The Union Ministry of Fisheries successfully passed an amendment to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act 2005 in both Houses of Parliament recently, bringing relief to investors, farmers, and the public supportive of the aquaculture industry in India. The amendment, welcomed by stakeholders, is expected to catalyse substantial growth in productivity, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.
The All India Shrimp Hatcheries Association (AISHA), Tamil Nadu Region, expressed gratitude to key figures including Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries Shri. Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala, Hon’ble Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, and Shri Masthan Rao Beeda, Member of Rajya Sabha, for their efforts in facilitating the passage of the amendment.
Mr. G Calraj, President of AISHA, Tamil Nadu Region, highlighted the anticipated positive impact of the amendment on the aquaculture industry. With expectations of a significant increase in productivity from 8.75 lakh tonnes to nearly 20 lakh tonnes in the coming 4 to 5 years, the industry also envisions a rise in direct and indirect employment from 2 lakhs to 6 lakhs. In Tamil Nadu alone, the amendment is poised to unlock the full potential of 25,000 hectares, increasing shrimp production from 35,000 tonnes to an estimated 1 lakh tonnes in the near future. Additionally, the industry’s contribution to foreign exchange is anticipated to surge from the current Rs. 40,000 crore to Rs. 1 lakh crore.
The amendment addresses concerns arising from the September 2022 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, which put licensed hatcheries at risk due to misinterpretation of the CAA Act 2005. The confusion arose as the Act did not differentiate between shrimp hatchery and farming activities, causing distress to the aquaculture industry. The recent amendment is seen as a crucial step to permanently resolve these issues and distinguish hatchery activities from farming.
The industry faced challenges when some unauthorized elements misinterpreted the CAA Act, leading to threats and extortion attempts against licensed hatcheries. Despite being licensed and monitored by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority, misinterpretations of the Act resulted in a petition to demolish hatcheries filed in the NGT, further complicating matters.
The amendment is not only hailed as a solution to the industry’s immediate challenges but is also aligned with the Union Government’s plans to double fisheries production in India through the PMMSY scheme. The aquaculture industry, a significant contributor to India’s foreign exchange and livelihoods, looks poised for growth and sustainability with the recent legislative development.
