Question : Diversification of Fisheries

(a) whether the Union Government has received Memoranda from the State Government of Tamil Nadu seeking a Comprehensive Special Package for Diversification of Fisheries at a cost of Rs.1520 crore with a recurring component of Rs.10 crore for maintenance dredging;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government has any proposals to introduce any special innovative technologies in development of fishing and marine food sector in the country including Tamil Nadu;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the projects which are to be undertaken during the next two years; and

(e) the details of the funds earmarked and allocated by the Government for such projects during the last three years, year-wise?

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. The proposal for Special Package on Diversification of Fisheries inter alia includes components on creation of fishing harbours, dredging of fishing harbours and bar-mouths, infrastructural facilities for deep sea fishing and motorization of traditional craft. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF) has accorded administrative approval for construction of a fishing harbor at Mookaiyur at a total cost of Rs.113.90 crore with a central share of Rs.56.95 crore and released the first installment of Rs.5 crore on 12.9.2016. For dredging of fishing harbours and bar-mouths, the DADF under the existing Blue Revolution scheme has provisions for financial assistance to the tune of 50% of the project cost to the coastal states for undertaking maintenance at the existing fishing harbours and fish landing centres with a view to improve their navigability. For diversification of fisheries, the DADF in consultation with Government of Tamil Nadu had formulated a scheme for replacement of Bottom Trawlers into Gill Netters-cum-Long Liners for Deep Sea Fishing.However, the proposal for the said scheme has not been supported by the various appraisal Ministries/Departments in the Government of India, in view of the shared marine fishery resources and the proposal being a single-state based scheme.



(c) & (d) The DADF has restructured the Central Plan Schemes by merging all fisheries schemes and formulated a new Scheme, namely “Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries” with a total central outlay of Rs.3000 crore for five years period. The Scheme has a component of “Innovative Activities” which inter alia covers fisheries management, conservation, induction of new technology in fishing and allied activities including onboard handling of fish, diversification of species, new technologies in mariculture, fish culture, Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), cage/pen culture including auto feed technology, energy efficient operation of post-harvest infrastructure facilities, etc. States/UTs/Agencies including Tamil Nadu are required to submit self-contained proposal(s) for availing financial assistance for need based innovative activities as per the Guidelines of Blue Revolution Scheme. The DADF provides financial assistance to the State Governments including Tamil Nadu and Union Territories under Blue Revolution Scheme, based on the techno-economic feasibility reports, viability and complete proposals submitted by them.

(d) The total funds released to the States & UTs for various activities in the fisheries sector during the last three years are as under:
Year Fund released (Rs. in crore)
2013-14 318.13
2014-15 353.36
2015-16 362.04