India’s annual fish production has almost doubled since 2014 to 17.5 million tonnes, with inland fishing now surpassing sea fishing, contributing 13.2 million tonnes, Union Minister of Fisheries, Livestock & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said on Thursday.
In his speech here to celebrate World Fisheries Day 2024, the minister said India is now the second largest producer of fish in the world, with around 30 million people involved in fish production in the value chain. The country accounts for 8 percent of the world’s total fish production, he said.
He said that various initiatives by the fisheries department such as Blue Revolution, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSY) have boosted fish production in the country.
The Minister also congratulated the fishermen and fish farmers who have been able to reach their target.
Singh launched a series of 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, a National Action Plan on Sharks for sustainable shark management and India’s agreement on a Regional Action Plan on IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) Fishing to prevent illegal, unreported fishing and unregulated in the Bay of Bengal Region in cooperation with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives, the International Maritime Organization-Food and Agriculture Organization (IMO-FAO) GloLitter Partnership Project to combat marine plastic litter, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for LPG kits installed to promote energy-efficient and cheap sea fishing fuel.
In addition, the New Single Window System (NSWS) by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority was launched to enable online registration of coastal aquaculture farms. The signed MoU was also exchanged to implement the framework for the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), using carbon absorbing practices in the sector.
The Union Minister also highlighted issues like plastic pollution, carbon emissions from traditional fishing and water pollution, stressing the government’s efforts to reduce plastic, improve water quality and promote environment-friendly practices.
Singh cited the unregulated nature of the sector and infrastructure gaps, stressing the need for reforms and initiatives like the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). He outlined a vision for sustainable development and economic strengthening of the fisheries sector, focusing on modern techniques, policy integration and long-term goals to ensure India’s global leadership in fish production.
Speaking on the occasion, Manuel Barange, ADG and Director of Fisheries Division of FAO, Rome, emphasized the global challenge of hunger and malnutrition, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to feed large populations. FAO’s Blue Transformation Initiative was presented during the event, focusing on sustainable aquaculture development, effective fisheries management, and improving the aquatic food value chain.
Developed countries, Union Territories (UTs), districts, and individuals are honored for their outstanding contribution to the growth of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in India.
Kerala received the award for Best Marine State, while Telangana was recognized as the Best Inland State. Uttarakhand won the title of Best Himalayan and Northeastern State, and Jammu & Kashmir was awarded the Best Union Territory. Among these districts, Kerala’s Kollam won the Best Maritime District award, Chhattisgarh’s Kanker was named the Best Inland District, Darrang from Assam received the Best Himalayan and Northeast District award and Kulgam in Jammu & Kashmir was honored as the Best District in the Union Territory.
(Disclaimer: Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
