India Launches National Fisheries Framework 2025

National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture 2025 Overview

• Release Date & Context: Unveiled on World Fisheries Day 2025, with the theme "India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports."
• Objective: To improve traceability, sustainability, and infrastructure in India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Key Highlights and Initiatives

• National Framework:

  • Aims to establish a national digital traceability system for seafood products.
  • Utilizes digital tools like blockchain, IoT, QR codes, and GPS for end-to-end tracking from ‘farm to plate.’
  • Focused on inclusivity for small-scale fishers and farmers.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Released:

  • SOP for Mariculture.
  • SOP for Development and Management of Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours.
  • SOP for Minimum Basic Infrastructure at Marine Fish Landing Centres.
  • Guidelines for Reservoir Fisheries Management.
  • Compendium of Coastal Aquaculture Guidelines.

Export and Economic Targets

• Export Growth: India aims for ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports by 2030, with 30% from high-value products.
• Production Statistics:
  • Fish production has doubled from 96 lakh tonnes to 195 lakh tonnes over the last decade.
  • Seafood exports reached 16.85 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25, an increase of 88% over the past decade.
• Investment Impact: ₹38,572 crore investment under PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) has modernized the sector.

Contribution to Livelihood and Employment

• The fisheries sector supports over 3 crore livelihoods across India.
• Increased registered exporters have strengthened India’s global presence.

Government Focus and Support

• Recent initiatives include GST reforms, digitization efforts, and enhanced training programs to facilitate ease of business.
• Emphasis on regulatory compliance and value addition to establish India as a global seafood processing hub.

International Collaboration and Support

• Participation from global stakeholders including representatives from 19 embassies and organizations like FAO, World Bank, GIZ.
• The FAO India Representative highlighted commitments to food security, sustainability, and addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) challenges.

Future Outlook and Sessions

• Technical sessions focused on enhancing growth through value addition and exploring export potential for freshwater species.
• Insights from these sessions will inform the Phase 2 strategy of PMMSY.

Importance in Global Context

• India is positioned as the second-largest fish-producing nation and a prominent shrimp producer on the global stage.
• The initiatives undertaken are expected to align with global benchmarks and enhance India's competitiveness in seafood exports.

Summary of Key Articles and Schemes

• Relevant Constitutional Articles: Not explicitly mentioned, but policies align with Articles on economic and social rights concerning food security and livelihood.
• Government Schemes: PMMSY is pivotal for funding and strategizing growth in this sector.

These strategic initiatives reflect India's commitment to enhance its fisheries and aquaculture sector while boosting economic prospects through sustainable practices and international partnerships.