The Indian parliamentary standing committee on animal husbandry has proposed the establishment of the Indian Council for Fishery and Aquaculture Research (ICFAR). This recommendation comes in light of the fisheries sector‘s potential and its increasing contribution to agriculture and the national gross value added (GVA). The committee’s report marks the need for focused research and effective management in the fisheries sector.
Importance of Fisheries in India
India ranks as the third-largest fish-producing nation globally. It accounts for 8% of the world’s fish production. The fisheries sector contributes approximately 1.09% to India’s overall GVA. Additionally, it represents over 6.724% of the agricultural GVA. This contribution has notably increased from about 4% in previous years.
Need for a Dedicated Research Council
Currently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) oversees fisheries research. However, the committee argues that a dedicated council would better address the sector’s specific challenges. The proposed ICFAR would focus on in-depth research and development, improving the sustainability and productivity of fisheries and aquaculture.
Challenges Faced by the Fisheries Sector
The report identifies several challenges in the fisheries sector. These include overfishing, environmental degradation, and the need for better management practices. The establishment of ICFAR aims to tackle these issues through targeted research initiatives.
Recommendations for Farmers
The committee has also addressed the issue of milk pricing. It notes that the increase in milk prices is lower than the average food inflation rate. The committee urges the government to reassess the pricing mechanisms used by milk procurement agencies. This would ensure that farmers receive fair returns for their produce.
Legal Mesh Size Regulation
To protect juvenile fish, the committee recommends implementing minimum legal mesh size regulations across all states. Currently, states like Kerala and Karnataka have such regulations. Extending this practice nationwide could help preserve fish populations and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Financial Support for Farmers
Another recommendation involves providing interest-free loans to farmers through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. Some states have successfully implemented an additional interest subvention, making the effective interest rate zero. This financial support could enhance farmers’ access to credit and improve their livelihoods.
Coordination Among States
The committee suggests that the Department of Fisheries should work closely with all states and union territories. This coordination is essential to explore financial support options and ensure the effective implementation of recommended practices.
Future Directions
The establishment of ICFAR and the proposed recommendations signify a strategic move towards enhancing India’s fisheries sector. By focusing on research and sustainable practices, the government aims to boost the sector’s contribution to the economy.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of fisheries on India’s agricultural economy and its GVA.
- Critically discuss the challenges faced by the fisheries sector and the role of research in addressing them.
- Point out the significance of implementing minimum legal mesh size regulations in fisheries management.
- Analyse the potential benefits of interest-free loans for farmers under the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of fisheries on India’s agricultural economy and its GVA.
- India is the third-largest fish producer globally, contributing 8% to the world’s fish production.
- The fisheries sector contributes approximately 1.09% to India’s overall Gross Value Added (GVA).
- It plays role in agricultural GVA, increasing from about 4% to over 6.724% in recent years.
- Fisheries provide livelihoods for millions, supporting rural economies and enhancing food security.
- The sector’s growth is essential for sustainable agricultural practices and economic diversification.
2. Critically discuss the challenges faced by the fisheries sector and the role of research in addressing them.
- Overfishing and environmental degradation threaten fish stocks and biodiversity.
- Poor management practices contribute to inefficiencies in production and resource use.
- Research can identify sustainable practices and innovative technologies for aquaculture and fisheries management.
- Dedicated councils like ICFAR can focus on the specific needs of the sector, improving overall productivity.
- Addressing these challenges through research can enhance food security and economic stability in fishing communities.
3. Point out the significance of implementing minimum legal mesh size regulations in fisheries management.
- Minimum legal mesh size regulations help prevent the capture of juvenile fish, allowing populations to mature and reproduce.
- This practice promotes sustainable fishing, ensuring long-term viability of fish stocks.
- States like Kerala and Karnataka have seen positive outcomes, showcasing the effectiveness of such regulations.
- Implementing these regulations nationwide can help standardize practices and enhance compliance across the industry.
- Protecting juvenile fish contributes to ecological balance and supports the livelihoods of fishing communities.
4. Analyse the potential benefits of interest-free loans for farmers under the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
- Interest-free loans can reduce the financial burden on farmers, enhancing their cash flow.
- This financial support can improve access to necessary resources for farming and aquaculture practices.
- States implementing additional interest subventions have successfully reduced effective interest rates to zero.
- Such initiatives can encourage investment in sustainable practices and technologies in the fisheries sector.
- Improved financial stability can lead to better quality produce and increased incomes for farmers.
