Question : Demand for Fishery Products

a) whether the fishery trade has been hit hard due to COVID-19;
b) if so, whether the demand of fishery products have declined due to this reason;
c) whether fishery industry have huge stock for export and for domestic consumption resulting in bringing down prices of fish and fishery products and if so, the details thereof;
d) whether the Government has given any assistance to fishermen in the country to recover from the crisis; and
e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

(SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI)

(a) & (b) Like other sectors, fisheries trade has also been impacted due to COVID-19 pandemic. During peak of the pandemic, the demand for fisheries products has fallen in international and domestic markets due to disruption in supply chain.
(c) Indian fisheries resources and the production capacity are sufficient to meet the demand for export as well as domestic consumption and resulting price stabilization.
(d) & (e) Yes, Sir. In view of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and in order to mitigate the impact of the crisis to fishers and fish farmers, a number of measures were taken to facilitate the activities during the lockdown including exemption of operation of marine fisheries and aquaculture activities from the restrictions under the lockdown vide the 5th Addendum to the consolidated Guidelines dated 10th April, 2020 issued by Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a flagship scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)”- A scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India as a part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat relief package with a highest ever estimated investment of Rs. 20050 crores in fisheries sector over a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories. The PMMSY inter alia provides support for acquisition of Deep sea fishing vessels for traditional fishermen, up gradation of existing fishing vessels for export competency, establishment of bio-toilets in mechanised fishing vessels, providing communication and /or tracking devices for traditional and motorised vessels like VHF/DAT/NAVIC/Transponders etc., support for providing safety kits for fishermen of traditional and motorized fishing vessels, providing boats (replacement) and nets for traditional fishermen, support to fishermen for PFZ devices and network including the cost of installation and maintenance etc.
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