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Union Minister George Kurian emphasized that drones will revolutionize the fisheries sector, improving efficiency and addressing critical challenges like aquaculture management, monitoring fish markets, and disaster response.
Underwater drones can monitor fish behavior, detect signs of distress, and provide real-time data to support sustainable fisheries management.
Initiatives
The Centre will develop 100 climate-resilient coastal fishing villages to help fisher communities facing climate change challenges.
₹2 crore per village will be allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for building fish-drying yards, processing centers, and other essential facilities.
The initiative also promotes climate-resilient practices, such as seaweed cultivation, artificial reefs, and green fuel.
The Department of Fisheries will install transponders on about one lakh marine fishing vessels this year, at a cost of ₹364 crore.
This system will allow real-time tracking of fishing vessels, enable two-way communication, and provide weather alerts like cyclone warnings.
The system, developed by ISRO using the GSAT 6 satellite, will also give fishermen information about potential fishing zones on their mobile phones in regional languages.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
It aims to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India.
PMMSY was introduced as part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ package with an investment of Rs. 20,050 crores, the highest-ever investment in this sector.
The scheme is being implemented in all States and UTs for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
In order to facilitate access to institutional credit, fishermen are provided with insurance coverage, financial assistance and a facility of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) as well.
Implementation:
It is implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate components namely:
Central Sector Scheme: The project cost will be borne by the Central government.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme: All the sub-components/activities will be implemented by the States/UTs, and the cost will be shared between the Centre and State
Objectives:
Harness the potential of the fisheries sector
Enhance fish production and productivity
Modernise and strengthen the value chain
Double fishers' and fish farmers’ incomes
Enhance the contribution of the fisheries sector to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and exports
Build a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework
Achievements:
As the 3rd largest fish producer and the 2nd largest aquaculture producer globally, India recognizes the significance of the fisheries and aquaculture industry.
The fish production reached an all-time high of 16.25 MMT during FY 2021-22 with marine exports touching Rs. 57,586 Crores.
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