Collecting droplets and trying to make an ocean of updated knowledge and increased awareness for planning a agri-based food sufficient world by FAO is a welcome step. Contributing towards it even with visibly and tangibly insignificant information is interesting. First of all, my expertise limits to aquaculture and allied sectors which really restricts the scope for a much elaborated intervention and suggestions. Still belive that aquafarming can play a major role in national food security especially in terms of protein and micro nutrients. India has a total fish production of 9 million tonnes annually with a contribution of more than 55% from aquaculture. Carp culture in an extensive mode still remains as the mainstay of Indian aquaculture. Basa culture has been picking up since 4-5 years and the total production is to the tune of 0.2 million tonnes positoned at second position after Vietnam. The problem with the basa produced by india is the yellowish colour of the meat which makes it internationally less acceptable. The use of low quality farm made feeds is considered as the reason for such a colour change. Culture of L. vannamei also picked up recently contributing significantly to the over all annual export figure of more that 5.5 billion US$. The major issue faced by the Indian aquaculture is the inertia to take up species diversification. While other Asian countries go for the culture of more number of species for the sake of keeping away diseases, better area utilization, better price relaization etc. India still continues the tradional species with extensive mode of farming. The captive breeding of much sought after species like Milk fish, Mugic cephalus etc. is yet to be standardized in India. With the vast aquatic resources India can do wonders for feeding the population of India which is touching 1.3 billion. So opening the doors for getting technological advancements in seed production, feed manufacture, resource utlization etc. may help the country for becoming self sufficient in protein. While discussing the nutritional security, another important point is the Indian inhibition to go for diversified food habits. Most of the Indians are found to take monotonous food items which might be contributing to their nutrient deficiency. If ladies are made aware to utilize the all avialble food sources, that may also help to improve the health status. More concerted efforts are required to accumulate these information for a better compilation towards formulating a strategy for the future. Thease are my personal views only.
Dinesh Kaippilly