Mahabalipuram, Oct 17th: Witnessing a momentous gathering at the “International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance,” Union Minister for Fisheries Parshottam Rupala showcased India’s strides in the fisheries sector. Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in partnership with the Government of India’s Department of Fisheries and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), the event aims to shape climate-resilient fisheries management strategies on a global scale.
Rupala highlighted the government’s robust investment of Rs 38,572 crore since 2015, resulting in a manifold increase in fish production. India, ranking as the second-largest aquaculture producer and third-largest fish producer globally, witnessed seafood exports doubling to a record Rs 63,969 crore ($8.09 billion) in the last nine years, with shrimp exports reaching Rs 43,135 crore ($5.48 billion) in 2022-23.
The success story continued as India’s fish production skyrocketed from 0.75 million tons in 1950-51 to a provisional record of 17.4 million tons in 2022-23, a remarkable 23-fold increase. Inland aquaculture’s triumph was evident, with production soaring from 0.21 million tons in 1950-51 to 13.13 million tons in 2022-23.
Over the past nine years, various schemes generated an estimated 61.9 lakh employment and livelihood opportunities. Fisher families, numbering approximately six lakhs, receive annual support during fishing bans, while 33 lakh fishermen were insured under the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) in FY 2022-23. Additionally, one lakh transponders are being deployed for the monitoring, control, and surveillance of marine fishing vessels.
In a bid to foster opportunities in the seaweed sector, the government initiated action for a Multipurpose Seaweed Park (integrated aquapark) in Tamil Nadu, worth Rs.1.27 billion.
Minister Rupala extended an invitation to delegates for the inaugural “Global Fisheries Conference 2023 (GFC-2023)” scheduled for November 21st-22nd in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, coinciding with World Fisheries Day. Delegates from 18 countries, including the US, Japan, Italy, China, France, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, are participating in the conference.
During the conclave, FAO representative Takayuki Hagiwara emphasized the collaborative efforts between FAO and India, highlighting the role of aquatic foods in addressing malnutrition and maintaining holistic health. Dr. Piero Mannini, Senior Liaison Officer, FAO, underscored the impact of global warming on marine species and coastlines, stressing the importance of managing aquatic resources effectively to achieve food security.
