National

Lakshadweep, India’s sole coral atoll, boasting ten inhabited islands scattered across the Arabian Sea, faces unique economic challenges. The primary income source for the local community revolves around tuna fishing and the production of coconut-based by-products, offering limited opportunities, especially for women. Addressing this issue head-on, the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) in Lucknow has introduced a transformative solution on Agatti Island. This solution includes a Germplasm Resource Center for marine ornamental invertebrates and community aquaculture units, which local women actively manage to cultivate marine ornamental organisms—fish, shrimp, and sea anemones—for a diversified income stream.

Exploratory surveys across various islands have unveiled previously undiscovered biodiversity, including the remarkable discovery of three new shrimp species. Furthermore, the institute has successfully standardized and expanded seed production technology under controlled conditions for two promising marine ornamental shrimps, Thor Hainanensis and Ancylocaris Brevicarpalis, marking a global first.

ICAR-NBFGR has offered hands-on training in marine ornamental rearing to the local community, with 82 islanders participating, a majority of whom are women (77 women). This training encompasses community-based aquaculture of marine ornamentals. As part of technology adoption, captive-bred shrimp seeds are supplied to beneficiaries for further nurturing in community aquaculture units. Trained women are actively involved in nurturing the young shrimps until they reach marketable size. This initiative simultaneously boosts livelihoods and contributes to the conservation of native biodiversity, presenting a unique endeavor that combines conservation and societal development through indigenous organisms.

The institute has established and supported four community aquaculture units on Agatti Island, where ornamental shrimps are successfully nurtured to marketable size, thanks to the efforts of 45 women beneficiaries. Young, one-month-old captive-raised shrimps are distributed to these beneficiaries, who nurture them for approximately 2.5 to 3 months before entering them into the market. These marketable shrimps are directly traded at a cost ranging from Rs. 175 to 200 per piece. ICAR-NBFGR project personnel, residing in Lakshadweep, diligently monitor the operations of these rearing units and provide technical guidance to beneficiaries as needed.

This innovative approach to community aquaculture of marine ornamental organisms represents a pioneering effort in India, promising new horizons in livelihood development, particularly for women, offering an alternative and sustainable income source.

Inspired from an article by: Shri L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal. Husbandry and Dairying, and Information and Broadcasting, Government of India

As India steers confidently toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country’s fisheries sector has emerged as a driving force in this transformative journey. Thanks to Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Sewa, Sushasan, and Gareeb Kalyan’ (Service, Governance, and Welfare for the Poor) approach, the Indian fisheries sector has evolved into a sunrise industry over the past nine years, propelling India toward a prominent position in the global Blue Economy.

India, blessed with over 8,000 kilometers of coastline, an expansive Exclusive Economic Zone, abundant rivers and reservoirs, and a diligent workforce, has always possessed tremendous potential for fisheries development. However, past neglect, indifference, and policy stagnation prevented its full realization. Reports indicate that from independence until 2014, the Central government allocated a meager sum of less than Rs 4,000 Crore for fisheries development.

It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who recognized the vast potential of the Blue Economy for India’s fishing communities and initiated systematic development of this sector. Under his leadership, the Central Government introduced a series of reforms through the Blue Revolution Scheme (2015 – Rs 5,000 Crore) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (2017 – Rs 7,522 Crore). These initiatives unleashed a flurry of activities in the Indian fisheries sector, creating essential ground-level infrastructure and positively impacting the lives of 2.8 Crore fishermen. Recognizing the sector’s significance, Prime Minister Modi established a dedicated Fisheries Ministry in 2019.

While Indian fisheries were gearing up for significant growth, the world suddenly ground to a halt due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. However, visionary leadership transformed this crisis into an opportunity. In September 2020, the Prime Minister announced the Atmanirbhar Bharat package for the Fisheries sector, introducing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a monumental Rs 20,050 Crore investment—the largest in the history of Indian Fisheries.

Thanks to this substantial injection of funds and focused attention, the PMMSY began addressing critical gaps in the fisheries value chain, encompassing fish production, productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing. The PMMSY identified key strategic priorities, including Marine Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, Fishermen’s welfare, Infrastructure and post-harvest management, cold-water fisheries, ornamental fisheries, aquatic health management, and seaweed cultivation, among others.

Over the past nine years, the sustained efforts of the Central government, in collaboration with central and state government agencies and fishermen, have fundamentally transformed the state of Indian fisheries. Crucial infrastructure, such as more than 107 fishing harbors and fish landing centers essential for safe landing, berthing, and loading/unloading, have been constructed and modernized. The modernization of major fishing harbors in Cochin, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, and Paradeep is now well underway.

The income of fishermen is directly tied to post-harvest management, encompassing how fish is stored, preserved, transported, and sold. With approvals granted for over 25,000 fish transportation facilities, 6,700 fish kiosks/markets, and 560 cold storages, grassroots fisheries infrastructure has been significantly strengthened.

To mitigate risks and hazardous conditions faced by fishermen in open seas, approvals have been granted for the upgrading of 1,043 existing fishing vessels, replacement of 6,468 boats, 461 deep-sea fishing vessels, and the installation of 1 lakh transponders on marine fishing vessels using satellite-based communication.

The PMMSY has expanded inland fisheries beyond traditional waters, infusing technology and inspiring enterprising youth to venture into fisheries. Today, young women entrepreneurs from the Kashmir valley efficiently rear cold-water rainbow trouts using Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems. Aquapreneurs from Nellore have become successful exporters, thanks to biofloc-cultivated shrimps.

The PMMSY has extended the reach of fisheries to non-traditional areas. Nearly 20,000 hectares of fresh pond area are being converted into inland aquaculture, with farmers in landlocked Haryana and Rajasthan successfully transforming saline wastelands into profitable aquaculture ventures.

The PMMSY has empowered fisherwomen to explore remunerative options and alternative livelihoods, such as ornamental fisheries, pearl culture, and seaweed cultivation. A recently launched Rs 127 Crore Seaweed Park in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu is a pioneering step by the Modi government.

Seed, feed, and breed are vital components of the fisheries sector. The PMMSY has enabled the establishment of 900 fish feed plants, 755 hatcheries, and is supporting research and genetic improvement of Indian White Shrimp in Chennai, the development of specific pathogen-free brood stock, and the domestication of tiger shrimp in the Andamans.

The welfare of fishermen and fishery entrepreneurs, and their improved quality of life, are central to the Blue Economy’s objectives. Numerous measures, including nutritional support to fishermen during lean and fishing ban periods, integrated coastal village development, Sagar Mitras to assist fishermen, Group Accidental Insurance schemes, and institutional financial support through Kisan Credit Cards, complement the comprehensive development of Indian Fisheries.

The Modi Government’s partnership with Indian fishermen has empowered them, instilling confidence and a sense of pride. Fishermen from across the country were invited to Independence Day Celebrations at Lal Quila, Delhi. This partnership is continually strengthened through direct interactions with Fisheries Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala, who embarked on a unique 8,000-kilometer sea and coastal route journey, known as Sagar Parikrama, to visit fishing villages, meet fishermen, and witness the implementation of policies and projects on the ground.

As we celebrated the third anniversary of the PMMSY a couple of days ago, the transformation of Indian fisheries is evident. India is now among the top three fish and aquaculture production countries and the world’s largest shrimp exporter. The government has recently announced an investment of Rs 6,000 Crores as a sub-scheme under PMMSY, taking the total investment in fisheries to over Rs 38,500 Crores in the past nine years.

Indian Fisheries production (174 lakh tonnes provisional figures for 2022-23) and export earnings have reached all-time highs. The cumulative fish production in the past nine years since 2014 surpasses the production of the preceding thirty years (1984-2014). Shrimp production has surged by 267%, from 3.22 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 11.84 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. India’s seafood exports have doubled from Rs 30,213 Crores in 2013-14 to Rs 63,969 Crores in 2022-23.

The fisheries ecosystem developed over the past nine years is maturing rapidly, delivering remarkable results and prosperity to our fishing communities.

FISHERY.NEWS wishes Modi Ji a happy birthday.

Aimed at uplifting traditional artisans and preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, the Government of India has unveiled the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana (PM Vishwakarma Scheme). Launched on 17^th August, this Central Sector Scheme is designed to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya Parampara, which represents the family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.

Key Benefits of the Vishwakarma Yojana:

Training and Skill Enhancement: Traditional artisans will have the opportunity to enhance their skills through a specialized 6-day training program tailored to their specific needs, whether they are carpenters, tailors, basket weavers, barbers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, potters, confectioners, cobblers, or others. This advanced training equips them with cutting-edge techniques and knowledge.

Beyond training, the scheme offers substantial financial assistance ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh, providing artisans with the means to initiate and expand their businesses, thereby improving their livelihoods.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to create employment for approximately 15,000 individuals annually, thereby fostering economic growth and stability.

Aspiring beneficiaries can access the scheme through a user-friendly online application process, streamlining access to its benefits.

The state government takes on the responsibility of covering the entire cost of various training programs under the Vishwakarma Scheme, ensuring artisans receive high-quality training without financial burden.

Additionally, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is expected to yield several other positive impacts, including boosting the incomes of traditional artisans, creating new job opportunities in the traditional arts and crafts sector, and promoting India’s cultural heritage on the global stage.

With a dedicated allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, the scheme aims to empower artisans across the country. It offers subsidized loans of up to Rs 2 lakh, with the initial phase extending loans of up to Rs 1 lakh at a remarkably low interest rate of 5%, significantly lower than prevailing market rates.

The scheme also emphasizes skill enhancement through advanced training programs, ensuring that traditional artistry is preserved and updated to meet contemporary standards. Artisans will receive a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training and Rs 1500 for the purchase of modern tools, enhancing their efficiency and precision.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme envisions a holistic support system, including liberal loan terms, skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, digital transaction incentives, and marketing support. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw estimates that approximately 30 lakh families stand to benefit from the scheme.

To facilitate easy enrolment, the government has established common services centres in villages as registration points for the scheme, ensuring artisans from diverse regions can seamlessly participate in this transformative initiative.

While the scheme is primarily funded by the central government, collaboration with state governments will be crucial for its effective implementation. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a landmark initiative poised to empower traditional artisans and safeguard India’s cultural heritage while promoting economic prosperity.

Both houses of the Indian Parliament have passed the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This pivotal amendment aims to bolster the coastal aquaculture sector, ensuring its sustainable growth and environmental compliance while simplifying administrative procedures.

One of the key provisions of the Amendment Bill is the clarification that coastal aquaculture activities, and all connected aspects, are permitted within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) under the CRZ notifications. This will alleviate the need for small marginal aquaculture farmers to seek multiple clearances from various agencies, as registration under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act will be recognized as valid permission under CRZ regulations.

Moreover, the Amendment Bill introduces specific exemptions for the establishment of aquaculture units such as hatcheries, Brood Stock Multiplication Centres (BMC), and Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBC) within the No Development Zone (NDZ) of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), which extends 200 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL).

To address concerns about overly punitive measures, the Amendment Bill replaces the provision of imprisonment for up to three years for carrying out coastal aquaculture without registration with civil instruments, such as fines. This shift aligns with the principle of decriminalizing civil transgressions.

Furthermore, the Amendment Bill broadens the definition of “coastal aquaculture” to encompass all related activities comprehensively, removing any ambiguities present in the Principal Act. This ensures that no coastal aquaculture activity operates in an environmentally hazardous manner and falls outside the regulatory framework.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of coastal aquaculture, which now includes environmentally friendly practices such as cage culture, seaweed culture, marine ornamental fish culture, and more, the government seeks to promote these activities, creating opportunities for substantial revenue generation and employment, especially among coastal fisher communities.

Efforts to streamline operational procedures within the Coastal Aquaculture Authority are also outlined in the Amendment Bill. These include provisions for changing ownership or activity size on registration certificates, addressing certificate mutilation, damage, or loss, and allowing for delayed renewal of registration with compounded fees.

Administrative matters, including the powers of the Member Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and procedures for the Authority’s functioning in the absence of a Chairperson, have been resolved for greater administrative efficiency and accountability.

The Amendments empower the Authority to appoint committees with experts, stakeholders, and public representatives to enhance its performance and duties under the Act.

Furthermore, disease prevention is deemed crucial to the success of coastal aquaculture. The government intends to establish facilities that produce genetically improved and disease-free stocks for coastal aquaculture. Simultaneously, the use of antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances in coastal aquaculture will be curtailed through express provisions in the Act.

To promote global best practices, the Amendment Bill includes provisions for mapping and zoning of aquaculture areas, promoting Good Aquaculture Practices, ensuring quality assurance and safe aquaculture products, and facilitating ease of doing business while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental protection.

This legislative stride is poised to drive production, productivity, traceability, competitiveness, and entrepreneurship within the coastal aquaculture sector sustainably, leading to increased incomes and employment opportunities in rural coastal areas.

With advancements in technology and evolving culture practices, the coastal aquaculture sector is well-positioned to diversify its species and expand its reach, thanks to the policy space provided by these amendments in the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act of 2005.

In a momentous event commemorating the third anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY), the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (FAH&D), Parshottam Rupala, inaugurated the “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The meticulously organized event, hosted by the Department of Fisheries, saw the presence of esteemed guests, including Dr. L Murugan and Dr. Sanjeev K Balyan, Ministers of State for FAH&D.

This extensive six-month campaign embarks on a dual mission: firstly, to facilitate the widespread dissemination of information and knowledge concerning nine years of the central government’s achievements, and secondly, to bring to the forefront the inspiring success stories of beneficiaries from across the nation.

Amidst the event, Minister Rupala also inaugurated several pivotal projects that are taking their initial steps on the national stage. Addressing the audience, he lauded the remarkable progress achieved by Madhya Pradesh, which has witnessed a substantial surge in fish production, soaring from 1LT to 3LT over the past three years under the PMMSY. Minister Rupala announced the greenlighting of a proposal for an innovative aquapark in Bhopal, boasting a substantial investment of Rs 25 crore. This avant-garde aquapark is set to encompass a cutting-edge research center, advanced processing facilities, immersive aqua tourism amenities, and ornamental fisheries facilities, among a myriad of offerings.

In a noteworthy development, Minister Rupala underscored the successful amendment of the Coastal Aquaculture Act, attributing this accomplishment to the steadfast leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He underscored the pivotal role of continued expansion in shrimp farming to bolster India’s prominent global standing in this sector. The Union Minister commended the women actively involved in the fisheries industry, emphasizing the significance of women’s empowerment, and encouraged their sustained engagement in pearl culture to augment their income. During the event, he also distributed Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to deserving beneficiaries.

Minister of State, Dr. Sanjeev K Balyan, underscored the paramount importance of the fisheries sector, highlighting the remarkable increase in the sector’s budget, surging from Rs 300 crore to over Rs 38 thousand crore since 2014. Dr. L Murugan elucidated the remarkable achievements of the Indian fisheries sector, particularly through government initiatives and schemes like PMMSY. He expounded upon the manifold benefits of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for fishers and fish farmers.

A comprehensive booklet chronicling nine years of achievements in the Indian fisheries sector since the inception of the Ministry was introduced as a part of the event. Additionally, an exhibition spotlighting a myriad of activities related to the Department of Fisheries was showcased during the event. The Member of Parliament and Minister for Fisheries in Madhya Pradesh, Tulsi Silawat, also delivered a compelling address.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH), shed light on the sector’s remarkable strides in fish production, exports, and shrimp production, as well as the concerted efforts being made to promote schemes across all regions in India.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, with approximately 75,000 beneficiaries benefiting from 239 projects attending both in person and virtually, representing 35 states and union territories. These beneficiaries passionately shared their stories of success, further underscoring the transformative impact of the government’s initiatives in the fisheries sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ virtually on September 17, coinciding with ‘Vishwakarma Day.’ The event will see participation from 70 ministers stationed across 70 different locations throughout the country. The announcement of this scheme was made by PM Modi during his Independence Day address and subsequently received clearance from the Union cabinet.

Distinguished members of the Union Cabinet, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will participate in the program from various locations. Amit Shah will join from Ahmedabad, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to attend from Lucknow. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will be present in Nagpur, Smriti Irani in Jhansi, Bhupender Yadav in Jaipur, and S. Jaishankar will join the program from Thiruvananthapuram. Several other ministers have also been deputed, primarily in their respective home states, to partake in this momentous event.

The ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ encompasses an allocation of Rs 13,000 crore over the next five years dedicated to skill training and the development of traditional artisans and craftsmen. These individuals hail from various communities, including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers, with a significant focus on the OBC community.

The overarching objective of the scheme is to enhance the quality, scale, and accessibility of products and services offered by artisans and craftspeople. Furthermore, it aims to integrate them into both domestic and global value chains. This endeavor holds the promise of bolstering the economic well-being of these workers, particularly those from marginalized sections of society, including the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Communities, women, transgender individuals, and other vulnerable segments.

As political discussions revolve around the caste census for achieving social justice and expanding influence among the OBC community, the NDA government’s introduction of this scheme is seen as a strategic move to engage OBCs, particularly EBCs, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

September 17, which coincidentally falls on PM Modi’s birthday, will also mark the commencement of a two-week celebration by the BJP. Activities will include a cleanliness drive, interactions with beneficiaries of government initiatives, and engagements with various segments of society, continuing through October 2.