INDIAN FISHERIES
1. Context
Strengthening fisheries extension services is essential for supporting fishers and promoting sustainable practices, with initiatives like Matsya Seva Kendras and Sagar Mitras playing key roles
2. Indian Fisheries Statistics
- India boasts a wide range of fisheries resources that support the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers. Since 2013-14, the country's fish production has surged by 83%, reaching a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23, with inland fisheries contributing 75% of the total output.
- As the world's second-largest producer of fish and aquaculture, India faces a critical need to enhance last-mile fisheries and aquaculture extension services.
- Experts emphasize that these services should cater to the specific needs of fishers and fish farmers, offering guidance on the lifecycle of improved cultured species, water quality, disease management, and rearing technologies.
- They should also address challenges faced by seed growers and hatcheries and provide targeted training to encourage sustainable practices and develop fisheries into viable business models
3. Matsya Seva Kendras (MSK)
- The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) envisions the establishment of Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs) as comprehensive centers offering diverse extension services through skilled aquaculture professionals.
- To support women and marginalized groups, the government provides financial assistance covering up to 60% of the setup costs. So far, funds have been allocated to State Governments and Union Territories to operationalize 102 MSKs.
- For instance, the MSK in Thrissur, Kerala, is equipped with advanced laboratories for water, soil, and microbial analysis, enabling disease testing based on specific requests.
- Similarly, the MSKs in Nasik and Sangli districts of Maharashtra focus on training fishers and fish farmers, emphasizing seed and feed inputs, along with the integration of relevant technologies.
- Adopting a "whole of government approach," the Government of India encourages MSKs to collaborate with start-ups, cooperatives, fish farmers’ producer organizations, joint liability groups, and self-help groups.
- These entities are urged to share best practices, including regenerative and conservation strategies, for inland and marine fisheries, keeping in mind the challenges posed by climate change
4. How do Sagar Mitras support fishers?
- An innovative extension initiative by the government involves the appointment of Sagar Mitras in coastal states and Union Territories to serve as a crucial link between the government and marine fishers.
- Their role includes gathering data on daily marine catches, price trends, and marketing requirements at fish landing centers and harbors.
- They also provide fishers with essential information on local regulations, weather updates, natural disaster warnings, hygienic practices for fish handling, and details about potential fishing zones in the seas
- Sagar Mitras, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), play a crucial role in supporting fishers and fish farmers by acting as a bridge between the fishing community and government authorities
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How can extension services be improved?
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5. Way Forward
Foster seamless collaboration between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), State and Union Territory extension systems, and private sector stakeholders to create a unified extension framework.
Establish Fisheries-specific KVK units in coastal and inland fishing zones for targeted outreach
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For Prelims: Fisheries, Economic Development
For Mains: GS III - Indian Economy
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Source: The Hindu
