Strengthening Fisheries Sector of India

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• India has witnessed an 83% increase in the national fish production since 2013-14, which stands at a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23.

Fisheries Sector of India

• India is the second-largest fish and aquaculture producer globally.
• 75% of the production is from inland fisheries. 
• Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish producer in the country followed by West Bengal and Gujarat.
• Strengthening last-mile fisheries and aquaculture extension services is of paramount importance.
  • Such extension should provide request-based services to fishers/fish farmers on the life cycle of improved species cultured, water quality, disease, and available rearing technologies.

Challenges of the Fisheries Sector in India

• Overfishing: Overexploitation of fish stocks due to excessive fishing is a significant challenge. 
• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: IUU fishing undermines efforts to manage and conserve fish stocks.
  • It includes activities such as fishing without proper authorization, disregarding catch limits, and using banned fishing gear. 
• Poor Fisheries Management: Limited enforcement of regulations, lack of comprehensive data on fish stocks, and inadequate monitoring and control measures exacerbate the problem of overfishing and IUU fishing.
• Lack of Infrastructure and Technology: Inadequate infrastructure and outdated fishing technology hinder the efficiency and productivity of the fisheries sector. 
• Pollution and Habitat Destruction: Pollution from industrial activities, coastal development, and agricultural runoff poses a threat to marine and freshwater habitats. 
• Climate Change: Climate change is altering oceanic and freshwater environments, affecting fish distribution, migration patterns, and reproductive cycles. 
• Socio-economic Issues: Poverty, lack of alternative livelihood options, and unequal distribution of resources contribute to the vulnerability of fishing communities. 

Government Initiatives for the Growth of the Sector

• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): Established in 2006, NFDB serves as the apex body for the planning and promotion of fisheries development in India. 
• Blue Revolution: Launched in 2015, the Blue Revolution aims to promote sustainable development and management of the fisheries sector. 
• Sagarmala Programme: The Sagarmala Programme, launched in 2015, aims to promote port-led development and unlock the potential of India’s maritime sector.
  • It includes initiatives to develop fishing harbors, cold chain infrastructure, and fish processing facilities to support the growth of the fisheries sector.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Launched in 2020, this scheme aims to increase fish production, boost aquaculture, and improve infrastructure.
• In order to address the infrastructure requirement for fisheries sector, the union Government during 2018-19 created the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total funds size of Rs 7522.48 crore.
  • In the earlier phase of implementation of FIDF during the period from 2018-19 to 2022-23, a total 121 fisheries infrastructure projects have been approved for creation of various fisheries infrastructures. 
• National Fisheries Policy: The Government of India formulated the National Fisheries Policy in 2020 to provide a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
  • The policy focuses on promoting responsible fisheries management, conserving aquatic biodiversity, enhancing fish production, and improving the socio-economic status of fishers and fish farmers.
• Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs): The Government has established FFDAs at the district level to provide technical guidance, training, and extension services to fish farmers.
  • These agencies play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about modern aquaculture practices, facilitating access to credit and inputs, and promoting entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
• Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA): The CAA regulates and promotes coastal aquaculture activities to ensure sustainable development and environmental conservation.
  • It formulates guidelines for shrimp farming, regulates the use of coastal land for aquaculture purposes, and monitors compliance with environmental norms to prevent adverse impacts on coastal ecosystems.

Way Ahead

• The fisheries sector in India holds significant potential for growth and development, given the country’s extensive coastline, numerous rivers, and inland water bodies.
• Measures that can further help the sector:
  • Strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
  • Providing financial support and incentives for adopting sustainable practices and modern technologies in fisheries.
  • Ensuring the protection and restoration of aquatic habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands.
  • Strengthening supply chain infrastructure and establishing better market linkages to ensure fair prices for fishers and access to domestic and international markets.

Source: TH