Fish Disease App Launch Explained - Current Affairs

On June 28, 2023, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala launched the “Report Fish Disease” (RFD) app. The app was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) in Lucknow.

The RFD app is a farmer-centric mobile application that allows fish farmers to report incidences of fish diseases in their farms. The app also provides information on fish diseases, their symptoms, and prevention and control measures. Fish farmers can use the app to connect with field-level officers and fish health experts for assistance in diagnosing and treating fish diseases.

1. 1-Who launched the "Report Fish Disease" app?

• Shri Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.

2. 2-What is the purpose of the "Report Fish Disease" app?

• The app aims to enhance disease reporting and surveillance in the aquaculture industry.

3. 3-How does the app contribute to the vision of Digital India?

• The app serves as a central platform connecting fish farmers, field-level officers, and fish health experts, enabling seamless integration and transparent communication among stakeholders.

4. 4-What are the benefits of the "Report Fish Disease" app?

• Data Collection and Mapping: The app collects and stores data on disease cases, providing valuable insights for disease mapping and analysis.
• Early Warning System: The app establishes an early warning system to help farmers mitigate losses caused by diseases, providing timely scientific advice from experts.
• Improved Disease Reporting: The app facilitates direct communication between fish farmers and district fisheries officers and scientists, enabling farmers to self-report diseases and receive technical assistance promptly.
• Strengthening Disease Reporting: The app empowers fish farmers to report disease outbreaks efficiently, strengthening disease surveillance and aiding in implementing effective control measures.

5. The 5-Which organization developed the "Report Fish Disease" app?

• The app was developed by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow.

6. 6-What is the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD)?

• The NSPAAD is a program implemented by the Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for early detection of diseases in aquatic animals.

7. 7-What is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)?

• PMMSY is a flagship scheme launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the holistic development of the fisheries sector, aiming to increase fish production, export earnings, and the incomes of fishers and fish farmers.

8. 8-What is the allocation for the second phase of NSPAAD?

• The Department of Fisheries has allocated ₹33.78 crores for the second phase of NSPAAD for a period of three years.

9. 9-What is the objective of Digital India?

• Digital India is a campaign launched by the Government of India to ensure that government services are made available to citizens electronically through improved online infrastructure.

10. 10-When was the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) launched?

• PMMSY was launched on September 10th, 2020, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Mod