Intro (Micro Notes Format):
Blue Revolution refers to the rapid increase in fish production through the adoption of modern techniques in aquaculture and fisheries. Initiated in India in the 1970s, it gained momentum through the NFFD (National Fisheries Development Board, 2006) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020).
Significance of Blue Revolution in India:
- India: 3rd largest fish producer globally
- Fisheries: 7.5% of agri-GVA, 1.24% of GDP, ~2 crore livelihoods
- Exports: INR 63,969 crore in 2022-23
- Crucial for nutritional security, employment, rural economy
Problems in Pisciculture Development:
- Infrastructural Deficiency:
- Lack of cold storage, hatcheries, feed mills, modern fishing harbors
- Inadequate transport and processing facilities
- Fragmented and Traditional Practices:
- Predominance of small-scale fishermen
- Low adoption of scientific techniques
- Water Pollution and Habitat Degradation:
- Industrial waste, urban runoff degrading freshwater & coastal ecosystems
- Eutrophication affecting fish breeding
- Regulatory Challenges:
- Overfishing in marine zones
- Inadequate enforcement of marine fishing laws
- Limited Institutional Credit & Insurance:
- Fishermen lack access to formal finance
- Insurance schemes not widespread
- Climate Change Impact:
- Cyclones, temperature changes affecting breeding cycles and coastal fisheries
- Lack of Skilled Manpower & R&D:
- Inadequate training in aquaculture practices
- Limited research in high-yield varieties, disease control
Strategies for Promoting Pisciculture in India:
- Expansion of Inland & Brackish Water Aquaculture:
- Utilization of tanks, ponds, wetlands, reservoirs
- Focus on states with potential: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam
- PMMSY Implementation:
- Target: Doubling income, sustainable fisheries, infra development
- Budget: INR 20,050 crore (largest investment in fisheries sector)
- Technology Adoption:
- Biofloc, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), cage culture
- Disease-resistant and fast-growing breeds
- Strengthening Fishery Cooperatives & FPOs:
- Support fisher communities with better market linkages
- Example: Kerala Matsyafed model
- Export-Oriented Policies:
- Branding Indian fish (e.g., Vannamei shrimp)
- Establish export clusters, cold chain logistics
- Skill Development & Extension Services:
- National Skill Development Mission + Krishi Vigyan Kendras
- Training in breeding, nutrition, and value-addition
- Sustainable Fishing Practices:
- Seasonal fishing bans, gear regulation, conservation of mangroves & coral reefs
Conclusion:
A sustained Blue Revolution 2.0 must combine technological innovation, environmental sustainability, community empowerment, and market integration to make pisciculture a key pillar of India’s agri-economy and rural development.
