Fisheries Development and Management Integrated with great expectations, the Hon’ble Prime Minister has called for “a revolution” in the fisheries industry, dubbed the “Blue Revolution.” The Blue Revolution’s multifaceted efforts primarily focus on enhancing fishery output and efficiency from the aquaculture and fishing assets, both inland and marine.

What Is Blue Revolution?

The Blue Revolution refers to the considerable expansion and development of global aquaculture production – domestication and cultivation of fish, shellfish, and aquatic vegetation – from the mid-twentieth century to the present, mainly in developing nations. The peak and subsequent stagnation of capture fishing productivity in the late 1980s drove technological innovation and enhanced aquaculture production efficiency.

Aquaculture has evolved enormously since then, and it currently constitutes the primary source of world fish supply for consumption by humans and other reasons, as well as a significant component of the global food chain. The Blue Revolution and aquaculture expansion will continue, increasing 30% from current levels by 2030.

How Can Blue Revolution Lead To Economic Growth?

• Aquaculture production worldwide surpassed 50 million tonnes, compared to 2 million tonnes in 1950.
• Asian countries account for more than 90% of global aquaculture output. China supplies more than 70% of the total.
• People all across the world are employed by aquaculture.
• Fish farming employs around 880 million people worldwide, from salmon cages in Norway to prawn ponds in Thailand.
• Employment in the fishing industry has increased faster than the global population, as has employment in traditional agriculture.
• Fisheries and aquaculture offer more than 15% of 4.3 billion people’s annual animal protein intake and are significant micronutrients and critical fats suppliers.
• Seafood and fish are among the most commonly traded food items. Developing countries account for more than 53% of all commerce.
• Crabs and other oysters, salmon, trout, prawns, and prawns are among the top 10 species of fish harvested by aquaculture.

What Are The Key Pillars Of India’s Blue Revolution?

The Blue Revolution in India began during the 7th Five Year Plan (1985-1990), with the Central Government of India sponsoring the Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA). Following that, during the 8th Five Year Plan (1992-97), an Intensive Marine Fisheries Programme was begun, and fishing harbours were eventually created in Vishakhapatnam, Kochi, Tuticorin, Porbandar, and Port Blair.

The Nili Kranti Mission aims to improve India’s economic situation by improving fisheries, thereby contributing to food and nutritional security. The Neel Kranti Mission sustainably utilized water resources for the growth of fishing.

The following are the goals of the Nili Kranti mission:

• To fully use India’s complete fish potential on both islands and the marine sector and triple production by 2020.
• They use innovative technologies and techniques to transform the fishing sector into a modern industry.
• Increasing productivity and enhancing post-harvest marketing infrastructure, including e-commerce, technologies, and global best innovators, to double fishermen’s revenue.
• To ensure that fishers and fish growers actively participate in income generation.
• They are tripling export earnings by 2020, emphasizing the benefits spanning institutional processes.
• It is increasing the nation’s nutritional and food security.

Government Initiatives Driving India’s Blue Revolution?

1. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was founded in 2006 as an autonomous organization under the administrative oversight of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fishing, Animal Husbandry, & Dairying, Government of India, to increase fish production as well as efficiency in the country and coordinate fishery expansion in an integrated and holistic manner. Intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks, culture-based fisheries for capture in reservoirs, Coastal Aquaculture, Mariculture, Sea Weed cultivation, infrastructure development, fishing harbours, fish arriving centres, fishing dressing centres, and solar-powered drying of fish, domestic sales, fishing in the deep sea and tuna processing, ornamental fisheries, trout culture, artificial coral reefs technology upgrade and capacity building.

2. Development Of Inland Fisheries And Aquaculture Scheme

India’s aquaculture and fishing sector is one of the fastest expanding businesses, providing a living for the economically disadvantaged society. It is known as the “sunshine sector” in Indian agriculture since it is critical in increased food production, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. The Government of India established the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries to manage the growth of the fisheries sector through state governments and union territories (UTs). During the tenth Plan, the Ministry created a centrally funded program on the Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture to improve the socioeconomic position of fishermen and other stakeholders associated with the sector.

3. Development Of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure, And Post-Harvest Operations

The Central Government continued to provide financial assistance to fishers through State/UT Governments for the motorization of traditional fishermen, HSD oil rebates, construction of fishing harbours and fish landing centres, the establishment of inland fish marketing centres, and other projects until the end of the 9th Plan to increase marine fisheries production and bolster infrastructure to provide fish in prime condition to consumers and the fish processing industry. During the 10th Plan, a comprehensive scheme was developed and implemented to exploit marine fishery resources, including some new components and the continuation of old schemes as components of the updated Plan.

4. Strengthening Of Database & Geographical Information System Of The Fisheries Sector

To enhance the information base of inland and marine fisheries assets and catch of fish by using standardized data collection methodologies such as sample surveys to estimate inland fisheries resources such as ponds and tanks, reservoirs and lakes, rivers, lagoons, estuaries, and so on, as well as inland and marine fish, catch in all states/UTs and improving the Information Technology System in States/UTs and National Fishery Institutes so that data collecting and analysis may be done efficiently and effectively. To undertake an inland and marine fishery census.

5. National Scheme Of Welfare Of Fishermen

The Centrally Sponsored ‘National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen’ gave financial aid to fishermen, among other things, for housing construction. The scheme expired on March 31, 2020. For the benefit of fishermen, the Department is now executing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

6. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

The scheme aims to close important efficiency and output gaps in the fishing industry, infuse innovation and cutting-edge technology, improve post-harvest infrastructure and management, renew and strengthen the value chain and traceability, and establish a structure for effective fisheries management and fishermen’s welfare. The project emphasizes the need to maximize the potential of fisheries in an environmentally friendly, ethical, broad, and equitable manner.

Bottom Line

The Blue Revolution is a government project to expand the aquaculture business. It began in China and accounts for roughly two-thirds of aquaculture production worldwide. Recently, the aquaculture business has been increasing at a 9% annual rate, with India being one of the fastest-developing countries. The Neel Kranti Mission launched India’s Blue Revolution to achieve economic success while considering environmental sustainability, bio-security, and environmental issues. The transition of offshore fisheries from capture-based towards culture-based fishing has enabled a steady blue economy. To begin with, the sector provides a key source of income for over 16 million fishers, fish farmers, and thousands of people throughout the value chain.

Also Read: Sustainable Fishing | How It Benefits Our Environment