the vast and largely untapped potential of the marine sector, which, with sustainable practices and enhanced infrastructure, can significantly boost production and exports. India’s aquaculture sector is not only a cornerstone of employment—providing livelihoods to nearly 28 million people—but also holds the key to increasing the country’s foreign exchange earnings. By formalizing and expanding its reach in marine fisheries, India can achieve enhanced access to global markets, positioning itself as a dominant force in the international seafood trade. As the sector evolves, the combination of government focus on sustainable harnessing of fisheries from EEZ and high seas, growing production, improved quality control, and international market access will solidify India’s role as a leader in global aquaculture, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and job creation for years to come.