GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Economics of Animal-Rearing
Source: DTE
Direction: The article highlights the relevance of fish production for the economy and filling nutritional gaps. It also gives an overview of India’s fisheries sector.
Context: According to a new study, small fish captured in lakes and the oceans of low and middle-income countries (LMIC) of Africa, Asia and the Pacific can help fill nutritional gaps.
Background:
- Over a billion people across the world depend heavily on fish and other aquatic foods for nutrition.
- The majority of these people reside in the LMIC of Africa, Asia and the Pacific, often near rivers, lakes or the ocean.
Highlights of the study – Small Pelagic Fish Supply Abundant and Affordable Micronutrients to LMIC:
- Pelagic fish (herring, sardines and anchovies), which live in the upper layers of open water, are the –
- Least expensive,
- Most nutrient-dense (in selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron and calcium) and
- Readily available fish.
- Cold-water species that are found close to the ocean floor, such as cod and flounder, are the most expensive.
Significance:
- These superfoods are incredible sources of the micronutrients needed for human health and cognitive growth.
- Small fish could provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help fill nutrient gaps in LMIC.
- The findings will help inform public health and fisheries strategies in areas with inadequate information on fish nutrition.
Challenges to the availability of these small fish: Overfishing, trade and the growing international demand for fish oil.
Way ahead: Creating equitable and sustainable regulations for managing small-scale fisheries.
Overview:
● Fisheries is a fast-growing ‘Sunrise Sector’ in India, which provides nutrition and food security to a large population and employment to over 28 million people.
● It occupies an important place in socio-economic development and has witnessed an average annual growth of ~11% since 2014-15
● The sector has reached record fish production of 142 lakh tons in FY 2019-20, making India the second largest fish-producing (7.56% of global production) country, contributing over 7.28% to the agricultural GVA.
● The sector has immense potential for growth and it has been instrumental in sustaining the livelihoods, especially of vulnerable communities.
Schemes and programs:
● Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
● Implementation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
● Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
● Budget (2021-22) announcements –
○ Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu
○ Development of 5 Major Fishing harbours as the hub of economic activities – Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, and Petuaghat
Recognising the sector’s enormous potential, the Indian government established a dedicated Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy in 2019.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Q. Examine the potential of and problems faced by India’s fisheries sector and measures taken to address these problems. (250 Words)
