Context: The government announced a Rs 6,000 crore scheme in order to formalise the unorganised fisheries sector, facilitate institutional finance to micro and small enterprises and promote acqaculture insurance.

• The government also decided to extend the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) for another three years up to 2025-26 within the already approved fund of Rs 7,522.48 crore and budgetary support of Rs 939.48 crore.

Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

• Established in: 2018-19

• Nodal Implementing Agency: National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad

• FIDF envisages creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and inland fisheries sectors and augment the fish production to achieve the target set under the Blue Revolution.

What is this new scheme?

• The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

• PM-MKSSY is central sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

• The sub-scheme PM-MKSSY is with 50% public finance, including the World Bank and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) external financing, and the rest 50% investment from the private sector leverage. 

• It will be implemented for four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27 across all the States and union territories.

Significance 

• Fishers, aquaculture farmers, fish workers and fish vendors are expected to benefit from the scheme.

• It is aimed at gradual formalisation of the fisheries sector and enhanced access to institutional credit.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• Nodal Agency: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying 

• PMMSY was introduced as part of the ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’ package with an investment of Rs. 20,050 crores, the highest-ever investment in this sector.

• The scheme is being implemented in all States and UTs for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.

• The Government has launched the PMMSY for the development of marine & inland fisheries.

• There are provisions of Ban Period Support to fishermen (during the period fishing is not permitted).

• The focus is on Islands, Himalayan States, and North-east & Aspirational Districts.

• Target group: fishermen, fish farmers, fish workers, micro and small enterprises, and fish farmers producers organisations, among others.

• Objectives: To formalise the fisheries sector while focusing on micro and small enterprises in all states and Union Territories.

• It will also address issues of aquaculture crop losses due to disease through insurance and enhance export competitiveness through value addition, value realization and value creation.

• Funding: Rs 6,000 crore

• About 50 per cent i.e. Rs 3,000 crore will come from public finance including the World Bank and the AFD external financing.

• The remaining 50 per cent is expected from the beneficiaries and private sector.

• Period: four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27 fiscal years

Significance

• Employment generation: The sub-scheme is projected to generate about 1.7 lakh new jobs, with a special emphasis on employing 75,000 women.

• Opportunities in MSME: It also aims to generate 5.4 lakh continued employment opportunities in the micro and small enterprises (MSME) value chain.

National Fisheries Digital Platform

• Under PM-MKSSY, 'National Fisheries Digital Platform' will be created to provide 40 lakh small and micro-enterprises work based identities.

• It will also support 6.4 lakh micro-enterprises and 5,500 fisheries cooperatives, providing access to institutional credit.

Fisheries Sector of India

• India is the third largest fish producing country, contributing 8 percent to the global fish production and ranks second in aquaculture production.

• India is the 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries products.

• 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route in pisciculture and aquaculture sector in India.

Challenges of the Fisheries Sector in India

• Overfishing: Overexploitation of fish stocks due to excessive fishing pressure is a significant challenge. 

• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: IUU fishing undermines efforts to manage and conserve fish stocks.

• It includes activities such as fishing without proper authorization, disregarding catch limits, and using banned fishing gear. 

• Lack of Infrastructure and Technology: Inadequate infrastructure and outdated fishing technology hinder the efficiency and productivity of the fisheries sector.

• Poor storage and transportation facilities lead to post-harvest losses, while outdated fishing vessels and gear limit the ability of fishers to catch fish sustainably.

• Poor Fisheries Management: Limited enforcement of regulations, lack of comprehensive data on fish stocks, and inadequate monitoring and control measures exacerbate the problem of overfishing and IUU fishing.

• Pollution and Habitat Destruction: Pollution from industrial activities, coastal development, and agricultural runoff poses a threat to marine and freshwater habitats.

• Similarly, habitat destruction through activities such as coastal reclamation, mangrove deforestation, and dredging further exacerbates the loss of valuable fish habitats.

• Climate Change: Climate change is altering oceanic and freshwater environments, affecting fish distribution, migration patterns, and reproductive cycles.

• Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events can disrupt fish populations and destabilize fisheries ecosystems.

• Socio-economic Issues: Poverty, lack of alternative livelihood options, and unequal distribution of resources contribute to the vulnerability of fishing communities.

• Many small-scale fishers face challenges accessing credit, markets, and social services, exacerbating their socio-economic marginalization.

Key Policy Decisions

• Blue Revolution Scheme

• Creation of a new Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying

• Separate Department of Fisheries with the independent administrative structure

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• Sagar Parikrama

• PM Gati Shakti Master Plan

Road Ahead

• Addressing the challenges requires coordinated efforts from government agencies, fishery stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the private sector. 

• Implementing sustainable fisheries management practices, investing in infrastructure and technology, strengthening governance frameworks, promoting community-based approaches, and mitigating the impacts of climate change are essential steps towards ensuring the long-term viability and resilience of India’s fisheries sector.