MATSYA SAMPADA JAGRUKTA ABHIYAN

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Picture Courtesy: Krishi Jagran Business

Context: The Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan (MSJA) workshop was inaugurated on October 23, 2023, at the National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT) in Kochi, Kerala.

Key Highlights

• The fisheries and aquaculture sector is vital for food production, nutrition security, employment, income generation, and foreign exchange.
• The Department of Fisheries, through outreach activities and initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) launched in 2019-20, has successfully engaged millions of stakeholders to address challenges and promote development in the fisheries sector.
• The Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan (MSJA) seeks to bridge the information and awareness gap among farmers, thereby increasing the uptake of government welfare schemes in the fisheries sector.
• Objectives of MSJA include disseminating information about the Department of Fisheries' achievements, reaching out to fish farmers and related communities, and promoting best practices and advancements in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
• The program will encourage the adoption of advanced practices and promote responsible fisheries management and sustainable aquaculture.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector in India

• India's fisheries and aquaculture sector is a vital component of the nation's economy, providing employment to over 28 million people and contributing 1.1% to the GDP.
• It ranks as the third largest fish producer globally, contributing 8% of the world's total fish production.

Inland Fisheries	●Inland fisheries constitute approximately 70% of India's total fish production. The abundance of resources including rivers, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, and tanks has been pivotal in this growth. ●Improved aquaculture practices and the introduction of exotic fish species have played a significant role in the remarkable increase in inland fish production.
Marine Fisheries	●The remaining 30% of India's fish production is attributed to marine fisheries, exploiting the country's extensive 7500-kilometer coastline. Major species captured in these marine waters include mackerel, tuna, sardines, anchovies, and prawns.
Aquaculture	●Aquaculture stands out as the fastest-growing sector, contributing to about half of India's total fish production. This method is practised both inland and along the coastal regions, with species like carp, shrimp, catfish, and tilapia being the prominent choices.
Challenges Faced	●Despite its growth, the sector confronts significant challenges, including overfishing of marine resources, pollution of water bodies, lack of access to credit and technology for small-scale fishers and farmers, and inadequate infrastructure for post-harvest handling and processing.
Government Initiatives	●The Government of India has launched several initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an investment exceeding ₹20,000 crore, the Blue Revolution Scheme aiming to boost fish production and generate employment, and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) providing financial and technical assistance.

Conclusion

• The Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan workshop serves as a crucial platform to enhance awareness and knowledge sharing in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of millions of stakeholders involved in this industry.

Must Read Articles:

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/pradhan-mantri-matsya-sampada-yojna-30

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What are the key challenges faced by the fisheries sector in India, and what strategies are being implemented to promote sustainable practices, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of fishermen and fish farmers?