Indian Economy
World Fisheries Day
- 21 Nov 2020
- 4 min read
Why in News
The World Fisheries Day is observed on the 21st November every year.
- On the occasion of the World Fisheries Day, for the first time in the Fisheries Sector, the Government of India will award best performing States.
Key Points
- World Fisheries Day is celebrated to demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the world.
- It was started in the year 1997 when “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” met at New Delhi leading to formation of “World Fisheries Forum” with representatives from 18 countries and signed a declaration advocating for a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies.
- Aim: To draw attention to overfishing, habitat destruction and other serious threats to the sustainability of marine and inland resources.
- Importance of Fisheries Sector:
- Around 30 million to over 60 million people in the developing world are involved in inland fisheries; it is thought that about 50% are women.
- Around 65% of fish caught from inland fisheries are from low-income food deficit countries.
- More than 25% of world dietary protein is provided by the fish.
- Importance of Fisheries for India:
- India is the second major producer of fish through aquaculture in the world.
- India is the 4th largest exporter of fish in the world as it contributes 7.7% to the global fish production.
- Fish constituted about 10% of total exports from India and almost 20% of agriculture exports in 2017-18.
- The fisheries and aquaculture production contribute around 1% to India’s GDP and over 5% to the agricultural GDP.
- Around 28 million people are employed in the fisheries sector in India.
- The sector has immense potential to more than double the fishers and fish farmers’ incomes, as envisioned by the government.
- Challenges for Fisheries sector:
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) points out that nearly 90% of the global marine fish stocks have either been fully exploited or overfished or depleted to the extent that recovery may not be biologically possible.
- Discharge of harmful substances like plastics and other waste into water bodies that cause devastating consequences for aquatic life.
- Changing climate.
- Indian Government's Effort to Improve Fisheries:
- Establishment of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) during 2018-19.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: The programme aims to achieve 22 million tonnes of fish production by 2024-25. Also, it is expected to create employment opportunities for 55 lakh people.
- Focus on Blue Revolution: Focuses on creating an enabling environment for integrated and holistic development and management of fisheries for the socio-economic development of the fishers and fish farmers.
- Extension of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to fishers and fish farmers to help them in meeting their working capital needs.
