GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING AND FISHERIES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1153
TO BE ANSWERED ON 18TH DECEMBER, 2018
CONTRIBUTION OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE
1153. DR. SHASHI THAROOR:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE ???? ?? ????? ?????? ??????
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that Indian fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes to nearly 6.3 per cent of global fish production and livelihood of nearly 4 million are dependent on this sector;
(b) whether the Government is aware that there exists a great potential in the aquaculture sector, especially as a source of major exports, due to the coastline of 7,517 km and an extensive river and canal system of about 195.210 km and pond tank resources estimated at 2.36 million hectare;
(c) whether the Government is aware that there is an urgent need to give specialized attention and investment to utilise the immense potential in the fisheries and aquaculture sector;
(d) if so, whether the Government is willing to establish a separate Ministry of fisheries;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ)
(a) and (b): Yes Madam. The fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes to nearly 6.3 per cent of global fish production and livelihood of nearly 4 million are dependent on this sector. As far as potential fisheries resources in the aquaculture, inland fisheries, coastal and marine sector, there is substantial scope of export augmentation. (c) The Fisheries division of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India is implementing various developmental schemes under the umbrella of “Blue Revolution Scheme” for overall development of fisheries sector, including enhancement of production and productivity, improving the livelihood of the fishers and welfare of fishermen for realizing “Blue Revolution” in the country. Besides, this the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) has also
approved the setting up of a dedicated Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) worth Rs.7,522 crore on 23rd October, 2018. This would fill the large infrastructure gaps in fisheries sector in the country through developing infrastructure projects such as fishing harbours/ fish landing centres, fish seed farms, fish feed mills/plants, cage culture in reservoirs, mariculture activities, introduction of deep sea fishing vessels, setting up of disease diagnostic and aquatic quarantine facilities, creation of cold chain infrastructure facilities such as ice plants, cold storage, fish transport facilities, fish processing units, fish markets, etc.
(d) to (f): No, Madam. In this regard, it is informed that a separate Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying was carved out of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation in February, 1991 and the Fisheries Division was subsequently transferred and included in it in October, 1997 and the Department was renamed as “Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries”.
Further, Fishery Division of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India has been implementing various developmental schemes in close association with State Governments/UTs for overall development of fisheries sector, including enhancement of production and productivity, improving the livelihood of the fishers and welfare of fishermen, filling up infrastructural gaps etc towards realizing “Blue Revolution” in the country. The current arrangement is considered adequate and therefore there is no rationale for formation of a separate Ministry for Fishers.
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