India's Fish Production Doubles Since 2014, Contributing 8% to Global Output, Says Rajiv Ranjan Singh at World Fisheries Day 2024

World Fisheries Day 2024 was celebrated with grandeur and purpose at the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, under the theme India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries. Organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), the event brought together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to honor the contributions of fishers and fish farmers while reinforcing a commitment to sustainable practices.

Graced by the presence of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, and other distinguished guests, including Ministers of State George Kurian and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, the event spotlighted India’s remarkable progress in the fisheries sector. The Union Minister highlighted the achievements that have propelled India to its status as the world’s second-largest fish producer, with over 30 million people engaged in the sector. He emphasized the critical role of government initiatives such as the Blue Revolution and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which have significantly boosted fish production from 9.58 million tons in 2014 to 17.5 million tons today. The rise of inland fishing, contributing 13.2 million tons, further shows India’s balanced approach to harnessing aquatic resources.

The Union Minister also addressed pressing challenges in the fisheries sector, including plastic pollution, water contamination, and carbon emissions from traditional fishing practices. He underscored the government’s efforts to mitigate these issues through initiatives like the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), reforms to tackle sectoral gaps, and a focus on eco-friendly fishing methods. His vision for a sustainable and economically robust fisheries sector encompasses policy integration, technological advancements, and enhanced infrastructure.

World Fisheries Day also marked the launch of several transformative projects. Among these was the 5th Marine Fisheries Census, aimed at facilitating data-driven policymaking, and the National Plan of Action on Sharks, which seeks sustainable management of shark populations. India’s commitment to the Regional Plan of Action on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, in collaboration with neighbouring countries, highlights its leadership in regional maritime sustainability. Other notable initiatives included the IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project to combat marine plastic litter and the introduction of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for retrofitted LPG kits to promote energy-efficient fishing practices. The Coastal Aquaculture Authority’s launch of a New Single Window System (NSWS) for online farm registrations and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) further underlined India’s forward-thinking approach.

Minister of State George Kurian praised the transformative role of fisheries and aquaculture in boosting food security, employment, and economic stability. He commended the cooperative movement for empowering fisher communities and emphasized the government’s investments under PMMSY, which have supported innovations like smart integrated harbors to increase productivity. Meanwhile, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel highlighted India’s global leadership in promoting sustainable practices, including seaweed cultivation and rejuvenating fish stocks, which have enhanced the safety and welfare of small-scale fishers.

The international dimension of the event was marked by the presence of Indian Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, and FAO’s Fisheries Division Director, Manuel Barange. Rao lauded India’s contributions to global food security and highlighted initiatives like the FAO IMO GloLitter Project, which positions India as a leader in combating marine pollution. Barange emphasized FAO’s Blue Transformation Initiative, advocating for sustainable aquaculture, effective fisheries management, and inclusive aquatic food value chains.

Secretary of Fisheries Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi shed light on the sector's pivotal role in rural development, noting its contributions to food and livelihood security. He highlighted priorities like expanding sustainable aquaculture, advancing research, digitization, and enhancing exports through value addition. Collaboration with global stakeholders was emphasized as key to driving innovation and ensuring inclusivity.

Recognizing excellence in the fisheries sector, awards were presented to states, districts, individuals, and cooperatives. Kerala was named Best Marine State, while Telangana and Uttarakhand were recognized for their inland and Himalayan fisheries, respectively. Jammu & Kashmir earned awards as Best Union Territory. Districts such as Kollam in Kerala and Kanker in Chhattisgarh were also honored for their exceptional contributions. Individual achievements included Karnataka’s Ravi Kharvi as Best Marine Fish Farmer and Bihar’s Shiv Prasad Sahani as Best Inland Fish Farmer. Cooperatives like the Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Cooperative Society, Goa, and enterprises like Anmol Feed Pvt. Ltd., West Bengal, were acknowledged for their excellence.

The event highlighted the significance of the fisheries sector to India’s economy, which provides employment for millions and accounts for 8% of global fish production. Since 2015, government initiatives have invested Rs 38,572 crore in programs such as the Blue Revolution and PMMSY. These efforts are aimed at promoting growth while addressing challenges like overfishing and the impacts of climate change.