Advancements in India’s Fisheries Sector
India’s fisheries sector is rapidly evolving, which aims to enhance fish farming and sustainability. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the need for organized fish farmers, which is crucial for maximizing benefits from government initiatives.
Fish Production Growth
India ranks as the second-largest fish producer globally, which is surged from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. This marks an impressive 82% increase. Government initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have driven this growth.
Key Government Initiatives
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana supports fish farming. The Fisheries and Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) enhances infrastructure. These initiatives focus on boosting production and sustainability in the sector.
New Projects Announced
During ‘World Fisheries Day‘, Singh announced new projects. The 5th Marine Fisheries Census aims to gather essential data. A National Plan of Action on Sharks will ensure sustainable management of shark populations.
India is collaborating with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, which will address illegal fishing in the Bay of Bengal. A Regional Plan of Action is being developed to combat this issue.
Environmental Initiatives
The IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project targets marine plastic litter. This initiative promotes cleaner oceans. Additionally, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for LPG kits encourage eco-friendly fishing practices.
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority has introduced a New Single Window System. This system facilitates online registration for aquaculture farms. It aims to streamline the registration process for fish farmers.
Carbon Market Framework
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to create a Voluntary Carbon Market. This framework promotes carbon-friendly practices within the fisheries sector.
The event recognised outstanding contributions in the fisheries sector. Kerala was awarded Best Marine State. Telangana received the title of Best Inland State. Other states and districts were also acknowledged for their achievements.
Important Facts for Exams:
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: This initiative supports fish farming in India. It aims to enhance production and sustainability. The programme is crucial for improving livelihoods of fish farmers.
- IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project: This project addresses marine plastic pollution. It aims to promote cleaner oceans globally. Collaboration between the International Maritime Organization and FAO is essential for effective implementation.
- Fisheries and Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): FIDF enhances infrastructure for fisheries in India. It supports various projects aimed at boosting production. This fund is vital for sustainable fisheries development.
- 5th Marine Fisheries Census: This census gathers essential data on marine fisheries. It aims to inform data-driven policies. Accurate data collection is crucial for sustainable fishery management.
Month: Current Affairs - November, 2024
Category: Agriculture Current Affairs