The Indian fisheries sector, led by inland aquaculture, is undergoing a 'Blue Revolution' to double fish production and incomes. However, challenges like post-harvest losses, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure persist. Future strategies include promoting technology, formalizing the unorganized sector, and enhancing infrastructure.
Copyright infringement not intended
Picture Courtesy: IBEF
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) stressed the need for reforms to enhance the fisheries sector's production, productivity, and exports potential.
It involves harvesting fish or aquatic organisms through capture fisheries (wild catch) or culture fisheries (aquaculture).
It includes small-scale, traditional fisheries for sustenance and large-scale commercial operations for profit.
India is the second-largest fish producer globally with a production of nearly 195 lakh tonnes (2024-25), having around 8% share in global fish production. Seafood exports over Rs. 60,523 crores in 2023-24. (Source: PIB)
Fish Production: 75% from inland fisheries and 25% from marine fisheries. Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka are the three major fish-producing states.
India’s fisheries sector supports 3.5 million marine fishers and 10.5 million inland fishers and farmers, contributes around 1% to national GDP, and accounts for 5% of agricultural GDP.
Blue Revolution (2015-20): Launched with ₹3,000 crores, it focused on increasing fish production through aquaculture and marine fisheries, laying the foundation for sector growth.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020-25): Investment of ₹20,050 crores to improve fish production and productivity, raise quality standards, bring in modern technology, strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and ensure better management.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY): A 2024 sub-scheme of PMMSY with a ₹6,000 crore outlay, focuses on formalizing the sector, providing aquaculture insurance, and improving value chain efficiency.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Provides concessional finance and interest subvention for fisheries infrastructure projects, such as fishing harbors and processing units.
National Fisheries Policy, 2020: A comprehensive framework for sustainable growth, integrating marine, inland, and mariculture fisheries.
Credit Facilities: Extends Kisan Credit Card (KCC) access to fishers for working capital needs.
Coastal Aquaculture Regulation: 2023 amendment simplifies rules for new activities like seaweed farming and cage culture.
Integrated Aqua Parks: Approved 11 aqua parks to strengthen the aquaculture value chain.
The Union Budget 2025-26, support of Rs. 2,703.67 crores for the fisheries sector.
Environmental and Resource Challenges
Overfishing: 90% of global marine fish stocks are fully exploited or overfished, with India’s near-shore waters heavily depleted.
Low Productivity: Indian fishers produce 4-5 kg per day compared to 250 kg in Norway, due to limited mechanization.
Pollution and Habitat Loss: Water pollution and global warming reduce breeding grounds, impacting species like Ilish (Hilsa).
Export Rejections: Use of formalin and antibiotics leads to rejections in markets like the USA.
IUU Fishing: Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing undermines conservation and fish stock sustainability.
Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures and extreme weather disrupt fish breeding, migration patterns, and reduce fishing days.
Shrinking Fishing Areas: Urban and industrial expansion reduces wetlands and other areas needed for inland aquaculture.
Socioeconomic Challenges
Inadequate Infrastructure: Deficiencies in cold storage, processing, and transportation lead to significant post-harvest losses and reduced income.
Economic Inequality: Mechanized fleets dominate catch and profit, while small-scale fishers struggle with low productivity and limited market access.
Lack of Financial Access: Limited access to institutional credit and insurance constrains small fishers' ability to invest in modern equipment.
Intermediaries: Exploitation by middlemen in the supply chain reduces the share of profits for fishermen.
Safety Risks: Fishers, especially small-scale, face hazardous working conditions exacerbated by unpredictable weather.
Regulatory and Technological Challenges
Fragmented Governance: Conflicting fisheries regulations across different states make enforcement difficult and lead to evasion.
Slow Technology Adoption: Lack of modern fishing technology and sustainable aquaculture practices limits efficiency and productivity.
Limited Research: Inadequate research and extension services hinder the adoption of scientific stock assessment and modern techniques.
Sustainable Resource Management
Combat Illegal Fishing: Use satellite tracking and transponders to enforce fishing quotas and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Modernize Regulations: Implement science-based regulations, including monitoring of fish stocks and habitat conservation measures like artificial reefs.
Infrastructure and Technology Upgrade
Enhance Cold Chain: Invest in modern cold storage, refrigerated transport, and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
Accelerate Tech Adoption: Promote innovative technologies like Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc farming to boost sustainable production.
Establish Integrated Hubs: Develop Integrated Aqua Parks to create end-to-end value chain support, improving efficiency and access to markets.
Financial and Institutional Support
Formalize the Sector: Use digital platforms and schemes like PM-MKSSY to formalize the sector and improve micro-enterprise access to institutional credit and insurance.
Empower Producers: Support Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) and cooperatives to enhance fishers' bargaining power and market access.
Strengthen Financial Inclusion: Expand the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to offer accessible credit to fishers for working capital needs.
Climate Resilience and Welfare
Build Climate Resilience: Research and implement adaptive strategies, including breeding climate-resilient species and developing infrastructure in coastal villages.
Expand Social Security: Provide insurance coverage and livelihood support during fishing bans to ensure economic stability for vulnerable fishing communities.
Invest in Human Capital: Enhance training programs for fishers on modern technology, sustainable practices, and financial literacy.
Fisheries sector is a growing economic pillar with high global potential, but its progress is challenged by environmental threats like overfishing and climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic vulnerabilities of fishing communities By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, India can transition from Neelkranti (Blue Revolution) to Arthkranti (Economic Revolution).
Source: PIB
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Sustainable fishing is crucial for the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the livelihood of fisher folk. Critically Analyze. 250 words |
India is the second-largest fish-producing country globally, contributing approximately 8% to global fish production.
It is a mission for holistic and sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, boosting production and socio-economic growth.
Ornamental fisheries involve the breeding, farming, and trade of colorful, beautiful aquatic species, primarily for aesthetic and recreational purposes rather than for consumption.
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved
