NATIONAL FISHERIES POLICY, 2020 DRAFT MARINE FISHERIES POLICIES FISHERIES PROFILE OF INDIA MARINE FISHERY RESOURCES (2019-20) INLAND FISHERY RESOURCES (2019-20) MARINE SECTOR POLICIES INLAND SECTOR POLICIES POST-HARVEST & TRADE PROMOTING TRADE AND FOOD SAFETY POLICY OUTCOME

1. DRAFT MARINE
FISHERIES POLICIES
SHREEKRISHNA MONDAL
MSc IN INDUSTRIAL FISHERIES
20-308-0201 - FRM
2ND SEMESTER, 2021-23 - CUSAT

2. INTRODUCTION
The potential of fisheries sector in general and marine fisheries sub-sector in particular was recognized
quite early in the Indian development planning and since then considerable amount of public and private efforts
have been channeled into the sector for developing it as an instrument of growth.
Apart from the prime consideration of securing food and nutritional requirements of the population,
fisheries sector plays an important role in trade and commerce, and in the process promotes employment and
livelihoods of coastal communities.
India is the second largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.56% of global production
and contributing about 1.24% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 7.28% to the agricultural GVA.
Providing livelihoods to an estimated 28 million fishers and fish farmers, which is about 2.04 percent of the
national population, the sector offers immense opportunities for employment generation, especially for youth and
women, and for meeting the food and nutritional security and foreign exchange earnings.
During 2018-19, the sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) was Rs 2,12,915 crores at current prices, which
was about 1.24 percent of the national GDP and 7.28 percent of the GVA from the agriculture and allied sector.
During the same period, the sector has earned foreign exchange worth Rs. 46,589 crores by exporting 13.92 lakh
tonnes of marine products.

3. Overall, from 2014-15 to 2018-19, the sector has registered an average annual growth of 10.87 percent
which is higher than the growth of the national economy (7.16%) at constant (2011-12) prices.
With the growing population of the country and the increasing requirements for fish protein, the need for
sustainable development of the resources is now felt much more than ever before. To match such demands and
ensuring a growth trajectory that fulfils the requirements of today and leaves an equally better fishery for
tomorrow, it is necessary for the country to develop a sound National Fisheries Policy framework.
The Policy will provide the blueprint to optimally harness the capture and culture fishery resources that
would help in sustaining the desired production and productivity levels. It is also expected that this policy
framework will guide similar initiatives at the State and Union Territory-levels in the coming period.

4. BACKGROUND-FISHERIES SECTOR IN INDIA
The marine fisheries sector is dominated by the socio-economically backward artisanal and small scale
fishers whose lives are closely intertwined with the oceans and seas. However, 75 per cent of the total marine fish
production comes from the mechanized sector, 23 per cent from the motorized sector and only 2 per cent from the
artisanal sector.
In spite of stagnation in the growth of marine capture fish production over the years, the dependency of
traditional marine fishers on marine capture fisheries for livelihoods has been increasing and it is only imperative
that sustainable alternative livelihood opportunities like mariculture activities are developed and promoted.
Mariculture is the fastest growing subsector of aquaculture and the success of the development of inland
and brackish water aquaculture in India also corroborates with the prospects of the emergence of the mariculture
sector. The projected annual mariculture production potential based on area available in the Indian region ranges
from 4 to8 million tons, whereas the current mariculture production is negligible.
India has rich and diverse fisheries resources ranging from deep seas to lakes, ponds, rivers and more
than 10% of the global biodiversity in terms of fish and shellfish species. The marine fisheries resources are
spread along the country’s vast coastline and 2.02 million square km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and 0.53
million sq.km continental shelf area.

5. The inland resources are in the form of rivers and canals (1.95 lakh km), floodplain lakes (8.12 lakh
hectares), ponds and tanks (24.1 lakh hectares), reservoirs (31.5 lakh hectares), brackish water (12.4 lakh
hectares), saline/alkaline affected areas (12 lakh hectares) etc. The unutilized and underutilized vast and varied
inland resources offer great opportunities for livelihood development and ushering economic prosperity.
Trends show that over the years there has been a significant shift in terms of increasing contribution from
inland fisheries sector propelled by freshwater aquaculture and fluctuations in brackish water aquaculture.
Aquaculture production has increased to 6.2 million metric tons in FY 2017-18 from 1.9 million metric tons in
2000-01.
About 88% of the farmed fish comes from freshwater aquaculture. In spite of its rapid growth,
aquaculture today is beset with several issues impacting production and productivity such as disease, absence of
species diversification and genetic improvement, poor brood and seed, high input cost, lack of access to
institutional credit, credit guarantee and insurance, environmental sustainability etc.

6. FISHERIES PROFILE OF INDIA
MARINE FISHERY RESOURCES (2019-20)
Length of coast line (Km) 8,118
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) million Sq. Km 2.02
Continental Shelf (sq km) 530,000
Number of Fish Landing Centers 1,537
No of Fishing villages 3,432
No of fishermen families 8,74,749
Fisher-folk population 40,56,213
Territorial Sea (up to 12 nautical miles) sq.km 193,834
STATES & UTS 9 nos & 4 nos
EEZ 200 NM (370KM)
Highest marine fish production state (Lakh Tonnes) Gujarat– 7.01
Total marine fish production (Lakh Tonnes) 37.27

7. INLAND FISHERY RESOURCES (2019-20)
Total inland water bodies (lakh Ha) 73.59
Rivers & canals (Km) 1,95,210
Reservoirs (small, medium, large) (Lakh ha) 40.31
Brackish water (lakh ha) 12.40
Tanks and Ponds (lakh ha) 92.00
Beels/Oxbow Lakes/ Derelict Water (lakh Ha) 4.81
Any other than rivers and canals (lakh Ha) 9.63
Total fish seed production 52 Billion
Highest inland fish production state (Lakh Tonnes) Andhra Pradesh – 36.10
Total inland fish production (Lakh Tonnes) 104.37

8. NATIONAL FISHERIES POLICY, 2020
Since the sector is extremely diverse and dynamic, the scope of the National Fisheries Policy, 2020
encompasses development, management and regulation of inland and marine fishery resources including
aquaculture in marine, freshwater, brackish water and saline/alkaline areas and their post-harvest management,
strengthening and modernization of the value chain.
Finally, drawing inspiration from the fact that the Government has created a separate Ministry for the
fisheries sector, the policy will mirror the national aspirations and the developmental goals set by the country’s
leadership, to ensure that fisheries become an equal partner with the other developmental sectors in making India a
USD 5.0 trillion economy by the year 2025.
The National Fisheries Policy 2020 has been drafted merging three existing policies, namely:
• National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017 (NPMF)
• Draft National Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (NIFAP)
• Draft National Mariculture Policy (NMP)
• Post-harvest elements have also been integrated into the draft policy.

9. The National Fisheries Policy seeks to consolidate the sectoral gains and ensure sustainable growth
through policy support in order to enable and accelerate fisheries development in a responsible and inclusive
manner through multi-pronged strategies and focused interventions to provide the requisite impetus for realizing
the full potential across the country.
The Policy lays down a clear road map for unhindered growth of the sector by optimal harnessing of
fisheries resources in sync with the best national and international standards. It will also create a conducive
environment for attracting investment in to the fisheries sector.
The Policy intends to strengthen the government initiative to double fishers and fish farmers’ incomes
and double exports for improving the lives and livelihoods of Fishers and their families. The NFP will encompass
elements of the ‘Blue Growth Initiative’, the Agriculture Export Policy 2018 and also the targets set under the
Sustainable Development Goals for which India is committed.
The NFP serves as an overarching policy framework which will provide guidance to States and UTs in
developing state specific policies and legislations having both regulatory and developmental features to be
implemented through short, medium and long term plans.

10. The NFP is an evolving instrument that is open to review based upon evolving needs and technologies. It
will be reviewed in consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the policy remains relevant and is in sync with
changing needs and requirements of the sector through an institutional mechanism.
VISION
“A healthy and vibrant fisheries sector that meets the needs of the present and future generations.”
To develop an ecologically healthy, economically viable and socially inclusive fisheries sector that contributes
towards economic prosperity and wellbeing of fishers and fish farmers, and provides food and nutritional security
to the country in a sustainable and responsible manner.
MISSION
“While keeping the sustainability of the resources at the core of all actions, the National Fisheries
Policy will meet the social and economic goals and well-being of the fishers and fish farmers and is intended to
guide the coordination and management of the fisheries sector in the country during the next ten years”.

11. Fisheries resources are to be developed, managed, regulated and conserved responsibly and sustainably, harnessed
and utilized for improving livelihoods, generating gainful employment, enhancing incomes, food and nutrition
security, economic prosperity and socio-economic well-being of stakeholders, especially artisanal and small-scale
fishers and fish farmers through appropriate strategies and partnerships in a participatory manner.
OBJECTIVES
1. JUDICIOUS USE: Optimally harness the capture and culture fisheries potential of the country by enhancing
fish production and productivity in a responsible and sustainable manner.
2. A ROBUST MANAGEMENT: A regulatory framework with necessary legal backing for effective fisheries
resource management through an Ecosystem Approach of Fisheries (EAF) management .
3. MODERNIZE: Rationalize (infuse science and technology) and diversify fishing practices in oceans and seas
with sustainability of resources as the core philosophy.
4. PROMOTE INLAND FISHERIES: Standardized SoP’s, inputs and farming systems for sustainable and
responsible aquaculture and capture fisheries.

12. 5. CONSERVATION: Manage native fish genetic stocks and associated habitats and ecosystem.
6. VALUE CHAIN: Strengthen and modernize value chain including creation of fisheries infrastructure to increase
shelf life, reduction of post-harvest losses and production of value added products.
7. EXPORTS: Market, trade and export of globally competitive fish and value-added fish products benchmarked
with global standards.
8. INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT: Access to institutional credit as priority lending on the lines of crop sector
especially to small and marginal fishers and fish farmers and unemployed youth.
9. PARTNERSHIPS: Promote community partnerships, private participation and effective cooperative movement
in fisheries sector.
10. EMPLOYMENT: Generate gainful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities along the value chain
leading to higher income of fishers and fish farmers.
11. FOOD SECURITY: Ensure food and nutritional security by increasing the per capita availability of safe,
affordable and quality fish.

13. CONSTRAINTS IN THE GROWTH OF FISHERIES SECTOR
1. LIMITED SCOPE FOR EXPANSION: Due to weak regulation, inefficient management and prevalence of
traditional fishing practices.
2. INADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE: Especially fishing harbors, landing centers, cold chain and distribution
systems, poor processing and value addition, wastage, traceability and certification etc.
3. INLAND FISHERIES: Seasonal nature of fishing operations, depleted stocks in natural waters, lease rights, use
of technology for harvesting coupled with low capital infusion are limiting factors.
4. LOW INPUT CULTURE SYSTEM
5. LACK OF DIVERSITY IN CULTURE PRACTICES
6. DEPLETING MARINE RESOURCES
7. OVER FISHING IN COASTAL WATERS
8. POOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND HIGH POST—HARVEST LOSSES
9. WEAK PRESENCE IN THE EEZ AND HIGH SEAS
10. LOW LEVELS OF INVESTMENT
11. SUSTAINABILITY IN PRODUCTION AND MARICULTURE DEMONSTRATION INITIATED

14. STRATEGIES
1. COMMITTEE: A State level Inter-departmental Coordination Committee for Fisheries will be formed under the
Chairmanship of the Agriculture Production Commissioner .
2. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS: The Centre will formulate ‘Fisheries Management Plans’ (FMPs) for
scientific management and regulation of marine fisheries resources.
3. INTEGRATED FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PLAN: The government will prepare and implement ‘Integrated
Fisheries Development Plan’ for Islands to enhance the share in their economy.
4. FISHERIES SPATIAL PLANS: The State governments will prepare Fisheries Spatial Plans (MSP) with central
government for data management, analysis, modelling and decision making.
5. MAXIMUM SUSTAINABLE YIELD (MSY): This will be maintained in inshore waters. Government will
undertake review and periodic evaluation of the existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
6. CAPACITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK: A capacity appraisal framework will enable feasibility of undertaking
sea ranching for rebuilding stocks without altering the natural genetic diversity.
7. UPDATED ‘FISHERIES ACT: In inland open waters preventing use of destructive gears, killing of juveniles and
destructive fishing, etc., will be strictly adhered through enactment of updated ‘Fisheries Act’.

15. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
8. CLUSTER APPROACH: Promotion of cluster approach as a key strategy for focused and concentrated
development of aquaculture .
9. SETTING UP OF PROTOCOLS: Standards for fish and fishery products in compliance with international food
safety standards including HACCP, promoting safe food and sustainable trade.
10. PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: Encouraging Promoting Public Private Partnerships (PPPS) to leverage
private sector investments in fisheries sector.
1. The FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF or Code) is today the most significant of the
non-binding agreements in the global fisheries sector.
2. The global community has recognized Voluntary Guidelines on Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries (VG-SSF).
3. The main objectives of the VGSSF Guidelines are expected to be achieved through the promotion of a human
rights based approach .
4. It is focused on context of food security and poverty eradication, by empowering small-scale fishing
communities.

16. 1. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
Fisheries is a state subject and therefore, states play an important role in managing and promoting the growth of
this sector in the country.
• Fisheries being a State subject, the States play a pivotal role in fisheries governance.
• Inland Fisheries are fully managed by State Governments.
• Marine Fisheries are a shared responsibility between the Central and Coastal State/UT Governments.
• Coastal States/UTs are responsible for development and regulation of fisheries in the sea waters inside the
12 nautical mile (22 km) territorial limit.
• Government of India is responsible for the development, management and regulation of fisheries in the EEZ
waters beyond 12 nautical miles and up to 200 nautical miles (370 km).
• Center will encourage and empower traditional and small-scale fisher and fisher groups for undertaking
resource specific Deep-sea Fishing for harnessing untapped potential of high value resources like tuna, tuna-
like species, myctophids and oceanic squids in a sustainable manner.
• Some coastal States/UTs have specific areas reserved for traditional fishers in territorial waters where
mechanized fishing is not permitted. The Government will continue to promote and support
artisanal/traditional fishers in consultation with the States and the user groups.
A. MARINE SECTOR POLICIES

17. • The legislation(s) for Regulation and Management will be updated to cater to the needs of the sector and
also to meet the applicable international standards and norms. This will be carried out through a Model Bill
prepared in consultation with the coastal States/UTs. New legislations wherever required will be put in
place.
• Measures to ensure safety-at-sea for fishers and fishing vessels will be adequately strengthened and
implemented. Only enlisted fishing vessels will operate in waters for which they have license.
• Cooperation in the field of marine fisheries through bilateral arrangements will be enhanced including
safeguard of human rights, in particular for fishermen straying in waters of other countries. The trans-
boundary stock management issues with the neighboring nations in the Indian EEZ will also be adequately
addressed.
• India being a party to several International Agreements/Arrangements to deter, prevent and eliminate Illegal,
Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Government will establish a sound mechanism to ensure that
the Indian fishing fleet does not engage IUU fishing in contravention of any national laws and any bilateral,
international or regional conventions or obligations or agreements concerning fisheries which are applicable
to India.

18. • In ‘Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction’ (ABNJ) where there is considerable scope to harvest fishery
resources in the high seas, the Government will promote harnessing the fishery resources subject to
compliance with International Agreements/Arrangements. Inland Fisheries are fully managed by State
Governments.
• In order to reduce the incidences of Indian fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line
(IMBL), the Government will take appropriate measures such as capacity building, awareness and training
to sea venturing fishers.
• The marine fisheries resources in the sovereign waters of India will be harnessed in a responsible and
sustainable manner for nutrition and livelihoods.
• Fisheries governance will be improved to facilitate coordination among States/UTs, National Agencies and
other stakeholders. The comprehensive Management and regulation of fisheries resources in the EEZ will be
ensured with a national law. The Central Government will empower the coastal State Governments/Union
Territories through delegation of powers to grant marine fishing licenses for the EEZ and high seas.

19. • The Central, State/UT Governments will put in place a sound and effective Monitoring, Control and
Surveillance (MCS) system with necessary legal backing. All fishing vessels will abide by MCS
requirements and have suitable transponders/communication systems when out at sea which reveal the
latitude-longitude of vessel adequately.
• Foreign fishing vessels will not be allowed to fish or undertake fishing related activities in India’s sovereign
waters.
• The Central Governments will work with the States/UTs to put in place timelines for ratification of the ILO
Convention 188 and for its speedy implementation for best labor conditions on fishing vessels including
migratory labor from one State /UT to another.
• The matters relating to protection of national security of India and maintenance of law and order at sea will
be addressed adequately.

20. 2. ISLAND FISHERIES
• Keeping in view the fact that more than 30% India’s EEZ lies around the Island territories, Government will
implement dedicated programs for developing fisheries sector in islands. Such plans will inter alia include
framework for sustainable fisheries exploitation, Island tourism, availability of floating refueling barges, mother
carrier vessels and mobile fisheries ambulances.
• Mariculture will be made a key developmental activity apart from tourism and capture fisheries. The capacities
of local fishers and post-harvest facilities will be supported to promote export.
• Game Fishing and concept of Catch, Photograph and Release Scheme (CPR), to popularize ecotourism or
fisheries tourism, especially in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Lakshadweep Group of Islands and some
coasts on the mainland will also be promoted as an alternative livelihood activity.

21. 3. MARICULTURE
Mariculture is the cultivation of economically important marine plants and animals in the sea having tidal
influence and includes onshore facilities like brood banks, hatcheries, nursery rearing and grow-out systems using
seawater. Mariculture will be made a key developmental activity apart from tourism and capture fisheries. The
capacities of local fishers and post-harvest facilities will be supported to promote export.
• An enabling environment for sustainable development of mariculture in India will be promoted with required
policy and legal framework.
• Mariculture will be promoted in consonance with the relevant national and global instruments and other
guidelines. The States/UTs will license, regulate and manage mariculture activities within their territorial waters
as per model guidelines formulated by the Union Government under this Policy for mariculture enterprises.
• A leasing policy to facilitate mariculture will be put in place by coastal states and UT’sin their jurisdictional
waters based upon a model leasing policy prepared by Govt. of India.
• Major focus will be given for the improvement of existing technologies to be at par with international standards,
bio-security and code of practices.
• Within the identified mariculture zones, the government shall designate certain areas as mariculture technology
parks.

22. 4. SUSTAINING MARINE FISHERIES
• Promoting deep-sea fishing and fishing in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)
• Optimizing fishing effort and formulating and implementing management plans for the rebuilding of collapsed/degraded fish
stocks.
• Developing conservation measures such as species-specific and zonal/area-specific management plans through consultative
processes and preparing a holistic plan in a consultative manner for resource utilization in the EEZ.
• Promoting the adoption of EAFM and co-management approaches.
• Encouraging coastal States and UTs to increase the area reserved for non-mechanized fishing boat operators under the
MFRAs.
• Facilitating knowledge management across the entire spectrum of the marine fisheries sector with the use of advanced IT
technologies.
• Ensuring the safety of fishers and national security while developing deep-sea fishing and fishing beyond national waters.

23. 5. MONITORING, CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE (MCS)
• Setting up an effective MCS system, following the NPOA-MCS, in coordination with the coastal States/UTs and other
concerned Ministries/Departments. This will also include enhancing the skills and capacities of the MCS managers as also
the role of the community in the implementation of the MCS functions.
• Promoting measures to curb IUU fishing by national and foreign fishing vessels.
B. INLAND SECTOR POLICIES
• To revive the riverine ecosystem and reverse the decline of fisheries, the prime focus of the NFP will be to
ensure that the availability of water flow is conducive to sustain fisheries in the rivers and their tributaries.
• Second, the Policy will focus on improving the ecological health of the riverine ecosystem and curbing the flow
of pollution from point and non-point sources into the rivers and their tributaries.
• Third, the riverine stretches and the associated floodplains that are proven grounds for breeding and larval
growth of IMC species, minor carps, catfishes and a large number of forage fish species and several other key
riverine species (mahseer, catfish, etc.) will be protected to ensure that the population of these endemic species is
sustained.
1. MANAGING FISHERIES IN THE INDIAN RIVERS, NATURAL LAKES AND WETLANDS

24. 2. HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF INDIAN RESERVOIRS
• Ensuring the availability of water flow conducive to sustain fisheries in the rivers and their tributaries.
• Improving the ecological health of the riverine ecosystem by curbing the flow of pollution from point and non-
point sources into the rivers and their tributaries in coordination with relevant agencies.
• Protecting the riverine stretches and the associated floodplains to ensure that the population of the endemic
species is sustained through setting up of the protected area, time and area closure, and effort management.
• Restoring the link between the rivers and the floodplains to rejuvenate these resources and to gainfully utilize
their innumerable ecosystem services.
• Implementing leasing policies to ensure resources are used as per their productivity and empowering local
communities to manage resources.
• Providing necessary infrastructure for seed production and stocking.

25. 3. FRESHWATER AQUACULTURE
• Diversifying and expanding the species spectrum, by ensuring the availability of healthy stocking material of
required species, suitable technologies and support services.
• Preparing a time-bound and action-oriented plan for seed production in the country, including setting up of seed
banks.
• Revival of scampi (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) farming.
• Securing water resources for fish farmers and setting up of fish farmers’ organizations.
• Promoting trout farming in the medium to higher altitudes in the country through assessment of cold-water
resources amenable for farming and preparation of a master plan for the development of cold-water fisheries and
aquaculture in the country.
• Enhancing support services such as the availability of quality seed and feed.
• Identifying potential areas and securing their availability and allocation for suitable aquaculture practices with
necessary support services.

26. 4. BRACKISH WATER AQUACULTURE
• Promoting species diversification through the revival of tiger shrimp, P. indicus and inclusion of finfishes such as
seabass, mullets, etc.
• Supporting domestication of tiger shrimp and P. indicus and moving towards the production of specific
pathogen-free germplasm.
• Facilitating further expansion of shrimp farming for productive utilization of coastal areas, creating employment,
and enhancing food and nutritional security.
• Improving biosecurity and health management, total disuse of banned antibiotics, provision of additional
quarantine facilities, and promotion of BMPs/GAP.
5. MARICULTURE
• Preparing a blueprint for the development of mariculture taking into account areas suitable for Mariculture
within and outside the territorial waters, suitable species, leasing policy, and support services in consultation with
the coastal States and UTs.
• Promoting setting up of brood banks and commercial-scale hatcheries for seed production.
• Supporting R&D for cage fabrication that is based on local technology and is cost-effective to meet the
requirements of the local fishers.

27. 6. SEAWEED FARMING
• Promoting seaweed farming along the coastline, both seaward and land-ward, in the offshore waters and also in
the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems.
• Setting up seaweed seed banks along the coastline to provide the raw material for raising the seaweed.
• Providing necessary wherewithal to attract fishers for seaweed farming.
• Supporting fisherwomen and other women from coastal areas to take up seaweed farming.
• Encouraging entrepreneurs to set up small and medium processing units to prepare products from seaweed.
• Facilitating the marketing of the produce to catalyze the industry
OTHERS
7. ORNAMENTAL FISH FARMING.
8. PRODUCTIVE UTILIZATION OF INLAND SALINE SOILS.
9. MAINTAINING AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY.

28. • Providing required numbers of modern Fishing Harbors and Fish Landing Centers along with the back-up
infrastructure to meet the requirements of the fishing fleet.
• Modernizing the existing facilities.
• Creating required infrastructure facilities on the reservoirs, lakes and riverfronts to facilitate landing and
transportation of fish.
• Establishing a National Fishing Harbor Authority
• Setting up of an Inter-Ministerial/Department Committee involving the concerned
• Ministries/Department in the Union Government and States/UTs and other concerned 22
• stakeholders to oversee the masterplan and the effective management of the infrastructure facilities.
C. INFRASTRUCTURE

29. The supply chain is perhaps the weakest link in the entire series of operations in the fisheries sector in
India and results in huge losses to the operators as also to the national economy. Improvements in the supply chain
would necessitate the following major policy initiatives.
1. ZERO WASTAGE
2. VALUE ADDITION
3. VALUE CREATION
The key areas for immediate intervention would include:
• Improving distribution channels for moving towards zero wastage.
• Encouraging and supporting value chain participants and enhancing their capacities for value addition and value
creation.
• Promoting eco-labeling of selected fisheries with full engagement of the concerned
1. IMPROVING SUPPLY CHAIN AND VALUE CHAIN
D. POST-HARVEST & TRADE

30. • Creating consumer awareness on the benefit of fish consumption and exploring novel ways to popularize fish
consumption.
• Improving supply chains to facilitate accessibility, affordability and availability of fish.
• Promoting product development and new marketing methods such as online marketing.
2. DEVELOPING DOMESTIC MARKETING
• Promoting species and product diversification to expand the export market and export value.
• Exploring new markets and promoting ‘Brand India’ seafood.
• Improving hygiene and sanitation in FHs and FLCs to ensure fish and fish products that meet international
standards.
• Ensuring protection to endangered species by promoting the use of conservation devices.
• Bringing traceability in the supply chain.
3. PROMOTING TRADE AND FOOD SAFETY

31. 1. CLIMATE CHANGE
2. ENSURING ECOSYSTEM HEALTH AND INTEGRITY
3. PROTECTING KEYSTONE SPECIES AND ICONIC ECOSYSTEMS
4. REGULATING FISH MEAL PRODUCTION AND WILD COLLECTION OF JUVENILES
5. BLUE ECONOMY AND MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING
1. SECURING SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE.
2. MEETING SOCIAL SECURITY, GENDER EQUITY AND BUILDING RESILIENCE
E. ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE
F. SOCIAL SECURITY & SAFETY NETS

32. 1. REGULATING THE SUSTAINABLE AND WISE-USE OF INLAND AND MARINE RESOURCES
2. INSTITUTIONS
I. CONSOLIDATING INPUT AND OUTPUT SUPPLY CHANNELS:
II. DEVELOPING A SINGLE-WINDOW SYSTEM:
III. BUILDING COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS:
IV. CAPACITY BUILDING:
3. HRD AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
4. DATA-BASE
5. DELIVERING KNOWLEDGE AND EXTENDING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
6. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES AUTHORITY
7. NATIONAL FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
G. FISHERIES GOVERNANCE

33. SCHEMES AND PROGRAMS
1. PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA (PMMSY)
The Cabinet on 20thMay, 2020 approved the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at a
highest ever total investment of Rs. 20,050 crores comprising of (i) Central share of Rs. 9407 crores, (ii) State
share of Rs 4880 crores and (iii) Beneficiaries contribution of Rs. 5763 crores for its implementation within a
period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories.
2. IMPLEMENTATION OF FIDF
In order to address the infrastructure requirement for fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries,
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying during 2018-19 has created dedicated fund namely
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total funds size of Rs 7522.48 crore.
3. KISAN CREDIT CARD (KCC)
The Hon’ble Finance Minister announced Rs.2 lakh crore concessional credit boost to Rs.2.5 crore
farmers including fishers and fish farmers under Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme as a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Package.
CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES ON MARINE FISHERIES

34. Development of marine fisheries
1. Motorization of Traditional Craft
2. Safety of Fishermen at Sea
3. Fishermen Development Rebate on HSD
4. Introduction of Intermediate Craft of improved design
5. Promoting resource specific fishing vessels
6. Promoting fuel efficient and environment friendly fishing practices (new component)
7. Development of Infrastructure and Post-harvest operations (new component)
8. Establishment of fishing harbors and Fish Landing Centers
9. Strengthening of Post-Harvest Infrastructure
10. Assistance for dredging of fishing harbors/ fish landing Centers

35. POLICY OUTCOME
MEETING DEADLINE: With interventions envisaged under the policy, the following outcome is expected by the year 2030.
SUPPORT: Through a National Policy for management, regulation and development of resources through standards; research,
extension, and training.
COOPERATION: Enhanced cooperation among various stakeholders as well as States and Center for unified planning to
achieve common goals.
AVAILABILITY OF NETWORK: From field to central level for monitoring, regulation of operations and data mining to
ascertain the status of various resources and activities
TECHNOLOGY INFUSION: Improvement of environment and disease control, breeding, seed rearing, feed production and
culture systems.
STRENGTHENED PRODUCTION: Especially hatcheries, nurseries, feed mills, breeding & multiplication centers and
quarantine facilities.
FARMERS INCOME: Creation of additional post-harvest capacities through cold-chain facilities, processing & value addition
will lead to reduction in wastage to <10% level.
MARKET INTERVENTIONS: To address resource scarcity and price signals both in national and international markets.

36. NEW INITIATIVES: In the form of clusters, zoning, certification, labelling and branding, etc. will improve product
acceptability for export up to 1 lakh crores.
EMPOWERMENT: Farmers and fish workers to choose, about farming species, practice and sale of produce to get better
income and amenities.
OTHERS
• Technology Infusion for improvement of environment and disease control, breeding, seed rearing, feed production and
culture systems.
• Strengthened production infrastructure, especially hatcheries, nurseries, feed mills, breeding & multiplication centers and
quarantine facilities. To sustain and serve to farmers.
• Market lead interventions to address resource scarcity and price signals both in national and international markets.
• New initiatives in the form of clusters, zoning, certification, labelling and branding, etc. will improve product acceptability
for export up to 1lakh crores.
• Empowerment of fishers, farmers and fish workers to choose, about farming species, practice and sale of produce to get
better income and amenities.
• Six fold increase in inflow of investment in fisheries sector over the next 10 years.