Role of Fisheries Sector in Growth of Indian Economy

Fisheries sector in India play a significant role in the Indian economy and provide livelihood to millions of fisher folk. India is the 3^rd largest fish producing and 2^nd largest aquaculture producing nation in the world. The Blue Revolution in India demonstrated importance of Fisheries and Aquaculture sector. To improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people in rural areas and to create more livelihood opportunities, a holistic approach has been adopted by the Government of India to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“SagarParikrama” is an evolutionary journey envisaged in the sea across the coastal belt demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders as a spirit of 75^th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav saluting our great freedom fighters, sailors and fishers. It is an initiative by Government of India, aiming to resolve the issues of the fishers and other stakeholders and facilitate their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes and programs being implemented by the Government of India such as PMMSY& KCC.

The journey of “Sagar Parikrama” has started with the theme of “KRANTI se SHANTI” on 5^th March 2022 from Mandvi, Gujarat covering 3 locations Mandavi, Okha-Dwarka and Porbandar. Followed by Phase-II program covered 7 locations from Mangrol, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Surat, Daman &Valsad.  Later, Phase-III ‘SagarParikrama’ covered the 5 locations in coastal areas of northern Maharashtra namely Satpati (District Palghar), Vasai, Versova, New Ferry Wharf (BhauchaDhakka) & Sasson Dock, and other areas of Mumbai. Phase IV ‘SagarParikrama’ in Karnataka covered main locations viz.Udupi and Dakshina Kannada& Uttar Kannada. 50,000 people physically attended the event and the program was live-streamed on various social media platforms and around 30,000 people watched the event. Successfully completed Sagar Parikrama in four phases covering 19 locations in Gujarat, Damen & Diu,  Maharashtra and Karnataka. SagarParikrama song has been launched in Gujarati, Marathi& Kannada.

SagarParikrama Phase-V, journey shall continue covering 6 locations Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg Districts in Maharashtra and Vasco, Maorugoa, and Canacona in Goa.

Maharashtra has 720 km. of coastline with a continental shelf area of 111512 sq. km and 5 coastal districts Thane, Raigad, Greater Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Maharashtra state ranks 7^th with around 5 %share in the country’s fish production and is yet to explore its untapped potential completely. Marine fisheries had always a major share (currently 82 %) compared to inland fisheries (currently 18 %) for Maharashtra.

Goa is bestowed with a coastline of 104 km with numerous bays and headlands. The continental shelf area of Goa extends to 10,000 km² of about 100 fathoms depths. The current annual average marine and inland fish production is estimated at 86,027 and 3669 tonnes, respectively. Fish is considered a staple diet for more than 90% of the population of Goa and holds greater importance to the state of Goa being an integral part of Goan life and culture. The annual average per capita consumption of fish in Goa is 15-17 kg. The marine fishery sector provides livelihood to a large number of people in Goa.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Minister of State for Fisheries, Dairying and Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Dairying and Animal Husbandry and Dairying & Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan, Shri. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister, Department of Forest, Cultural Affairs, Fisheries, Dr.Abhilaksh Likhi, OSD, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, Dr. Atul Patne, I/C Secretary Fisheries & Commissioner of Fisheries, Maharashtra state, Dr. J. Balaji, Joint Secretary, Fisheries, Govt of India, Speaker & Members of Legislative Assembly, Members of Legislative Council and Member of Parliament and senior officials of Department of Fisheries, Govt of India, National Fisheries Development Board, Director of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra and Government of Goa, Senior officials from Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, Maharashtra Maritime Board and fishermen representatives shall take part in the event. The journey shall be accompanied by State Fisheries officials, Fishermen representatives, Fish-Farmers, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials and Scientists from across the nation.

During the event, certificates/sanctions related to Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme, KCC& State Scheme shall be awarded to the progressive fishermen, especially coastal fishermen, fishers and fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs etc. Literature on PMMSY scheme, State schemes, e-shram, FIDF, KCC, etc. shall be popularised through print media, electronic media, videos, and digital campaigns through jingles among fishers for wide publicity of schemes.  A song on Sagar Parikrama in Marathi & shall also be launched.

This would enable the Government in devising better policies for improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people of the coastal community, especially the marine fishermen in the country. The journey of Sagar Parikrama shall focus on the sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for the food security of the nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and the protection of marine ecosystems, to bridge the gaps of fisher communities and their expectations, development of fishing villages, upgradation and creation of infrastructure such as fishing harbours & fish landing centres to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.