Gujarat, boasting the longest coastline in India at 1,600 km, aims to leverage its marine resources further, with an annual average marine fish production of 8.5 lakh tonnes in the past four years. Contributing to 17% of India’s total fish exports, valued at Rs 5,000 crore, the state is encouraging its traditional fishing community to embrace modern technologies for deep-sea fishing, unlocking substantial growth opportunities.
The upcoming 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, scheduled for January 10 to 12, 2024, is expected to provide a significant boost to the fisheries industry. This biennial summit serves as a platform for businesses and governments to explore investment opportunities and establish partnerships.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted Gujarat’s pivotal role in fish production, with the state’s contribution accounting for 17% of India’s total fish exports. Patel underscored the success of the Sagar Khedu Sarvangi Vikas Yojana, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister, in fostering the rapid growth of Gujarat’s blue economy sector.
From fishing operations to processing, the fisheries industry plays a crucial role in generating employment and contributing to the state’s economy. The government’s initiatives, including schemes providing new gas machines to small traditional fishermen, have positively impacted the fishing community, according to Jitu Kahada, a leader in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district.
As of July this year, provisional marine fish production for 2022-23 is expected to reach 6,97,151 metric tonnes, with inland fish production at 2,07,078 metric tonnes. The state government has implemented various initiatives to promote the fisheries sector, including reduced VAT on diesel, subsidies on kerosene and petrol, infrastructure improvements at small fishing ports, and the construction of new fish harbours.
Efforts to enhance weather and safety awareness in coastal areas have further contributed to the sector’s improvement. These combined initiatives have resulted in positive changes in the lives of the state’s fishing community members, with the average annual income of a fisherfolk family witnessing steady growth.
With a focus on tapping into the potential of deep-sea fishing, both the central and state governments are supporting traditional fishermen in transitioning by helping them acquire deep-sea fishing boats. Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, L Murugan, highlighted the government’s commitment to this transition through schemes such as the Blue Revolution and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
These initiatives offer financial assistance of up to 60% to traditional fishermen for converting their vessels into deep-sea fishing boats, with loan facilities available to facilitate the transformation. Deep-sea fishing, beyond territorial waters and within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), presents promising opportunities, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for public and private sector investment to unlock economic, social, and environmental benefits.