New Delhi, Delhi, 6th of September, 2024 : Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh chaired the ‘Stakeholder Consultation’ on Fisheries Export Promotion with focus on strengthening shrimp farming & value chain today in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian was also present in the event.
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the vital role of the fisheries sector in Indian economy, which is experiencing a robust growth rate of 9%. This growth is expected to be a cornerstone in the development of India into a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Government of India has set ambitious goals to transform the country into an International Processing Hub, capitalizing on the sector’s vast potential. Key initiatives include digitalizing the fisheries sector to support traceable and sustainable fish exports through the development of Smart and Integrated Harbours, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. Additionally, light was shed on new budgetary allocations made for the establishment of Nucleus Breeding Centres focused on shrimp to further enhance the sector.
The Union Minister also highlighted plans to upgrade fishing infrastructure in Andaman & Nicobar Islands as well as Lakshadweep Islands with a particular emphasis on tuna exports. The efforts of various start-ups in the fisheries sector were commended and seafood exporters were encouraged to modernize their processing plants to enhance value addition and improve economic returns. To address challenges in maintaining disease-free broodstock and seed, a committee will be established to provide comprehensive recommendations.
Shri George highlighted that the government has increased the financial allocation to the Department of Fisheries and also enhanced funding under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The implementation of 218 new Projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Palghar, Maharashtra, on August 30, 2024, of Rs. 1564 crore was also mentioned, which are expected to create over five lakhs direct and indirect employment opportunities. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance, GoI, has reduced import duties on feed inputs and ingredients, benefiting the aquaculture sector. Representatives from SEAI, AISHA, PFFI, IMIA, OFTRI, as well as entrepreneurs, central and state government agencies, and research organizations attended the meeting, organized by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi highlighted the initiatives and schemes take up by the Government of India for overall development of fisheries sector including formalization of fisheries sector through new scheme of PM-MKSSY, cluster-based development in sectors like seaweed, ornamental fisheries and pearl culture, etc. The Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion witnessed participation from various stakeholders, including fish farmers, fishers, industry leaders, seafood exporters, policymakers, and researchers.
Shri Elias Sait, Secretary General, Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Shri Ravi Kumar Yellanki, President, All India Shrimp Hatcheries Association (AISHA), Shri I.P.R Mohan Raju, President, Prawn Farmers Federation of India (PFFI), Shri Mohamed Dawood Sait, President, Indian Marine Ingredient Association (IMIA), Dr. Atul Kumar Jain, President Ornamental fisheries training and Research Institute (OFTRI), as well as entrepreneurs, central and state government agencies, and research organizations attended the meeting, organized by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
The fisheries sector stands as a pivotal element of the Indian economy, crucially influencing national income, exports, and food security. Often referred to as the ‘Sunrise Sector,’ it sustains approximately 30 million individuals, notably from marginalized communities. As the world’s second-largest fish producer, India reached a historic production milestone of 17.5 million tons in 2022-23, contributing about 8% to global fish production. This sector’s impact is underscored by its 1.09% share in the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.72% in agricultural Gross Value Added.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying organized a Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion with a focus on strengthening shrimp farming and the value chain in Visakhapatnam.
The Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion witnessed participation from various stakeholders, including fish farmers, fishers, industry leaders, seafood exporters, policymakers, and researchers.
By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and value addition, the meeting served as a platform to discuss the way forward to enhance India’s position in the global seafood market and drive inclusive growth for fish farmers and coastal communities. Participants engaged in discussions on best practices, sustainable aquaculture technologies, and infrastructure development to enhance productivity, ensure food safety, and improve traceability in the seafood export and value chain. The consultation also focused on formulating actionable strategies to expand India’s footprint in global seafood markets, thereby maximizing the export potential of diverse fish, seaweed, and seafood products and supporting the livelihoods of millions of fishers, coastal communities, and fish farmers across the country.
This initiative reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to advancing the fisheries sector, ensuring it remained a vital contributor to the nation’s economy and a source of livelihood for millions. Through this collaborative approach, the Government of India sought to promote inclusive growth and resilience in the fisheries sector, boost exports, ultimately contributing to the nation’s blue economy.
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