New Delhi (ABC Live): Fisheries supports livelihood of almost 1.5 million peoples in our country. India is one of the leading producers of fish in the world, occupying the second position globally in terms of production.
The contribution of Indian fish to the food basket of the world has been substantial. In this context, reflecting the priorities of our government towards the development of fisheries sector, during the last year on 21stNovember, 2014 we celebrated the World Fisheries Day for the first time in the country.
After Independence, fish production has been increased from 7.5 lakh tonnes in 1950-51 to 100.70 lakh tonnes during 2014-15, while the export earnings of 33,441 crore in 2014-15 (US$ 5.51 billion), equalled about 18% of the export earnings from the agriculture sector.
Our overall fish production has crossed 10 million tons with a growth rate of over 5 % and today we are ahead of all countries except China. The export earnings of Rs. 33,441 crore in 2014-15 (US$ 5.51 billion), equaled about 18% of the export earnings from the agriculture sector.
Coming to Aquaculture, India is the second largest producer (42. 10 lakh tonnes) of fish from aquaculture which contributes about 6.3 per cent to global aquaculture production. Keeping the recent developments and trends in fish production in view, and the previous Plan periods, it is expected that a growth rate of about 8.0 per cent can be achieved in the inland sector. The future demand for fish and fishery products has to be mostly sourced from aquaculture and culture based capture fisheries in reservoirs.
During the last two years, through National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen, assistance has been provided for construction of 5583 fishermen-houses, training to 7720 fishermen, insurance assistance to 48 million fishermen, and assistance is provided to 7.34 million fishermen under the savings-cum-relief scheme during the fishing ban period.
In these two years, approximately 4,000 traditional fishing boats have been modernized, and 7363 sea safety kits have been distributed. Nation Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has provided assistance of Rs. 5751.18 lakh for construction of 10 wholesale markets,24 retail fish-markets,and has financed for 16,719 mobile fish-vending vehicles.
NFDB has provided assistance of Rs. 1832.55 lakh to 18 states for seed-stocking, cage and pen-culture.NFDB has also provided assistance of Rs. 1211 lakh for ornamental fisheries and for construction of 458 backyard hatcheries etc. Apart from this, the Government has planned for providing assistance of Rs. 530 crore for construction of new hatcheries, ponds, cages etc. under NMPS and RKVY.
India has over 8000 Km. of coastal line and nearly 2 million Sq Km of EEZ and half a million Sq Km. of Continental Shelf. From these marine resources, India has an estimated fisheries potential of 4.11 million tons. Similarly, 3.0 million hectares of reservoirs, 2.5 million hectares of ponds and tanks, 1.25 million hectares of brackish water area, cold water resources of hilly states and all other inland fishery resources offer a production potential of about 15 million tons. Against this potential, the production from inland sector was 6.58 million tonnes during 2014-15. In this context, optimum utilization of resources becomes pivotal to achieve the targeted production.
So far, our country could not utilize the existing aquatic resources; however, the annual growth rate of above 5% in fisheries is indicative of the immense potential of the sector in the coming years. It is against this backdrop that we want to harness all possibilities for intensive and integrated development of fishery sector. Providing nutritious food and gainful employment are the foremost challenges in the country today. Through fisheries, these two requirements can be fulfilled.
While the required financial support is being provided to the farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs connected with the fisheries sector through various ongoing programs namely, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, National Fisheries Development Board, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana etc. still, enhancement of productivity and production are the key challenges in achieving the targeted production.
Realizing the great scope for the Development of Fisheries, the Hon’ble Prime Minister has called for “a Revolution” in the fisheries sector and named it as “Blue Revolution”. It visualizes “Creating an enabling environment for an integrated and holistic development and management of fisheries keeping in view the sustainability, bio-security and environmental concerns”. The Blue Revolution, encompassing multi-dimensional activities, focuses mainly on increasing production from aquaculture and fisheries resources, both inland and marine. The vast fishery resources offer immense opportunities to enhance fish production through aquaculture-system diversification, species diversification, proper management, introduction of new and advanced technologies in both marine and inland sector, adoption of scientific practices and application of suitable fish health management strategies etc.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Status-cum-Progress Report by the Ministry of Water Resources related to the interlinking of rivers. This is in compliance of the Supreme Court judgment dated 27.2.2012 in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil)-512 of 2002: Networking of Rivers along with Writ Petition No 668 of 2002.
This will help in monitoring of the interlinking of river projects to be carried out under National Perspective Plan.The status-cum-progress report on Special Committee for interlinking of Rivers will be submitted bi-annually for the information of Cabinet. The bi-annual report will ensure in taking final and appropriate decisions in the interest of the country as expeditiously as possible.
