Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lallan Singh on Thursday said India’s annual fish production has almost doubled to 17.5 million tonnes since 2014, with inland fishing now surpassing marine fishing by 13.2 million tonnes. Million tonnes are being contributed.
In his address here to celebrate World Fisheries Day 2024, the minister said India has now become the second largest fish producer globally, with about 30 million people involved in fish production across the value chain. He said that the country’s share in the world’s total fish production is 8 percent.
He said that various initiatives of the Department of Fisheries such as Blue Revolution, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samriddhi Saha Yojana (PMMKSY) have resulted in a boost to fish production in the country.
The Minister also congratulated the fishermen and fish farmers for their role in achieving the target.
Singh launched several landmark initiatives and projects aimed at transforming the fisheries sector and strengthening India’s blue economy. These include the launch of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census for data-driven policy making, National Action Plan on Sharks for sustainable shark management and India’s Regional Action Plan on IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing to curb illegal fishing. Includes support. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation-Food and Agriculture Organisation, jointly launched the GloLiter partnership project to tackle unreported and unregulated fishing in the Bay of Bengal region (IMO-FAO) marine plastic litter, and energy-efficient , Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for retrofitted LPG kits to promote low cost marine fishing fuel.
Additionally, the new Single Window System (NSWS) was launched by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority to enable online registration of coastal aquaculture farms. A signed MoU was also exchanged to implement a framework for a Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) using carbon sequestration practices in the region.
The Union Minister also highlighted issues like plastic pollution, carbon emissions from traditional fishing and water pollution, emphasizing the government’s efforts to reduce plastic, improve water quality and promote eco-friendly practices.
Singh noted the unorganized nature of the sector and infrastructure deficiencies, stressing the need for reforms and initiatives such as the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). He outlined a vision for sustainable development and economically empowering the fisheries sector, focusing on modern technologies, policy integration and long-term goals to ensure India’s global leadership in fish production.
Speaking on the occasion, Manuel Barrenz, ADG and Director Fisheries Division, FAO, Rome, emphasized the global challenges of hunger and malnutrition, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to feed growing populations. FAO’s Blue Transformation initiative was presented during the event, focusing on sustainable aquaculture development, effective fisheries management and enhancing aquatic food value chains.
Awarded to progressive states, union territories (UTs), districts and individuals for their notable contribution to the development of fisheries and aquaculture sector in India.
Kerala received the Best Maritime State award, while Telangana was recognized as the Best Inland State. Uttarakhand earned the title of Best Himalayan and Northeastern State, and Jammu and Kashmir was given the Best Union Territory award. Among the districts, Kerala’s Kollam won the Best Maritime District award, Chhattisgarh’s Kanker was named the Best Inland District, while Assam’s Darrang received the Best Himalayan and Northeastern District award and Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam was named the Best Inland District. Awarded as the best district.
