India's Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

India's fisheries and aquaculture sector is in the spotlight as the country continues to experience significant growth in fish production.

Current state of India's fisheries and aquaculture sector

• India's fisheries and aquaculture sector has grown significantly in recent years, contributing to the livelihoods of approximately three crore fishers and fish farmers.
• The country's fish production reached a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23, marking an 83% increase in production since 2013-14.
• A significant portion of this production (about 75%) comes from inland fisheries, making India the second-largest fish and aquaculture producer in the world.
• Given this, improving the extension services that support fishers and fish farmers is crucial to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector.

Role of Extension Services in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Extension services are critical for disseminating knowledge and providing technical support to fishers and fish farmers. These services should focus on:

• Offering request-based support regarding the life cycle of improved species, water quality, disease management, and rearing technologies.
• Addressing the needs of seed growers and hatcheries to enhance productivity.
• Providing need-based training to promote sustainable practices and fisheries-based business models.

Critical extension initiative

Matsya Seva Kendras, Sagar Mitras, and digital platformslike AquaBazaar are pivotal in delivering technical support and capacity building to fishers and fish farmers.

• Matsya Seva Kendras (MSK):  Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has introduced Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs) to enhance fisheries extension services. These Kendras are envisioned as one-stop solutions for fishers and fish farmers, offering a range of services delivered by trained aquaculture professionals.
•   Key Features of Matsya Seva Kendras:
  • Support for Women and Weaker Sections: The government provides 60% financial assistance to set up MSKs targeting women and marginalized communities.
  • Services Offered: MSKs provide a variety of services, including water quality testing, disease diagnosis, capacity building, and technology infusion for better fish farming.
    • For example, the MSK in Thrissur, Kerala has a laboratory for water, soil, and microbial analysis, and provides disease testing based on requests.
    • The MSKs in Nasik and Sangli (Maharashtra) focus on capacity building related to seed and feed inputsand the use of new technologies.
  • Community and Cooperative Engagement: The government encourages MSKs to engage with start-ups, cooperatives, producer organizations, self-help groups, and joint liability groups to foster knowledge-sharingand the adoption of sustainable fishing practices.

• Impact of MSKs: MSKs aim to promote a “whole of government” approach, meaning a collaborative effort across various government and community sectors to address challenges like climate change and improve fisheries management. They play a pivotal role in promoting conservation and regenerative practices in both inland and marine
• Sagar Mitras: Connecting Sea-Borne Fishers: Another critical extension initiative is the deployment of Sagar Mitras, or sea helpers, in coastal regions of India. These individuals act as an interface between the government and sea-borne fishers, providing essential support and information.
•   Key Functions of Sagar Mitras:
  • Data Collection: Sagar Mitras gather and compile data on daily marine catches, price fluctuations, and marketing needs at fish landing centers and harbours.
    • Information Dissemination: They relay vital information to fishers about:
    • Local regulations
    • Weather forecasts
    • Natural calamities
    • Hygienic fish handling practices
    • Fishing zones in the seas
  • This real-time support helps fishers adapt to changing market conditions and weather, ensuring better productivity and safety.

Improving Extension Services in Fisheries

To make fisheries extension services more effective and accessible, two main strategies are recommended:

• Institutional Convergence: There is a need to integrate the Matsya Seva Kendras with the existing extension networks, such as the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)and the State extension services. This will create a more efficient, broad-reaching extension system across the country.
• Digital Outreach: Promoting the use of digital platforms is crucial to expand access to expert advice. A major initiative in this regard is the AquaBazaar platform, initiated by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). AquaBazaar provides:
  • Virtual learning opportunities
  • Practical demonstrations for fishers
  • Clarification of key concepts related to fish breeding, seed production, and commercial fish farming.