Question : Development of Fisheries

(a) whether it is a fact that Fisheries is an important economic activity and a flourishing sector with varied resources and potential in the country and if so, the details of the growth witnessed during the recent years;

(b) whether the Government has maintained any data about the number of people engaged for livelihood in the fisheries sector in the country and if so the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government is taking various steps to attract more number of people to the sector by promoting and allocation of adequate funds for the fisheries sector;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether it is also a fact that there is immense scope for the further development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the country; and

(f) if so, the measures taken by the Government during the last three years and the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ)

(a): Yes, Madam. Fisheries is an important economic activity and a flourishing sector with varied resources and potential in the country. The details of the growth rate in fish production witnessed during the last three years in inland and marine sector is given below:
Financial Year Inland Marine Total
Production (lakh tonnes) Growth Rate (%) Production (lakh tonnes) Growth Rate (%) Production (lakh tonnes) Growth Rate (%)
2014-15 66.91 9.04 35.69 3.66 102.60 7.1
2015-16 71.62 7.04 36.00 0.87 107.62 4.9
2016-17 (P) 77.68 8.46 36.41 1.14 114.09 6.0

(b): Yes, Madam. The Department has maintained data of the number of fishers engaged for livelihood in the fisheries sector in the country. The statement showing State-wise details of number of fishers engaged in fisheries sector are furnished at Annexure A.

(c)&(d): Yes, Madam. The Department is taking various steps to attract more number of people to the fisheries sector by implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) ‘Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries’ and allocation of adequate funds to various States/UTs. A statement showing the State-wise details of tentative funds allocated under the CSS during the current financial year (2017-18) is at Annexure B.

(e)&(f): Yes, Madam. There is immense scope for the further development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the country. The Department has provided financial assistance to various States/UTs for development of Inland fisheries and Aquaculture, Marine fisheries and post harvest infrastructure, welfare of fishermen, Strengthening of Database & Geographical Information System of the Fisheries Sector and Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and other need-based Interventions. The details of funds released by the Department for the development of fisheries sector to various States and UTs during last three years are as under:
Financial Year Amount Released (Rs in lakh)
2014-15 35335.98
2015-16 41680.94
2016-17 42411.00




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