- Recently, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying inaugurated India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This groundbreaking initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly and sustainable aquaculture practices while aligning with Sikkim’s established organic farming ethos.
About the Fisheries Sector in India
- Fisheries is an economic activity that involves harvesting fish or any aquatic organism from the wild (Capture Fisheries) or raising them in confinement (Culture Fisheries/ Aquaculture). It may be Traditional/ Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) for sustenance, or Large-Scale/ Commercial Fisheries for profit.
Status of Fisheries in India
- Growth in Fisheries Sector: India’s fisheries sector has achieved a consistent average annual growth of 11% since 2014-15, reflecting strong progress over the last 7 years.
- Global Rankings: India ranks as the 3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture producer, and 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries products globally.
- Fish Production (2021-22): In 2021-22, fish production reached an all-time high of 16 million tons, with 25% from marine fisheries (coastal and deep-sea fishing) and 75% from inland fisheries (capture and aquaculture fishing).
- Top Producing States: Andhra Pradesh leads as the largest fish producer, followed by West Bengal and Gujarat.
Significance of the Fisheries Sector in India
- Economic Contribution: The fisheries sector contributes significantly to India’s economy, supporting 28 million livelihoods through fishing, processing, and marketing.
- Food Security: Provides an affordable and nutritious source of protein, often referred to as “Rich Food for Poor People,” playing a vital role in ensuring food security for millions of people in India.
- Global Fish Production: India is among the largest fish producers globally, contributing 7% to global fish production, thereby strengthening its position in international markets.
- Export Value: Fish and fish products are crucial to India’s export portfolio, generating substantial foreign exchange through global trade.
- Support to Allied Industries: The sector boosts allied industries such as aquaculture feed, fishing gear, and processing equipment, thereby contributing to industrial growth.
- Job Creation: The fisheries sector is a major source of employment, benefiting not only fishermen but also people engaged in processing, marketing, and allied industries.
Key Challenges in the Fisheries Sector in India
- Lack of Financial Access: Fishermen face difficulties in acquiring advanced equipment due to insufficient financial support, limiting productivity, and modern fishing practices.
- Water Pollution: Pollution in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and coastal areas threatens aquatic ecosystems and the sustainability of fisheries.
- Shrinking Fish Farming Area: Urbanisation, industrialisation, and population growth have led to the reduction of paddy fields previously used for fish farming, decreasing space for aquaculture.
- Monsoon Unpredictability: Unpredictable monsoons impact inland fisheries by causing fluctuations in water levels, leading to poor fish yields during certain seasons.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor marketing, storage, and transportation facilities prevent efficient distribution and sales of fish, limiting sector growth and profitability.
- Inadequate Research and Extension Services: Limited research and weak extension services hinder the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices within the fisheries industry.
Government Initiatives and Policies
- National Fisheries Policy: Focuses on sustainable development, resource conservation, and improving fish production and community welfare.
- National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): Promotes aquaculture, infrastructure upgrades, and capacity building to boost fish production and livelihoods.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Transforms India into a fish hub with targeted support in infrastructure, welfare, and post-harvest management.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Launched in 2018-19 with ₹7522.48 crores, it offers interest subvention of 3% per annum for 12 years, including a 2-year moratorium, to improve fisheries infrastructure.
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fishers: Since 2018-19, KCC has provided easy credit to fishers and fish farmers to meet working capital needs, promoting financial inclusion in the sector
- State-Level Initiatives: States like Kerala, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu promote sustainable aquaculture, subsidies for fish farming, and market access for fishers.
Organic Fisheries Cluster Development in Sikkim: Key Highlights
- Organic Fisheries Cluster: Focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly fish farming practices, utilising species such as Amur carp, with emphasis on environmental conservation & access to premium global markets.
- Role of NABARD: Offers financial backing, supports the formation of Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and fosters private investment to enhance the development of Sikkim’s cold-water fisheries sector.
- Cluster-Based Approach (PMMSY): Boosts competitiveness, lowers operational costs, and strengthens the fisheries value chain, driving higher incomes while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – 2020
- Objective: To bring Blue Revolution by fostering sustainable development of the fisheries sector and the welfare of fish farmers.
- Implementation and Investment: The scheme is being implemented across all States and Union Territories over 5 years (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25) with a total investment of Rs. 20,050 crores.
Key Targets of PMMSY
- Fish Production Goal: Increase production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25 (from 13.75 million metric tons in 2018-19).
- Agriculture GVA Contribution: Increase the fisheries sector’s share to 9% by 2024-25 (from 7.28% in 2018-19).
- Export Earnings: Double export earnings to ₹1,00,000 crore by 2024-25 (from ₹46,589 crore in 2018-19).
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Strategies for Fisheries Development in India
- Research, Training, and Empowerment: ICAR’s research institutes and training centers in key locations enhance resource use, with Panchayats empowered to implement local fisheries programs.
- Infrastructure Development: Cold storage and Model Fishermen Villages provide essential amenities, while major fishing harbours and 62 minor harbours boost sector infrastructure.
- Support for Fishermen and Farmers: Bengal Fisheries Development Authority (BFDA) offers financial and technical support to shrimp farmers, with insurance schemes safeguarding livelihoods, while the government collects microclimate data for better fisheries management.
The fisheries sector, a sunrise industry with immense potential for domestic consumption, export, and economic growth, requires continued strategic support and policy reforms to fully harness its capabilities and ensure sustained development.
Reference: The Hindu | PMF IAS: Blue Economy 2.0
PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 38
Approach
- Introduction: Write a brief introduction about the fisheries sector in India and its diverse role in economy.
- Body: Discuss the significance of the fisheries sector & also analyse some govt. schemes and their impact.
- Conclusion: Write way forward & conclude appropriately by highlighting the need for holistic approach.
