(a) whether the Government has formulated any plan to diligently explore the resources available in the country such as waterlogged areas, wetlands, lakes, canals, ponds, backwaters, lagoons etc. for increasing the fish production;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of the steps taken by the Government to establish a robust fisheries management framework as well as for improving socio-economic condition of fishermen and other people associated with the sector?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING:
(SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI)
(a) and (b): Yes sir. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a flagship scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)”- to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India” with highest ever investment of Rs. 20050 crore in fisheries sector for a period of 5 years with effect from the financial year 2020-21. PMMSY inter alia provides support for promoting of aquaculture in waterlogged areas, wetlands, lakes, canals, ponds, backwaters, lagoons etc. for increasing the fish production. The activities taken up in such water-bodies primarily includes stocking of fingerlings, pen culture, cage culture, setting up of in-situ hatcheries, facilities for post-harvest handling and fish marketing.
(c): The PMMSY provides for establishment of a robust fisheries management framework and in this regard it provides need-based support to States/UTs for formulation and implementation of fisheries management plans. Besides, the PMMSY promotes aquaculture, mariculture and post harvest management and also various economic activities in fisheries, aiming towards enhancement of income and improve socio-economic condition of fishers and other stakeholders associated with fisheries sector.
*****