FISHERIES SECTOR IN INDIA

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Context

• India’s fish production touched a record 162.48 lakh tons per annum in 2021-22-Union minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Overview of India’s Fisheries Sector

• The role of fish in addressing food security, nutrition, and socio-economic development in the country is significant.
• Over the past 75 years, the fisheries sector in India has experienced a remarkable transformation, evolving from a traditional activity to a commercial enterprise.
• India stands 2nd in aquaculture production and one of the top cultured shrimps producing nations in the world.

Growth Rate

• India’s fish production has grown 22-fold since independence, from 7.5 lakh tonne in 1950-51 to a record-breaking 162.48 lakh tonne in 2021-22, reflecting a growth rate of 10.34% compared to the previous year.

Share in Global Fish Production

• With approximately 8% share in global fish production, India is now the world’s third-largest fish-producing country. 

Inland Fish Production

• Inland fish production, predominantly driven by aquaculture, has witnessed an extraordinary surge.
• In 2000-01, inland fish production stood at 28.23 lakh tonne, which rose to 121.21 lakh tonne in 2021-22, marking a remarkable 400% increase.

• Realizing the sector’s potential, the Government has committed to a national target to increase fish production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-2025, which will have a positive impact on 28 million fishers and fish farmers and almost twice that number along fish-related value chains.

READ MORE ABOUT INDIA’S FISHERIES SECTOR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/fisheries-sector-in-india

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Over the past 75 years, the fisheries sector in India has experienced a remarkable transformation, evolving from a traditional activity to a commercial enterprise. Elucidate.