Fisheries sector

Context: In its interim budget for FY25, the government has raised allocations for the ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying with the fisheries department receiving ₹2,585 crore, and the animal husbandry and dairying department ₹4,521 crore.

India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture producing nation in the world.
India contributes 7.96% to the world's output.
The fisheries and aquaculture sector, constituting 1.24% of India's Gross Value Added (GVA) and 7.28% of the agricultural GVA, serves as a vital source of sustenance, nutrition, income, and livelihood for millions.

Growth Trajectory:

Since last one decade the fisheries sector exhibited remarkable growth, boasting an annual average growth rate of about 10.8%

Marine Fisheries Potential:

India's marine fisheries potential, estimated at 5.31 million tons, demonstrates a harnessing rate of nearly 78% with a production of 4.17 million tons in 2018-19.
The sector's activities extend along the vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million square km.

Inland Fisheries Resources:

India's inland fisheries potential, encompassing rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, tanks, and more, is vast.
However, the current production of 14.73 million tons in 2020-21 (provisional) utilizes only around 60% of this potential.

Export Dynamics:

In the fiscal year 2021-2022, India's marine product exports totaled 13.93 lakh metric tons, valued at USD 7.76 billion.
A consistent average annual growth rate of approximately 10% underscores India's competitiveness in the global seafood market.

Socio-Economic Impact:

Fisheries and aquaculture provide livelihoods for around 25 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and double that number along the value chain.
Recognized as an affordable and rich source of animal protein, fish plays a crucial role in mitigating hunger and addressing nutrient deficiencies.

Challenges

Overfishing: Overexploitation of fish stocks due to increased demand for seafood has led to depletion of marine resources. This threatens the livelihoods of fishing communities and affects the overall health of marine ecosystems.
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: IUU fishing practices contribute to overfishing and undermine efforts to manage fisheries sustainably. Lack of effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms exacerbates this issue.
Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, including lack of proper storage, transportation, and processing facilities, hinders the efficiency of the supply chain. This can lead to post-harvest losses and affect the quality of seafood products.
Climate Change: Changing climate patterns impact fish habitats, migration routes, and breeding grounds. This affects fish populations and can result in shifts in the distribution of species, impacting the traditional fishing patterns of communities.
Pollution: Pollution, including industrial runoff, untreated sewage, and plastic waste, poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems. It can lead to the contamination of water bodies, affecting the health of fish and other marine life.
Lack of Technology Adoption: Limited access to modern fishing technologies and practices hampers the efficiency and productivity of the fishing industry. The adoption of sustainable and technologically advanced methods is crucial for long-term viability.
Inadequate Fisheries Management: Ineffective fisheries management, including poorly enforced regulations and a lack of participatory approaches involving local communities, contributes to overfishing and resource degradation.
Social and Economic Challenges: Fishing communities often face issues such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. Improving the socio-economic conditions of these communities is essential for the overall well-being of the industry.

Government Measures

Blue Revolution (Neel Kranti Mission):

Launched to increase fisheries production and productivity from both aquaculture and fisheries resources.Components include development of inland fisheries, marine fisheries, infrastructure, post-harvest operations, welfare of fishermen, monitoring, control, and surveillance, among others.

Financial Assistance:

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, subsidies are provided for various activities, and free training is given to fish farmers on improved scientific fish culture practices. The central government bears the full expenses of schemes in Union Territories and 90% in North-East & Hilly States, with the remaining borne by other states.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

Aims to turn India into a hotspot for fish and aquatic products through policy, marketing, and infrastructure support. Promotes aquaculture through easy access to credit and includes fishermen in farmer welfare programs and social security schemes.

SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro Marine Processing and Development of Agro Processing Clusters):

A comprehensive package for the creation of modern infrastructure from farm gate to retail outlet. Sub-schemes include Mega Food Park, Integrated Cold chain, food processing and preservation capacities, agro processing clusters, backward and forward linkages, and food safety and quality assurance infrastructure.

Institutions for Fisheries:

The government has established dedicated institutions for fisheries development, covering production, financing, marketing, export, research, and capacity building.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Fund (FIDF):

Constituted for funding infrastructure projects in the fisheries sector. NABARD, NCDC, and all Scheduled Banks serve as Nodal Loaning Entities (NLE).

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fish Farmers:

KCC facility extended to the fisheries sector to meet working capital requirements. Interest subvention on KCC limit for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry up to Rs. 2.0 lakh.

Rural Infrastructure Development Fund:

NABARD permitted to extend Rural Infrastructure Development Fund loans for fisheries-related infrastructure such as fishing harbors/jetties and riverine fisheries.

Holistic Development Approach needed:

To unlock the full potential of the fisheries sector, a comprehensive approach is essential.
This involves strategic policy interventions and financial support, ensuring sustainability and inclusivity.
Addressing challenges faced by marginalized communities requires initiatives in education, skill development, healthcare, and infrastructure.
India's fisheries and aquaculture sector stands at the nexus of immense potential and critical challenges.
The journey toward sustainable, responsible, and equitable development is not only an economic imperative but a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of millions dependent on this vital industry.
A harmonized effort is needed to navigate these waters, fostering growth while prioritizing the holistic development of those integral to the sector's success.