India, with its diverse fisheries resources, provides livelihood opportunities to approximately three crore fishers and fish farmers
With a significant 83% increase in national fish production since 2013-14, reaching a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23, robust last-mile fisheries and aquaculture extension services are essential to sustain and amplify this growth.
Agricultural extension services
- Agricultural extension services provide farmers with the knowledge and skills to improve their agricultural practices.
- This includes:
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- Disseminating information: Sharing research findings and best practices on topics like crop varieties, pest control, and soil management.
- Providing training: Conducting workshops and demonstrations to equip farmers with practical skills.
- Offering advisory services: Guiding farmers on decision-making related to production, marketing, and financial management.
- Facilitating access to resources: Connecting farmers with inputs, credit, and markets.
- For example: The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are a network of agricultural research and extension centers established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- KVKs play a crucial role in transferring agricultural technologies to farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
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Current Status of Fisheries in India
- India ranks as the 3rd largest fish-producing and 2nd largest aquaculture-producing nation globally.
- It is the 4th largest seafood exporter, contributing 8% to global fish production.
- The fisheries and aquaculture sector constitutes 1.24% of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and 7.28% of agricultural GVA, serving as a critical source of sustenance, nutrition, income, and livelihoods for millions.
- About 75% of fish production comes from inland fisheries, underscoring their significance.
Government Measures to Support Fisheries:
Blue Revolution in India
- The Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) WAS launched during the 7th Five Year Plan (1985–1990) to promote fish farming.
- During the 8th Five Year Plan (1992–1997), the Intensive Marine Fisheries Program was introduced, encouraging collaborations with multinational corporations (MNCs).Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
About Sagar Mitra
- Launched under PMMSY, Sagar Mitra serves as a field-level interface between the government and coastal fishers.
- It supports fishers with data dissemination, market insights, and promotes sustainable fishing practices across coastal states and union territories.
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- Launched in 2020, this scheme aims to double fisheries exports to ₹1 lakh crore.
- It envisions transforming India into a global hub for fish and aquatic products through policy, marketing, and infrastructure support.
- Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs) under PMMSY act as one-stop centers providing fisheries extension services, sustainable aquaculture training, and conservation management support to tackle climate challenges.
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Institutions for Fisheries in India
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Fund (FIDF): This fund supports infrastructure projects in the fisheries sector and attracts private investments for fisheries infrastructure development.
- Nodal Loaning Entities (NLE): NABARD, NCDC, and Scheduled Banks manage these loans.
- Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): Established in 1972 under the Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, MPEDA coordinates fishery production and allied activities across India.
- Rural Infrastructure Development Fund: NABARD offers loans under this fund to develop fisheries-related infrastructure, including fishing harbors, jetties, and riverine fisheries.
- Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu: The first multipurpose seaweed park in India, developed on a hub-and-spoke model, aims to enhance the production of quality seaweed-based products.
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fish Farmers: The KCC facility has been extended to the fisheries sector to meet working capital requirements.
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- Fish farmers can avail interest subvention on KCC limits up to ₹2 lakh for fisheries and animal husbandry activities.
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