What’s in Today’s Article?
- Introduction (Context of the Article, About Fisheries Sector)
- Fisheries Extension Services (Importance, Govt Initiatives, Challenges, Way Forward, etc.)
Introduction:
- India, with its diverse aquatic resources, plays a pivotal role in global fisheries and aquaculture.
- The sector provides livelihood to more than 25 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and twice the number along the value chain.
- India is the 3rd largest fish producing country, contributing 8 percent to the global fish production and ranks 2nd in aquaculture production.
- The fish production in 2021-22 is 16.24 Million Tonnes (MTs) comprising of marine fish production of 4.12 MTs and 12.12 MTs from Aquaculture.
Importance of Fisheries Extension Services:
- Fisheries extension services bridge the gap between scientific advancements and fish farmers' practices, ensuring:
- Knowledge Transfer: Guidance on species lifecycle management, water quality, disease control, and rearing technologies.
- Capacity Building: Training on sustainable practices and promoting fisheries as viable business models.
- Sustainable Practices: Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and overfishing through regenerative and conservation management.
Key Government Initiatives:
- Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs):
- Launched under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), MSKs serve as one-stop centres for fisheries-related services.
- Role and Features:
- Provide disease testing and water/soil analysis.
- Train fishers on seed/feed technology and sustainable practices.
- Mobilize startups, cooperatives, self-help groups, and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to share best practices.
- Examples:
- MSK in Thrissur, Kerala: Offers advanced water and soil testing services.
- MSKs in Nasik and Sangli, Maharashtra: Focus on capacity building with technological inputs.
- Sagar Mitras:
- Deployed in coastal states and union territories, Sagar Mitras act as intermediaries between the government and marine fishers.
- Key Functions:
- Provide information on weather forecasts, fishing zones, and marketing needs.
- Educate fishers on local regulations, hygienic fish handling, and disaster preparedness.
- Digital Platforms:
- AquaBazaar: A virtual learning platform initiated by the National Fisheries Development Board. It offers:
- Expert guidance on breeding and seed production.
- Practical demonstrations to enhance fishers' knowledge.
- World Bank-Assisted Project:
- Aims to formalize the fisheries and aquaculture sector by creating work-based digital identities for fishers and fish farmers.
- Focuses on capacity building, awareness generation, and streamlining extension services.
Challenges in Fisheries Extension Services:
- Fragmentation: Lack of coordination among multiple initiatives.
- Digital Divide: Limited digital literacy and infrastructure in rural areas.
- Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns and resource depletion demand adaptive strategies.
Way Forward:
- Institutional Convergence: Integrate fisheries extension services with the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state agricultural departments to leverage existing networks.
- Promote Digital Outreach: Expand platforms like AquaBazaar to ensure wider access to knowledge and training.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage private sector involvement in technology dissemination and capacity building.
- Focus on Climate Resilience: Develop strategies for sustainable resource management in the face of environmental changes.
Conclusion:
- Strengthening fisheries extension services is critical to sustaining India’s growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
- By enhancing last-mile connectivity, integrating digital tools, and fostering collaborations, India can empower its fishers and fish farmers to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the nation’s economic and ecological well-being.
