Blue Revolution: The Transformation of Fish Farming in India

Table of Contents

• An Overview on Blue Revolution
• Government Schemes and Initiatives on New Blue Revolution
• Current Status and the Future of Indian Fisheries Sector

An Overview on Blue Revolution

The “Blue Revolution”, also known as “Neel Kranti Mission”, is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the government of India in December 2015 with a budget of INR 3000 crores for 5 years (2015-16 to 2019-20) to increase the overall production of fisheries sustainably. The aim of this  scheme is to technologically modernize the fisheries to ensure food and nutritional security and to generate employment for the fishers and aquaculture farmers.

The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries has merged the 'Blue Revolution' scheme with the existing schemes. This restructured scheme is now primarily focused on the development and management of fisheries, covering inland and marine fisheries, including deep sea fishing, aquaculture, mariculture, and all activities overseen by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).

Government Schemes and Initiatives on New Blue Revolution

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched by the Department of Fisheries which aims for ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive development of the Fisheries sector of India, including objectives such as:

• Increasing fish production and productivity through diversification and productive utilization of land and water.
• Value chain modernization through post-harvest management and quality improvement.
• Building a robust fisheries management and framework.

With its implementation in all the States and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25, PMMSY is set to boost employment opportunities in the fisheries sector significantly. The government's target to generate 55 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities along the value chain is a promising sign for those looking to enter and grow in this sector. The scheme also aims to double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers, ensuring their economic security and prosperity.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PMMKSSY): This is a central sector sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which was launched by the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2023-24, with a total investment of INR 6,000 crore.  This scheme aims to further enhance the earnings and incomes of fish farmers and micro & small enterprises engaged in the fisheries.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): FIDF has an implementing agency named as The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). The scheme was created to achieve the target of 20 million tonnes of fish production, with an outlay of INR 7522.48 Crore. Under this scheme, several state governments/UTs and private entrepreneurs are given financial assistance to develop identified fisheries' infrastructure facilities, including trout farming activities. Many farmers are earning profits as this fund is helping to boost the overall fisheries sector. The central cabinet has extended this scheme for 3 years, from 2023-24 to 2025-26.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Kisan Credit Card (KCC) was launched to provide financial assistance or credit to fishers to boost their agricultural work. From 2018 to 19, the government has extended the scheme to help fishers and fish farmers meet their specific requirements for fisheries and aquaculture, including trout fish farming.

Current Status and the Future of Indian Fisheries Sector

Over the years, the fisheries sector has been increasing day by day, as it is one of the most developing sectors in India. India has become 3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture producer and 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries products, as stated by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. The Blue Revolution help farmers and fishermen by providing income, nutrition, and food security. The government is taking more and more initiatives to boost the fisheries sector to increase immense fish production, clearly stating that the fisheries sector is now set to achieve newer heights.