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Consumer Awareness on Health Benefits of Fish

Given the current and anticipated changes in dietary choices, livestock and fisheries present a distinct opportunity for growth. Both rural and urban populations’ consumption patterns are shifting, according to NSSO statistics. Based on the amount and pattern of consumer expenditure surveys (many rounds), data on monthly consumption expenditure per capita shows that spending on fish is rising more quickly than spending on other food items.

The consumption of fish provides energy, protein and a range of essential nutrients. Furthermore, fish has a particular role as a source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids which are important for optimal brain and neural system development in children. Fish consumption also has health benefits for adults. It is an excellent source of many essential minerals such as iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as vitamins such as A and D, and several vitamins from the B group. Therefore, it could be a valuable tool in the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition.

Even though there are numerous advantages for human health, the public is mostly unaware of the health benefits of fish and fish products. The NCAER household survey conducted in 24 states reveals that the awareness level is below the all-India average in 12 of the 24 states/UTs. The states with the lowest awareness levels include Andhra Pradesh (39.9%), Telangana (41.36%), Rajasthan (41.94%), and Chhattisgarh (23.94%). About 55% of people are aware of the high-quality protein found in fish when it comes to awareness categories. However, only 26% of people are aware that fish contains important amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in addition to omega-3 fatty acids.

As solutions for increasing fish consumption, almost all (98.1%) of the responding district officilas are in favour of undertaking mass awareness of the health benefits of fish. Hygiene is a great concern in a highly perishable product like fish. The general hygienic status of fish markets and the people associated with the supply chain network across India is not satisfactory. There is a lack of water connections, and physical cleanliness in markets, with unpleasant sights at every corner. Contamination of the aquatic ecosystem and unhygienic handling practices along the fish supply chain can lead to the supply of contaminated fish which will have serious consequences on public health. More than 80 per cent are in favour of constructing hygienic retail fish markets and fish kiosks at strategic locations. Capacity building training programmes (skill training, up-skilling and re-skilling) may be imparted to farmers, fishers, traders and all other stakeholders on the development of skill sets related to hygienic postharvest handling and transportation of fish, adoption of improved sanitary and good handling practices, and other specialized skill sets.

Regular advertisements explaining the benefits of eating fish could be very useful. For example,the American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times per week as part of a healthy diet. Attractive advertisements like eating fish everyday help prevent heart diseases, contain hair fall, help rejuvenate skin and immunity, etc. The government should advertise through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to create awareness. The electronic media is now very useful. Fish dishes with recipes should be explained in the media advertisement. At the same time, the media should explain the benefits of fish eating.

As discussed, fishes are perceived as a healthy food containing high levels of digestible protein, with cholesterol-lowering capability. Increasing awareness of fish as a food associated with health and wellness is expected to create a positive impact on its consumption in the coming years. To make this successful, awareness campaigns and consumer education are needed, even though these alone may not be sufficient. Factors like culture, taste, affordability, lifestyle, convenience, etc., play a critical role. Empowering and involving women, individually and in groups, with suitable policy supports, can lead to positive outcomes for them, as well as the fisheries sector in general.

Laxmi Joshi is Fellow and Saurabh Bandyopadhyay is Senior Fellow, at NCAER. Views are personal.

Universal social security works best for platform workers

There are no win-win options here as all of them involve trade-offs. Policy makers must strike a balance.

A universal social security system is perhaps the best option to protect gig workers.

The Code on Social Security, 2020 defines gig worker as a “person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship”.

The NITI Aayog report states that “gig workers can be broadly classified into platform and non-platform-based workers. Non-platform gig workers are generally casual wage workers and own-account workers in the conventional sectors, working part-time or full-time.”

The platform worker has the following characteristics — task/deliverables-based contract between the service provider and the online intermediary (platform); the contract is market/transactions based with costs of transaction failure risks to the intermediaries and; the exact nature of the service provided and price for the service are pre-determined.

Platform work makes the work formal while the worker remains informal. In non-platform gig work, both work and the worker remain informal.

The second-best solution is a system that is designed for platform workers only, as a first step, with the justification that platform workers work longer hours than an average casual wage worker, while the incomes are comparable or marginally higher (NCAER Report 2023).

For some platform workers (especially in delivery services), the risk of having accidents is higher.

Two options

Here we propose two alternative options for platform workers while they are on a platform job either on a long-shift or short-shift basis.

There are essentially three questions — what to finance, for whom to finance and how to finance.

The ‘whom to finance’ is very clear — the social welfare system is designed only for platform workers while they are actively employed on platforms. One could potentially give them a buffer for three months. After that they lose their social cover. This poses a challenge and the only way to overcome that is to create a universal social welfare system.

On the question of what to finance, it could be full health insurance for the worker and their family and pensions, only for the time that they are “active” in platforms and three months thereafter to give them a buffer. A board for social welfare can be formed.

How to finance this scheme? One option is a Rajasthan type of framework, where the funds are derived from each transaction. The trade-off is the ease of doing business may be affected, which in turn may lead to creation of less jobs in this sector.

The other option is a share of the domestic annual turnover of the platform company which is employing platform workers earmarked for this (i.e. is dealing with platform delivery).

Again, it is hard to determine the annual turnover, and the share that is catering to platform workers.

Alternatively, the platform companies directly provide workers with social welfare benefits. Platform companies pay the premium directly to health insurance firms, insuring all platform workers. Their families should get full health insurance. Micro insurance products could be designed. Life insurance scheme for the worker is also important.

The platforms should ensure that the workers earn minimum wages prevailing in the city/State. The minimum wage is equivalent to the net wage that a platform worker earns and not gross wages (i.e. wages as defined by the State/city gross income minus costs including fuel, car insurance and maintenance etc).

Platform workers can receive additional benefits from the government.

The policymaker has to walk a fine line between creating jobs and providing workers social protection. One should not create such a high burden on platform companies that they exit.

A universal approach to providing social welfare benefits is better than piecemeal approach.

Bhandari is a Professor and Sahu is an Associate Fellow at NCAER. Views expressed are personal.

Technology Plays a Crucial Role in Driving Change

The agricultural sector in India has made significant progress since gaining Independence, thanks to technological advancements and government interventions. The Green Revolution, in particular, played a crucial role in increasing food grain production by three times, demonstrating the importance of science and technology in the growth of agriculture. Today, India.

The agricultural sector in India has made significant progress since gaining Independence, thanks to technological advancements and government interventions. The Green Revolution, in particular, played a crucial role in increasing food grain production by three times, demonstrating the importance of science and technology in the growth of agriculture. Today, India is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and ranks second in the production of wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables. It has also excelled in other agricultural commodities. This success is further reflected in the ₹4.2 lakh crore worth of agricultural exports made in FY2023.

Although it is the largest producer of food, the food system is confronted with several challenges such as mounting pressure on natural resources, climate change, fragmented land holdings, expanding urbanization, and high rates of malnutrition among children. As a result, meeting the growing demand for food in the face of changing climatic conditions will require a dedicated focus on sustainability and efficiency of production systems through the use of advanced farm practices and technology.

Digital technology has emerged as a crucial factor in modernizing agriculture in India. The government’s focus on digital inclusion and mechanization has made it easier for farmers across the country to adopt advanced technologies. The deployment of ‘Kisan drones’ for crop assessment and land records digitization, along with the widespread use of mobile applications such as Kisan Suvidha and e-NAM, has transformed the way farmers access information and markets. The number of markets linked to the e-NAM platform increased to 1,389 in 2023, enabling online trading of 209 agriculture and horticulture commodities.

Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics holds immense potential in optimizing agricultural practices and reducing production risks. Precision agriculture, digital interfaces, and the use of advanced technologies, techniques, and tools are increasingly being utilized in agriculture to monitor weather, plant and soil indicators, and provide AI-based advisories to farmers. However, ensuring the accessibility and usability of these technologies for farmers of all backgrounds remains a critical challenge that requires concerted efforts from policymakers and stakeholders.

Strategies and protocols for the use of drones, sensor-based automation, solar photovoltaic pumping systems, etc. will pave the way for their large-scale adoption by farmers. In the 2023-24 budget speech, the government highlighted the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, aimed at promoting agri-startups by young entrepreneurs in rural areas, with a focus on affordable solutions for agricultural problems and the adoption of modern technologies. The “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” program is a part of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Agri UDAAN (1-6) initiative. Its main objective is to empower agri-startups and entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to promote sustainable agricultural growth and create employment opportunities. The startups aim to improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture by leveraging technology and targeting farmers, traders, and the entire distribution chain.

The technological and policy interventions in Indian agriculture have brought about transformative impacts, which cannot be denied. However, to maintain this momentum amidst evolving challenges, continuous innovation, adaptive governance, and inclusive development strategies are required. By leveraging technology, empowering farmers, and promoting sustainable practices, India can pave the way for a resilient and inclusive path towards agricultural prosperity and food security in the 21st century. It is important to view agriculture as a holistic value chain that involves farming, processing, warehousing, and retailing. Adequate marketing infrastructure must be created at the farm gate level, sustainable marketing linkages must be promoted, and scientific pricing for agriculture products should be ensured to foster true competition in the market. The Agriclinics and Agribusiness Centres Scheme of the Government of India supported by NABARD should be implemented on a larger scale. Such programs can boost agri-entrepreneurship, increase farmers’ incomes, and enhance the overall welfare of the rural economy.

Laxmi Joshi is Fellow and Saurabh Bandyopadhyay is Senior Fellow at NCAER. Views are personal.

Africa’s bold bargain with global finance

Could a continental consensus work as Africa’s ultimate bargaining chip? 

In the heart of Africa’s economic crucible, a seismic shift is underway. The continent’s leaders, weary of a global public and private financial architecture that has long failed them, are now wielding their collective voice as a potent weapon. As the world grapples with crises – ranging from climate upheaval to geopolitical tensions – Africa stands at a crossroads of opportunity and urgency. The delicate dance of balancing social stability, development imperatives and sustainable debt levels has become untenable.

With unwavering resolve, Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, William Samoei Ruto of Kenya, and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia have stepped onto the global stage, proposing a radical overhaul of financial norms and a reimagining of Africa’s destiny.

To bridge gaps in the primary sector and keep pace with futuristic industries like renewables, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and semiconductors, Africa requires comprehensive – not selective – investment. The continent remains a promising destination for debt, equity and fund investments waiting for its turn. But a bold approach is needed to tap into the global financial landscape at large.

Africa’s offer

The three presidents have joined forces to propose practical solutions to leverage global finance in Africa. In an article in The Economist, they underline the urgency for a collective response and publicly communicate Africa’s commitment to global collaboration, outlining exactly what Africa strives to achieve.

They highlight five areas of engagement with global finance, from the overhaul of global financial architecture to the establishment of a robust institutional, legal and regulatory framework to manage the macro-financial risks of new global financial flows.

This global appeal, developed by elected officials, demonstrates Africa’s preparedness to receive global capital inflows responsibly. While this should not only reassure investors, financiers, philanthropists, non-governmental organisations and rating agencies, it could also mark the beginning of reducing the ‘perception premiums’ that Africa has long paid to attract investment and international assistance.

Rather than debating whether enough has been done or whether the multilateral system is biased against Africa, the focus should be on comprehending its interests and why those have been neglected by the international markets. In addressing the underlying causes, solutions can be created to benefit the financier and the recipient. But a successful solution is one that benefits everyone in Africa, which requires a continental consensus.

With multiple multilateral initiatives in progress to enhance access to private capital, fund climate resilience and provide debt relief, there is no better time. Replenishments to the International Development Association and the review of International Monetary Fund quotas are also currently underway.

However, the global finance pool is not as buoyant as some regard it to be. More stringent and competing liquidity worldwide is impacting all cross-border investments. As a result, investment flows have become increasingly selective and cautious. Even large emerging markets like China and India are seeing a preference for portfolio equity flows over direct investment. Hopefully, the postwar and post-conflict reconstruction processes (Ukraine, Gaza, Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan and elsewhere) will begin – further charging significant global finance and private capital.

Regional initiatives

The days of nations tweaking their regulatory frameworks and market regulations to attract capital flows are fading. Fortunately, many African countries have eased capital account restrictions, thus promoting macroeconomic stability and greater financial accessibility. Yet, several studies show that Africa is the most disconnected region when measured by the continent’s movement of goods, services, people and information.

While there is room for improvement, particularly in fiscal and monetary policies, Africa has made significant policy advancements for over a decade. The Regional Economic Communities, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa are all examples of critical regional initiatives.

However, at the core of this continental vision must be more robust financial integration. The goal is to promote access to finance and capital market development within regional blocs. Organisations like the West African Monetary Institute and the East African Community Monetary Institute are working to harmonise monetary policies and enhance financial co-operation. But strategic, continent-wide initiatives stand to majorly improve Africa’s voice in global finance.

Green growth and climate resilience is especially integral to regional co-operation. While these initiatives aim to tackle environmental challenges and attract green finance investments, more is needed – particularly in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for sustainable development and climate action.

A continental approach  

Progress is being made, but immense potential remains to fully leverage continental mechanisms in the global financial landscape. A continental approach will allow Africa to pool resources, share infrastructure and collaborate on large-scale projects. By integrating markets and production across multiple borders, economies of scale and scope can be harnessed. As a unified bloc, Africa can negotiate better terms in international trade agreements, investment deals and financial arrangements. Collective bargaining will strengthen Africa compared to individual countries negotiating in isolation. A continental view will also provide an opportunity for safety net arrangements against crisis and spread risk across diverse economies – reducing vulnerability to localised shocks.

Further to this, Africa can implement homegrown solutions to help promote the flow of investments and finance in the continent. For instance, a larger, more integrated market for goods, services and investments will stimulate intra-African trade, develop regional transportation networks, energy grids and digital connectivity spanning multiple countries, thereby benefitting economies at scale. Not only will this attract financing from regional and international sources, but it will also promote global growth in the long run.

The challenges – political differences among member states, capacity constraints, infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexities and funding constraints – should not be underestimated. Yet, the efforts and commitments from African governments, regional organisations, development partners and the private sector could propel Africa’s regional integration and collaboration agenda Adopting a continental view will allow Africa to overcome individual limitations and position itself strategically in the global economic landscape. Global finance could be more amenable and open to bring in risk capital into continental initiatives.

Despite economist Gunnar Myrdal’s optimistic prediction in 1968 that Africa would surpass Asia in growth, the continent’s economic prospects remain uncertain without a significant increase in capital inflow, retention and effective utilisation – or as the presidential troika puts it: more help to help itself.

Udaibir Das is a Visiting Professor at the National Council of Applied Economic Research, a Senior Non-Resident Adviser at the Bank of England, a Senior Adviser of the International Forum for Sovereign Wealth Funds and a Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation America.

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