India's Growing Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

Summary of India's Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

1. Growth and Contribution:

   • Fisheries and aquaculture are among India's fastest-growing food-producing sectors, crucial for livelihoods, nutrition, and trade.
   • India has shown significant progress in aquatic food production, rising from 2.44 million tonnes in the 1980s to 17.54 million tonnes in 2022-23.
   • Contributes 10.23 million tonnes to global aquaculture, ranking as the second-largest aquaculture producer globally.

2. Current State (FAO SOFIA 2024):

   • Global capture fisheries produced 92.3 million tonnes in 2022, while aquaculture reached a record 130.9 million tonnes, valued at $313 billion.
   • India's aquatic food production growth is attributed to technological innovation, institutional support, and proactive policies.

3. Key Challenges:

   • Issues include overfishing, habitat degradation, water pollution, and climate change.
   • Small-scale fishers struggle with access to finance, technology, and markets.
   • Poor traceability and inadequate post-harvest measures threaten food security.

4. Government Initiatives:

   • Launched the Blue Revolution initiative focused on enhancing the fisheries sector.
   • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to boost production, safety, and resilience in fisheries.
   • Key reforms include:
     • Vessel transponders for fisher safety.
     • Digital and credit inclusion via Kisan Credit Card.
     • Establishment of Matsya Seva Kendras for integrated support.
     • Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages Programme.
     • Draft National Fisheries Policy 2020.

5. Key Institutions:

   • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): Promotes innovation and best practices.
   • Marine Products Export Development Authority: Oversees export development.
   • National Fisheries Development Board: Focus on sectoral growth and regulation.
   • Coastal Aquaculture Authority: Ensures environmental compliance in coastal aquaculture.

6. International Collaboration:

   • FAO’s role in promoting sustainable fisheries through initiatives like the Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP).
   • Initiatives target improvements in small-scale fishing technologies, sea safety, and post-harvest management.
   • Support for the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

7. Sustainability Focus:

   • Emphasis on science-based stock assessments and co-management for monitoring and controlling fishing efforts.
   • Promotion of digital tools for traceability, certification, and inclusivity for smallholders.
   • Commitment to sustainable aquatic food systems to ensure food security while minimizing environmental impact.

8. Technical Assistance:

   • Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) by FAO to enhance the technical capacities of fishing ports, focusing on environmental, social, and economic challenges.
   • Pilot projects in Vanakbara and Jakhau fishing ports in Gujarat aim to address challenges through strategic investments.

9. Future Directions:

   • Continued focus on sustainable aquaculture practices.
   • Enhance competitiveness in domestic and international markets through improved regulation and support for small-scale fisheries.
   • Align with global sustainability guidelines and principles to ensure long-term viability of aquatic ecosystems.

By fostering innovation and supporting sustainable practices, India's fisheries sector aims to overcome challenges and secure its role in global food systems.