About Saline Aquaculture

• Meaning: It refers to the use of saline-affected lands (often unsuitable for traditional agriculture) for inland saline aquaculture. 
  • Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants for enhancing production. 
• Significance: Generate employment and livelihood opportunities by tapping the potential of saline land resources for aquaculture, Increase Aquaculture productivity, etc. 
• Potential in India: 
  • Only 2, 608 hectares of the 58,000 hectares identified saline area from the above 4 states is being currently utilized. 
  • India stands as the second-largest producer of cultured shrimp globally, earning 65% of its seafood export value from shrimp alone, which can be better realised through Saline Aquaculture. 

Measures to tap the potential of Saline Aquaculture

• Policy Reforms: Increasing the area limit from 2 hectares to 5 hectares, a National Level Committee toprepare a roadmap for the sustainable development of saline aquaculture in North Indian states.
• Improved marketing channels: Recommendations for establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in Sirsa to improved marketing channels to be considered.  
• Dissemination of Technical Knowledge: States to leverage Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to identify new areas for saline aquaculture, and conduct outreach-based research.