Role of Technology in Modernising Fisheries Sector

Syllabus: GS 3/Economy 

In Context

• A workshop on drone technology in fisheries was held at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi.

About Fisheries and Aquaculture sector 

• They are a key source of food, nutrition, employment, income, and foreign exchange.
• Fish, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, helps combat hunger and malnutrition.
• India’s Position in Fisheries: 2nd largest fish-producing nation, with ~8% of global production.
  • Top aquaculture producer, 3rd largest in capture fisheries, and a leading shrimp exporter.
• Record Fish Production: Fish production grew from 7.52 lakh tonnes in 1950-51 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
  • Inland fisheries and aquaculture production doubled since 2013-14, reaching 131.33 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
• Doubling of Exports:Seafood exports increased from Rs 30,213 crore (2013-14) to Rs 60,523.89 crore (2023-24), with the USA as the largest market.
  • The sector contributes 1.069% to National GVA and 6.86% to Agriculture GVA, with steady growth from 2014-15 to 2021-22.
• Government Efforts: The Government of India has invested Rs 38,572 crore over the last decade to drive the Blue Revolution, transforming the fisheries sector.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): PMMSY focuses on sustainable, inclusive growth in fisheries and aquaculture.
  • Other initiatives include modern aquaculture practices, satellite monitoring, and the exploration of drone technology for various applications.

Technology in Fisheries

• Efficient application of technology is essential for both fish production and utilization, covering fishing craft, gear, preservation, processing, and distribution.
  • Digital technologies like ICT, IoT, AI, machine learning, blockchain, and Cloud-edge computing can support the expansion and sustainability of the aquaculture and fisheries sectors.
• Drone Technology in Fisheries: Drones are used for water sampling, disease detection, feed management, aquaculture farm management, and fish marketing.
  • Underwater drones help monitor fish behavior and detect distress.

Importance 

• Increased Productivity: Technology enables fishermen to catch more fish with fewer resources and time.
• Enhanced Safety: Real-time updates on weather and sea conditions reduce risks for fishermen.
• Reduced Waste: Better storage and transportation reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring that more of the catch reaches consumers.
• Sustainability: Monitoring tools can help prevent overfishing and encourage responsible practices.
• Economic Upliftment: Improved efficiency and access to market data help fishermen earn better incomes.

Issues and Concerns 

• Slow development: Technological advancements in fishing and processing have been slow in India, relying largely on inshore, small-scale fishing methods
• High Initial Cost: Many fishermen cannot afford the latest technologies, leading to inequalities within the sector.
• Training and Adaptation: Many fishers need training to use new technologies effectively, which may be challenging for older generations or those with limited literacy.
• Environmental Concerns: Certain technologies, if misused, can contribute to overfishing and disrupt marine ecosystems.
• Dependency on Technology: Over-reliance on technological tools can make fishers vulnerable if the technology fails or requires maintenance.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• Technology has great potential to revolutionize India’s fisheries sector, making it more productive, sustainable, and resilient.
•  However, the adoption of technology must be balanced with considerations of cost, environmental impact, and training to ensure long-term benefits for the sector and its stakeholders.

 Source: TH