Fisheries

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries

 

Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India

 

 

 

Fisheries sector occupies a very important place in the socio-economic development of the country. It has been recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of a number of subsidiary industries, and is a source of cheap and nutritious food besides being a foreign exchange earner. Most importantly, it is the source of livelihood for a large section of economically backward population of the country. The main challenges facing fisheries development in the country includes accurate data on assessment of fishery resources and their potential in terms of fish production, development of sustainable technologies for fin and shell fish culture, yield optimization, harvest and post-harvest operations, landing and berthing facilities for fishing vessels and welfare of fishermen.

 

Thrust Areas

Fishery is a State subject and as such the primary responsibility for development rests with the State Governments. The major thrust in fisheries development has been focused on optimizing production and productivity, augmenting export of fishery products, generating employment and improving welfare of fishermen and their socio-economic status.

Highlights

• There has been significant growth in fish production in the country in the recent years. India is now the third largest producer of fish and second largest producer of fresh water fish in the world.

• Fish production during the year 2008-09 was 76.2 lakh tonnes comprising 29.8  lakh tonnes of marine fish and 46.4 lakh tonnes of inland fish.
• Fish seed production during 2007-08 was 24143.57  million fry.
• A network of 429 Fish Farmers’ Development Agencies (FFDA’s) has been set up covering all the potential districts in all the States and Union Territories for propagating freshwater aquaculture. 
• With a view to provide technical, financial and extension support to shrimp farmers in the small scale sector, 39 Brackishwater Fish Farmers Development Agencies (BFDA’s) have been set up in all the coastal States and the UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.   
• Due to introduction of improved technology of fish farming and the efforts of FFDAs ,the national average productivity of ponds and tanks covered under the programme has reached 2600 kg/ha per annum
• Under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) for motorization of traditional crafts a total of about 42,950 approx.  have been motorized so far. 

 

 

Fish Production
(Lakh tonne)

 

 

 

 

Export Potential of Marine Products

There has been steady growth in the export of fish Products. During 2009-10 the country exported 6.64 lakh tonnes of marine products, which resulted in export earning of ` 9921.46 crore. Efforts are being made to boost the export potential through diversification of products for export. The country has now started exports of frozen squid, cuttle fish and variety of other finfishes. 

 Under the CSS for development of infrastructure of marine fisheries the Government of India has sanctioned 7 major fishing harbours, 58 minor fishing harbours and 189 fish landing centres. Out of these, 7 Major Fishing Harbours , 44 Minor Fishing Harbours and 189 Fish Landing Centres have been completed and put to use. The remaining fishing harbours and fish landing centres are at various stages of construction.

 

Schemes for development of Fisheries Sector

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post harvest Operations
• Continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post harvest Operations during financial year 2011-12 - Administrative Approval - regarding
• Centrally Sponsored National Scheme on Welfare of Fishermen
• Central Sector Scheme on Strengthening of Database and  Geographical Information System for the Fisheries Sector  
• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
• Issuance of Biometric Identity Cards to Coastal Fisherman

• Central Institute Of Fisheries Nautical & Engineering Training 
• Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fishery (CICEF)
• Fishery Survey Of India (FSI)  
• National Institute of Fishers Post Harvest Technology and Training, Cochin (NIFPHATT)     
• Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) 
• Proforma for submitting proposals for introduction of live Aquatic Organisms

• Fisheries Policy 2004
• Public Notice-Deep Sea Fishing Vessel    
• Public Notice-Joint Venture  
• Proceedings and Recommendations of the National Conference of State Fisheries Ministers held in   Bhubaneswar , 4 – 5 July 2009  
• Fisheries ban order issued 
• List of LOP holder Deep Sea Fishing Vessels     
• Guidelines for fishing operations in Indian exclusive economic zone