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Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU
With tuna fish exports rising 31.83% in 2023–2024, the Center is looking for new sources for one of the most valuable fish in the world market. A recent investor meeting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was a step toward converting the Union Territory into a tuna export hub.
They are found on the surface of tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans and seas.
Humans consume seven species of tuna, including albacore, skipjack, yellowfin, and three bluefin tuna.
Tuna, unlike other fish, are warm-blooded.
Tuna swim great distances during their migration.
The Marine Products Export Development Authority reported that India exported 51,626 tonnes of tuna worth $87.96 million in 2023-24.
The global tuna market is around $41.94 billion, the Indian Ocean ranks second with the production of 21% of the world's tuna.
According to the Department of Fisheries, the Exclusive Economic Zone around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is home to a variety of tuna species and has significant untapped fishery resources, the total potential yield for tuna is 64,500 tonnes per year.
Fisheries & Aquaculture Sector of India
India is the world's third largest fish producer, accounting for 7.96% of global production, and the second largest aquaculture producer after China.
The Blue Revolution has transformed the fishing and aquaculture industries, significantly boosting their growth and potential.
Historically, marine fish production dominated India's total fish production. Inland fisheries have improved and now account for about 70 % of total fish production. The shift from capture-based to culture-based fishing in inland fisheries has helped to build a strong blue economy.
The fisheries sector provides a living for about 16 million fishers, fish farmers, and people working throughout the value chain.
Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish-producing state in 2023-2024, followed by West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala.
The United States is the largest importer of Indian seafood, accounting for 34.5% of India’s exports in 2023-24.
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India has vast underutilized resources, including 191,024 kilometers of rivers and canals, 1.2 million hectares of floodplain lakes, 2.36 million hectares of ponds and tanks, 3.54 million hectares of reservoirs, and 1.24 million hectares of brackish water, which present significant opportunities for increased productivity and economic prosperity. |
It was launched in 2020 to double fish farmers' incomes through sustainable fisheries development.
It is implemented through both Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Scheme Components for 5 years, from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
Increase fish production from 13.75 million metric tons in 2018-19 to 22 million metric tons in 2024-25.
Increase aquaculture productivity from three to five tonnes per hectare.
Increase domestic fish consumption from 5 kg to 12 kg per person.
Increase export revenue from Rs. 46,589 crore in 2018-19 to Rs. 1,00,000 crore in 2024-25.
Reducing post-harvest losses to around 10%.
Creating 55 lakh direct and indirect job opportunities.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements in the context of the fisheries sector in India: 1. India is the 2nd largest fish-producing nation in the world after China. 2. Marine Fisheries contribute about 70% of the country's total fish production. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 only C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: D Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: India is the world's third-largest fish producer and second-largest aquaculture nation, after China. Statement 2 is incorrect: Inland fisheries, which include freshwater sources such as ponds, tanks, canals, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, account for roughly 70% of total national fish production. Marine fisheries production accounts for approximately 30% of total fish production. |
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