Context: India has witnessed 83% increase in fish production, making India the second largest producer of fishes. Such a rise makes strengthening the fisheries extension services crucial.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Fisheries sector in India; Challenges and scope.
About Fisheries Extension Sector
- Fisheries extension services are specialised programs and activities aimed at improving the knowledge, skills and practices of fishers and aquaculture stakeholders.
- These includes:
- Disseminating information
- Promoting sustainable practices
- Facilitating access to modern technologies.
Government Schemes to Enhance Extension Services
- Matasya Sampada Kendra:
- The flagship scheme provides a one-stop solution to the fishers by providing trained professionals sharing their expertise to boost production.
- Government assistance up to 60% is provided to set up such centers for women and weaker sections.
- Notable examples:
- Kendra at Tissue Kerala provides a well-equipped lab for water, soil and microbial analysis.
- Kendra at Nashik focuses on capacity building of Fishers and Fish Farmers on various seed/feed inputs.
- Sagar Mitra:
- Sagar mitras in coastal areas are a vital interface between government and sea-borne fishers.
- They compile information and data on daily marine catch, price fluctuations, requisite market needs at fish landings harbours.
- They disseminate information on local regulations, weather forecast, natural calamities, hygienic fish handling and potential fishing zones in the sea.
Lacuna in Fisheries Extension Services in India
- Limited Reach: Insufficient number of Sagar Mitras and training centers leaves a large section of fishers unaddressed and vulnerable.
- Shortage of Infrastructure: There is an acute shortage of refer vans and cold storage to enhance the shelf life of the fishes.
- Sustainability Issue: There are issues like overfishing and habitat degradation. Also, practices like electrocution are criticised during fish export.
- Quality Issue: Export quality fish production remains a challenge due to pollutants in fishes. E.g., Tamil Nadu fishes were banned by the EU due to the high amount of pollutants in them.
Ways to Improve Extension Services
- Institutional Integration: A convergence is needed between the Matasya Kendras and 700 Indian Council of Agricultural Research centers to promote the sharing of machineries.
- Promoting Digital Outreach: The National Fisheries Development Board has initiated a nationwide virtual learning platform i.e., 'AquaBazaar’.
- Learning from Global Best Practices:
- Norway: Sustainable fishing technology like satellite mapping and digital monitoring. Also, fishing monitoring ensures sustainable yields and boosts exports. (Norway exports 95% of its seafood.)
- Japan Model: Japan's co-management model involving Fisheries Cooperative Associations to educate fishers about sustainable practices.
- Promoting Climate Adaptation: As climate change is impacting the fishing grounds and yield of fishing. E.g., FAO’s Blue Growth Initiative is focusing on climate resilient fishing.
- Value Addition: Along with the market access, there is a dire need of value addition of the fish production. E.g., Vietnam's focus on value-added shrimp products has enhanced its global competitiveness.
Conclusion: Strengthening fisheries extension services can drive India towards becoming a global leader in sustainable fishing. Adopting best practices from countries like Norway and Japan, along with the localised innovations, can improve productivity, sustainability, and livelihood of millions dependent on this sector.