Question : Encouraging Fisheries in Tamil Nadu

(a) the various steps taken by the Government to encourage fisheries in the coastal regions of the country including Tamil Nadu;

(b) whether there is any scheme with the Government that supports setting up of cold storage and fish processing units in the State of Tamil Nadu, if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of cold storage of fisheries that have been constructed so far;

(d) whether any incentives are given by the Government to fishermen for purchase of boats, engines, etc., if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details of the total fish production in Tamil Nadu along with the steps taken by the Government to ensure that sustainable fishing practices are followed by fishermen throughout the country?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

(SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI)

(a) to (c): The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries at a total central outlay of Rs.3000 crore in all the States/Union Territories including Tamil Nadu for development of marine and inland fisheries. Besides, in order to address the infrastructure requirements for fisheries sector in the country, the Department during 2018-19 also created a dedicated fund namely Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total funds size of Rs 7522.48 crore. The CSS inter-alia provides support to the State Governments/UTs for development of Inland Fisheries, marine fisheries, welfare of fisherman and creation of infrastructure including cold storage and fish processing units in the country including Tamil Nadu. The Government of Tamil Nadu has reported that 85 numbers private cold storage units and 80 numbers fish processing units are established in Tamil Nadu.
(d): The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the CSS inter-alia provide financial assistance for purchase of boats, engines, motorization of traditional craft, assistance for deep sea fishing etc. Central assistance of Rs.347.63 crore has been released to coastal States/UTs for purchase of boats, motorization of traditional craft, assistance for deep sea fishing during past three years (2015-16 to 2018-19).
(e): Total fish production in Tamil Nadu during 2017-18 reported at 6.82 lakh metic tonnes. The Government of India has notified a National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017. The National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017 aims to keep sustainability of the resources at the core of all actions. The States/Union Territories Governments are implementing their respective “Marine Fishing Regulation Act(s) (MFRAs) to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Workshops, meeting and awareness programs are organized from time to time by the Central and State/UT Governments, Coast Guards, Fisheries Research Institutions, Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO), Fisheries Universities and Colleges, other agencies as well as Fishermen Associations/ Federations etc. to sensitize the stakeholders including fishermen to spread awareness and to follow sustainable practices in the fisheries to ensure quality.
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