Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a statutory body established in 1972 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It works for the promotion of marine exports from India to other countries. Read about the role played by MPEDA in guiding and supporting the development of the seafood industry in India along with the production, promotion, and marketing of quality products.
About MPEDA
- It is a nodal agency for the holistic development of the seafood industry in India and the realization of its export potential.
- MPEDA was established in 1972 under Marine Products Export Development Authority Act (MPEDA), 1972.
- It envisages the development of seafood production, processing, marketing, and exports in India.
- It is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
- The Government of India recommends new standards for fishing vessels, storage premises, processing plants, and conveyances based on the recommendations of MPEDA.
- It is anticipated that the organization would carry out actions concerning the development of the marine sector and supplement with ample resources for promoting the exports of “all varieties of fishery products known commercially as shrimp, prawn, lobster, crab, fish, shellfish, other aquatic animals or plants or part thereof and any other products which the authority may, by notification in the Gazette of India, declare to be marine products for (the) Act”.
- It also focuses on factors like Market Promotion, Capture Fisheries, Culture Fisheries, Processing Infrastructure & Value addition, Quality Control, Research, and Development.
Vision of MPEDA
It envisions India becoming a top country to export sustainable and quality seafood to every part of the world.
Mission of MPEDA
It is determined with an objective to promote the Indian marine products Industry with reference to the exports of quality seafood from the country.
Focus of MPEDA
It focuses on Market Promotion, Capture Fisheries, Culture Fisheries, Processing Infrastructure & Value addition, Quality Control, Research, and Development.
Contributions to the Marine Sector in India
- India, with its vast marine resources and long coastline, looks forward to promoting the culture and boosting marine exports for safe and sustainable fishery production. Exports from Marine products in India target to reach USD 14 billion by 2025.
- According to MPEDA, marine exports have reached USD 7.74 billion.
- It coordinates different activities related to fisheries production under Central and State governments.
- MPEDA is given the authority to prescribe for itself any matters which the future might require for protecting and augmenting the seafood exports from the country.
- It is also empowered to inspect marine products, their raw materials, fixing standards, specifications, and training as well as take all necessary steps for marketing the seafood overseas.
Key Functions of MPEDA
Registration
- It carries out the registration process of infrastructural facilities for seafood export
- Collects and distributes trade information.
Production
- Promotion of Indian marine products
- Increasing export production through aquaculture, hatchery, and farm production.
- Production of several species
- Technological upgradation
Deep Sea Fishing
- Promotion of projects on deep sea fishing
- Encourages test fishing and joint ventures
- Upgrading and installing types of equipment to increase efficiency in fishing
Schemes
- Promotes infrastructure development for better preservation of marine products
- For modernized processing without compromising quality standards
Inspection
- Check on the quality of marine products for export
- Assure the quality of raw materials
- Fixing standards and specifications
- Recommending steps to maintain the quality of food products for export
Training
Provide training in the concerned field of fisheries to
- Fisherman
- Aquaculture farmers
- Fish processing workers
- Stakeholders
Research & Development
- Conduct research and development for the growth of aquatic species
- Rajiv Gandhi Center for Aquaculture (RGCA) is the R&D wing of MPEDA
- Activities on extension and awareness
- Impart training through NETFISH and NaCSA (National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture)
Export
Discuss matters related to protecting and increasing seafood export from India.
About Blue Revolution
Also, read about the Neel Darpan or the Blue Revolution in detail for the GS-3 paper (Mains) |
Candidates can also go through the following links for the UPSC Examination:
| Blue Economy | National Livestock Mission | Agricultural Revolutions of India |
| Golden Revolution | Pink Revolution | Green Revolution |
NETFISH and NaCSA
NETFISH
- It is a registered society formed under the MPEDA in 2006
- It stands for Network for Fish Quality Management and Sustainable Fishing
- The society works for improving the quality of fish that is to be exported and maintaining sustainability of fisheries resources.
- It aims to impart knowledge on fish quality management to:
- Fisherman
- Fisherwomen
- Processing Workers
- Technicians
- It focuses on the conservation of fish resources and sustainable fishing.
- Develop a model from the grassroots level for training farmers on international export, eco-labelling, and post-harvest handling.
- To deliver extension programs and grassroots training to the Fisherman community.
NaCSA
- NaCSA was established by MPEDA in 2007
- It focuses on boosting the livelihood of small-scale shrimp farmers.
- It acts as an agency at the central level for the standardization of Aquaculture inputs.
- NacSA organizes farmers with access to technological innovations and scientific applications.
- It grouped farmers into societies and synchronized their activities.
- They also educated farmers on better management practices (BMP) to assure safe and sustainable farming.
Cluster Approach
They have also trained farmers to follow a cluster approach with independent aquaculture ponds in specified geographical locations with the following characteristics-
- Efficient infrastructure with resource sharing
- Includes same candidate species
- Having the same production system
An understanding of the Fisheries Sector in India is important for the UPSC GS-3 paper.
Fisheries Sector in India
Advantages of the fisheries sector
- Generates income and employment
- Supports the growth of a number of subsidiary industries
- Source of nutritious food at cheap prices
- Matter of livelihood for a large number of people in coastal areas and backward communities.
- Contributes to the socio-economic development of the country
- Employs 28 million people and ensures nutrition and food security.
Important features of the Fisheries Sector
- It is known as a ‘Sunrise Sector’ with an annual growth rate of 10.87 recorded from 2014-2015.
- India is the second largest fish-producing country in the world, accounting for 7.56% of global production and 1.24% of the country’s GVA.
- The annual growth rate of the Fisheries sector has been 7% over the last years.
- Fish is an important and affordable source of food to fight nutrient deficiency and hunger.
Schemes and Programs
PMMSY (Pradham Manthri Matsya Sampada Yojana)
- It is implemented by The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India
- It aims to achieve the targets of the Blue Revolution through sustainable development of the fisheries sector in India and promote the holistic development of the same.
- It is implemented in all the states and Union Territories for a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
- It addresses the core issues in the fisheries sector like production, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing.
- It works to ensure robust fisheries management and promotes the social and economic welfare of fishermen and fish farmers.
To get a detailed understanding of the components and objectives of the Pradhan Manthri Matsya Sampada Yojana, go through the linked article.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
It was created to meet the infrastructural requirements of the Fisheries sector.
It aims to boost fish production to 20 million tonnes and create 9.8 lakhs of employment opportunities by 2022-23.
FIDF collaborates with National Bank For Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), National Cooperatives Development Corporation, and Scheduled Banks.
It finances states, Union Territories, individuals, stakeholders, individuals, and entrepreneurs for taking up investment activities of the Fisheries department.
It helps infrastructural development in both marine and inland fisheries sectors and thereby boosts production. Infrastructure projects involve-
- Fishing harbours/ fish landing centres, fish seed farms, Fish feed mills/plants
- Setting up disease diagnostic and aquatic quarantine facilities.
- Creation of cold chain infrastructure facilities such as ice plants, cold storage, fish transport facilities, fish processing units, fish markets
Related Links:
| IAS Mock Tests | UPSC Prelims | National Fisheries Policy 2020 |
| Jal Jeevan Mission | NCERT Notes For UPSC | Civil Services Exam |
