GROWTH OF THE
FISHERIES SECTOR IN INDIA
Fisheries is an important
segment of our economy. It helps in increasing food supply, generate
job opportunities, raising nutritional level and earning foreign
exchange. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has
been undertaking directly and through the State Governments and
the administrations of the Union Territories various production,
input supply and infrastructure development programmes and welfare-oriented
schemes besides formulating and initiating appropriate policies
to increase production and productivity in the fisheries sector.
To focus attention
on the contribution made by the fisheries sector to the country’s
economy and to guide and encourage the fish farmers in their endeavour
to achieve higher yield through scientifically proved aquaculture,
fish farmers’ day is celebrated in all the States and Union Territories
on 10th July every year. It was on this day in 1957 that Dr. Hiralal
Choudhary, a pioneer in the induced breeding technique in Indian
major craps, achieved this feat.
As a result of
concerted efforts by the Central and State Governments, fish production
has continuously been increasing in the country, reaching a record
level of 5.96 million tonnes during 2000-01. It is expected to
reach the level of 6.05 million tonnes during 2002-2003 compared
to the output of 7.5 lakh tonnes in 1950-51. The fisheries sector
is a means of livelihood for a large section of the economically
backward population in the country. More than 6 million fishermen
and fish farmers in India depend on fisheries and aquaculture
for their existence.
Standing
India ranks as
the 4th largest producer of fish in the world and the second largest
producer of freshwater fish after China. The total foreign exchange
earnings of the country from the fisheries sector reached a level
of Rs. 5815 crore during 2001-2002.
Recognising the
importance of inland fisheries in the overall production of fish,
the Centre has been implementing a scheme known as Development
of Freshwater Aquaculture through the Fish Farmers’ Development
Agencies (FFDAs). These agencies provide a package of technical,
financial and extension support to the fish farmers. A network
of 429 FFDAs is functioning now covering all potential districts
in the country. Since the scheme’s inception in 1973-74 till 2000-01,
about 6.00 lakh hectares of water area has been brought under
fish culture and 6.99 lakh fish farmers trained in improved aquaculture
practices through FFDAs. Over 30135-hectare area has been brought
under scientific fish culture and 25,729 fish farmers were trained
in 2002-03.
The Department
of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Agriculture,
Government of India, has been implementing a Central Sector Scheme
and a Centrally-Sponsored Scheme since 1964 to provide infrastructure
facilities for landing and berthing of traditional fishing craft
and mechanized deep sea fishing vessels.
Growth
The Centre has
sanctioned six major fishing harbours, 50 minor fishing harbours
and 184 fish landing centres. Out of them six major fishing harbours,
33 minor fishing harbours and 130 fish landing centres have been
completed. The remaining 17 minor fishing harbours and 54 fish
landing centres are at various stages of construction.
In the 2002-03
proposals of the Andhra Pradesh Government for construction of
11 new fish landing centres at different locations along the State’s
sea coast at a total cost of about Rs.10 crore have been approved.
Once developed, these facilities are expected to benefit about
3480 fishing vessels plying along the coast of Andhra Pradesh.
Besides, a proposal of the Orissa Government for construction
of a fish landing centre at Balugaon at an estimated cost of Rs.
2.35 crore and a proposal of Andaman and Nicobar Administration
for construction of a fish landing centre at Dairy Farm, Junglighat
at a cost of Rs. 3.68 crore were also approved during 2002-03.
The fish landing centre at Balugaon is expected to benefit about
800-1000 country craft, whereas the fish landing centre at Junglighat
Dairy Farm, is expected to benefit about 140 non-mechanized fishing
vessels. The infrastructure facilities approved under the scheme
during the financial year 2002-03 are expected to generate direct
employment opportunities to about 25,000 fishermen. A large number
of people will also get indirect employment opportunities. A large
number of people will also get indirect employment opportunities
once the fishery-based industries in and around the infrastructure
facilities are developed.
Welfare
Under the welfare
programme for the fishing community, the Government extends financial
assistance for group accident insurance, saving-cum-relief and
development of model fishermen villages encompassing the components
construction of houses, community halls and drinking water facilities.
During the 9th Plan, Central assistance was extended to various
States and Union Territories for construction of about 37,000
houses. Over 10 lakh fishermen were covered under group accident
insurance and 2.5 lakh under the saving-cum-relief component annually.
In 2002-03, 7148 houses were sanctioned to them. The insurance
cover was extended to 10.5 lakh fishers in 2002-03.
Inputs
from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry
of Agriculture.
