Strengthening Fisheries Extension Services in India

What’s in today’s article?

• Introduction
• Importance of Fisheries Extension Services
• Key Government Initiatives
• Challenges in Fisheries Extension Services
• Way Forward
• Conclusion

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.

Q1. What is the difference between Aquaculture and Mariculture?

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms in fresh or marine water, while mariculture is a specialized branch of aquaculture that focuses on marine organisms for food.

Q2. Can freshwater fish survive in saltwater?

Freshwater fish cannot survive in saltwater because they are not adapted to the higher salt concentration in saltwater and cannot effectively osmoregulate.

Source: TH