Sambhav-2024

• Explain the concept of the Blue Revolution in India.
• Discuss the challenges associated with the fishery sector in the country.
• Suggest measures to promote the growth of the fishery sector in the country.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The Blue Revolution in India refers to a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the country's fisheries and aquaculture sector. It was launched in India during the 7^th Five Year Plan (FYP) that went from 1985 to 1990.

Body

Major Outcomes of the Blue Revolution in India:

• The Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) brought improvements in aquaculture by adopting new techniques of fish breeding, rearing, marketing, and export.
• During the 8th FYP, from 1992-97, the Intensive Marine Fisheries Program was launched in which collaboration with MNCs was encouraged.
• Over a period of time, fishing harbors in Tuticorin, Porbandar, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, and Port Blair were established.
• India recorded an average annual growth of 14.8% in the production of fish and fish products in the last decade as compared to the global average of 7.5% in the same period.
• Fishing has become the primary source of livelihood for several communities in India and the country is the world’s second-largest fish producer with exports worth more than 47,000 crore rupees.
• Fisheries and aquaculture production contribute around 1% to India’s GDP and over 5% to the agricultural GDP.

Challenges in the Fishery Sector in India:

• Overfishing and Depleted Fish Stocks: Overexploitation of fish stocks due to excessive fishing pressure and destructive fishing practices has led to declining fish populations, particularly in coastal areas.
• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: IUU fishing practices, including unauthorized fishing vessels, unreported catches, and fishing in prohibited areas, undermine efforts to manage and conserve fish stocks.
  • The lack of effective enforcement mechanisms and coordination among agencies exacerbates the problem.
• Environmental Degradation: Degradation of marine and coastal habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries, due to pollution, habitat destruction, and coastal development, threatens the health and resilience of marine ecosystems.
• Climate Change Impacts: Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, changing currents, and extreme weather events associated with climate change pose significant challenges to fisheries management and adaptation.
• Lack of Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Facilities: Inadequate infrastructure, including cold storage facilities, ice plants, transportation networks, and processing units, hinders the efficient handling, preservation, and marketing of fishery products.
• Access to Finance and Credit: Limited access to formal credit and financial services constrains investment in fisheries infrastructure, technology adoption, and value-addition activities.
• Inadequate Research and Extension Services: Insufficient investment in fisheries research, data collection, and extension services limits the availability of scientific information and technical support for fisherfolk and aquaculturists.
• Limited Market Access: Limited market access and price volatility affect the profitability and livelihoods of fisherfolk, particularly small-scale fishers and rural communities dependent on fisheries.

Measures to Promote Growth in the Fishery Sector:

• Infrastructure Development: Invest in the development of cold storage facilities, transportation infrastructure, and processing units to improve post-harvest handling and marketing of fishery products.
• Technology Transfer: Promote the adoption of modern aquaculture technologies, including recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and genetically improved fish breeds, through training programs and research partnerships.
• Sustainable Practices: Implement measures to regulate fishing activities, protect critical habitats, and reduce pollution to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishery resources.
• Market Linkages: Facilitate access to markets and promote value addition through initiatives such as fisher producer organizations (FPOs), market linkages with retailers and exporters, and branding of high-quality fishery products.
• Credit and Insurance: Provide financial support to fisherfolk through credit facilities, insurance schemes, and subsidies for input costs to enhance their resilience to market fluctuations and natural disasters.
• Capacity Building: Strengthen institutional capacities, including fisheries departments, research institutions, and extension services, to provide technical assistance, training, and advisory support to fisherfolk and aquaculturists.
• Policy Support: Formulate and implement policies conducive to the sustainable growth of the fishery sector, including regulatory frameworks for resource management, incentive schemes for innovation and entrepreneurship, and market-oriented reforms.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana aims to turn India into a hotspot for fish and aquatic products through appropriate policy, marketing, and infrastructure support.

Conclusion

The fisheries sector in India holds immense significance for food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Embracing sustainable practices, technological innovation, and effective governance will be crucial in shaping the future of the fisheries sector and harnessing its full potential for the benefit of present and future generations.