(a) whether the Government has any specific Policy/ Plan/Strategy for bringing Blue Revolution in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the text of such policy/plan; and
(c) if not, the reasons for not foreseeing the necessity of such a revolution?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING:
(SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI)
(a) to (c). Yes Sir, Foreseeing high potential in Fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has taken several initiatives over the years for sustainable and responsible development of fisheries in the country including the followings:
(i) Implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries during the past 5 years from 2015-16 to 2019-20 with a central financial outlay of Rs. 3000 crores to catalyze the “Integrated, Responsible and Holistic Development and Management of the Fisheries Sector”.
(ii) Launching of a flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)- A scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India with highest ever investment of Rs. 20,050 crores in the fisheries sector, for implementation over a period of five years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories. The scheme intends to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernisation and strengthening of value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishers’ welfare.
(iii) The Government of India, in 2018-19, extended the facility of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to help them meet their working capital needs.
(iv) Creation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) at a total outlay of Rs. 7522 Crores approved by Government of India in October 2018 to address the infrastructure gaps in the fisheries sector, which contains provisions for concessional financing or loans to Eligible Entities (EEs), including State Governments/UTs and State entities for development of identified fisheries infrastructure facilities.
(v) Notification of comprehensive National Marine Fisheries Policy 2017. The Policy framework is intended to guide the coordination and management of marine fisheries in the country during the next ten years (2018-2027) along with to ensure the health and ecological integrity of the marine living resources of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through sustainable harvests for the benefit of present and future generations of the nation. The policy emphasis on sustainable utilization of the fisheries wealth from marine aquatic resources, use of Information Technology (IT) and space technology for improving the capacities of the fishing community, Strengthening the monitoring, control and surveillance system, training of fishermen to avoid crossing the international marine boundary line (IMBL).
(vi) Creation of dedicated Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying with a view to provide sustained and focused attention towards the development of fisheries sector including welfare of fishermen and other fisher-folk & strengthening of their livelihoods.
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