Providing this information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh said that the approvals have been given under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) which has been in effect since the financial year 2020-21 with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore for holistic development of the fisheries sector and welfare of fishers. He said that to promote climate-resilient aquaculture, the Department, under PMMSY supports climate-resilient mariculture activities like seaweed and bivalve cultivation, open sea cage culture, installation of artificial reefs, Sea ranching, promotes Integrated fish farming and others to minimise environmental impacts mainly on traditional and small scale fishers. Proposals worth Rs 115.78 crore have been approved for this purpose.
Inland fishing has become a significant sector in India’s economy, with the sector employing over 1.5 million people and generating revenue of over ₹ 1,000 crore annually.
The Rise of Inland Fishing in India
Inland fishing has experienced a remarkable growth in recent years, transforming it into a vital sector in India’s economy. The sector has not only created employment opportunities but also contributed significantly to the country’s GDP.
Key Statistics
The Government’s Initiative
The Department of Fisheries has taken a significant step towards promoting inland fishing by sanctioning the acquisition of 480 deep-sea fishing vessels for traditional fishermen. This initiative aims to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the sector, thereby increasing the overall fish production.
Benefits of the Initiative
Challenges and Opportunities
While the initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the sector, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. The acquisition of new vessels will require significant investment, and the sector will need to adapt to the changing fishing practices and technologies.
Addressing Challenges
The Rise of India’s Fishing Industry
India’s fishing industry has experienced a remarkable transformation over the years, catapulting the country to its rightful place as the world’s second-largest fish producer.
