Why is strengthening fisheries extension services crucial?

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Agri

Overview:

India boasts a rich and diverse fisheries sector, which provides livelihoods to approximately three crore fishers and fish farmers.
The national fish production has grown significantly, registering an 83% increase since 2013-14, reaching a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23.
The country is the second-largest fish and aquaculture producer globally, with 75% of this production coming from inland fisheries.

Fisheries Extension Services:

Experts emphasize the need for fisheries and aquaculture extension services that provide request-based assistance to fishers and fish farmers. These services should focus on:
- Life cycle management of improved species.
- Water quality monitoring and disease management.
- Training on rearing technologies and sustainable practices.
- Addressing challenges faced by seed growers and hatcheries.
Extension services should also aim at promoting sustainable practices and fisheries-based activities that have the potential to evolve into viable business models.

Role of Matsya Seva Kendras:

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs) are one-stop centres designed to provide a range of extension services to fishers and fish farmers.
The government encourages MSKs to engage with start-ups, cooperatives, fish farmers’ producer organizations (FFPOs), and self-help groups to share best practices and adopt regenerative and conservation management practices in both inland and marine fisheries.
The government offers 60% assistance for setting up MSKs for women and marginalized sections of society.
Examples:
- MSK in Thrissur, Kerala has a well-equipped lab for water, soil, and microbial analysis to conduct request-based disease tests.
- MSK in Nasik and Sangli districts in Maharashtra focuses on capacity building for fishers/fish farmers on varied seed/feed inputs backed with the required technology infusion.

Role of Sagar Mitras:

The government has deployed Sagar Mitras as vital interfaces between the government and sea-borne fishers.
They compile information and data on daily marine catch, price fluctuations, and requisite marketing needs at fish landing centres/harbours.
They disseminate information to fishers on local regulations, weather forecasts, natural calamities, hygienic fish handling, and potential fishing zones in the seas.

Improving Extension Services:

To strengthen fisheries extension services, it is crucial to integrate these initiatives with the field extension machinery of over 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Promotion of Digital Outreach: The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has launched ‘AquaBazaar,’ a virtual learning platform, to enable experts to provide practical demonstrations and clarify concepts related to breeding and seed production of commercially important fish species.
The Government of India, with support from the World Bank, is formalizing the fisheries and aquaculture sector. This project aims to:
- Create work-based digital identities for all fishers and fish farmers in India.
- Strengthen their extension services, capacity building, and awareness generation.