National Fisheries Development Board was established in 2006 under the administration of the Central Government with an intention for integrated development of the fisheries sector in India. It focuses on various developmental activities like intensive agriculture in ponds and tanks, culture-based capture fisheries in reservoirs, infrastructural projects like fishing harbours and fish landing centres, deep sea fishing, coastal aquaculture, etc.
The fisheries sector is one of the most important sectors that cater to the nutritional, economic, and social needs of the population in India. A huge amount of resources is tapped in the marine sector, unnoticed and underutilized. In this article, let us understand the formation and initiatives undertaken by NFDB to uplift the fisheries sector.
This topic is significant for IAS Exam from both Prelims and Mains perspectives-
You can also go through the following articles related to the Fisheries sector in India:
| Fishermen in India UPSC Notes | Blue Revolution |
| Agriculture questions in UPSC Mains GS 3 | Environment and Ecology Questions on UPSC Mains GS 3 |
About NFDB
- It was set up in 2006, headquartered in Hyderabad
- NFDB works under the administrative control of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India
- It aims to develop the fisheries sector through consistent and innovative methodologies and give focused attention to every sector.
- It emphasizes:
- Culture-based capture fisheries – Fishes are cultured for commercial purposes after being caught from natural sources.
- Intensive aquaculture – Intensive aquaculture is practised to obtain maximum output in commercial fisheries. Fishes are cultured in ponds or tanks that are well maintained with high stocking density and nutritious feed to enhance productivity.
- Knowledge-based farming – A thorough understanding of Fish Culture practices involving knowledge of Ponds, fish feed, breeding practices, fish biology, and scientific fish farming are necessary for fish production and processing.
- The activities of NFDB are managed by a governing body under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
- The Executive committee, with the Secretary in charge of the Department of Fisheries as its Chairman, provides the general superintendence, direction, control of functions and affairs of the board.
- The Governing and Executive bodies decide on the functions of the board and guide on matters of importance.
- NFDB is headed by a Chief Executive.
- It also focuses on the popularization of genetically modified quality seeds.
- Several activities related to fisheries are carried out by NFDB:
- Intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks
- Coastal aquaculture
- Mariculture
- Seaweed cultivation
- Infrastructural setup
- Ornamental fisheries
- Trout culture
- Artificial reefs technology upgradation
- Fish landing centres
- Capacity building for fish farmers and fishermen
Important Functions of National Fisheries Development Board
- To channel proper attention to fisheries and aquaculture that involves different stages like production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing functions.
- To maintain sustainability in the management of aquatic resources.
- Application of modern, technology-oriented tools in research and development to escalate productivity and production from the fisheries sector
- Providing modern and well-equipped infrastructure mechanisms for fisheries management and maximum utilization.
- Generate considerable employment opportunities and encourage women to an active engagement in fisheries management.
- Amplify the contribution of fish to nutrition and national security.
Key Objectives of NFDB
- Encourage activities related to fisheries and aquaculture with focused attention and better professional management.
- Coordinate with State governments and Union Territories on activities and policies related to fisheries undertaken by the Central Government.
- Promote sustainable management and conservation of natural aquatic resources, including the fish stocks.
- Application of modern tools in Research and Development including biotechnology for enhancing the productivity in fisheries management and optimum utilization of resources.
- To enhance the activities related to production, processing, storage, transport, and marketing of products of capture and culture fisheries.
- Substantial employment generation in the fisheries sector, contributing to the livelihood and national development.
- Provide adequate training and support to women in the fisheries sector.
GAIS Scheme
- It is known as the Group Accident Insurance Scheme.
- It is implemented as a part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
- It aims to provide insurance coverage to the people working in the Fisheries sector of the country.
- It is implemented by the National Fisheries Development Board through Oriental Insurance Company.
- The beneficiaries covered in this scheme are fish workers, fish farmers, and other categories of people involved in fishing and allied activities.
- Any individual (Men or Women) of age group 18 to 70 are eligible for this insurance coverage.
- The Central and State governments will share the premium amount.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructural Development Fund (FIDF)
- It is set up by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India
- It promotes the creation of infrastructure facilities in inland and marine fisheries sectors with increased fish production.
- It looks forward to achieving sustainable growth of 8 to 9 percent in the fisheries sector.
- It aims to augment fish production to 20 million tonnes by 2022-23.
The National Fisheries Development Board is the nodal implementing agency of the FIDF Scheme.
Indian Fishing Industry
- About 7.58% of Global Fish Production is from India.
- It contributes 1.28% of India’s Gross Value Added and 7.28% of Agricultural GVA.
- The fisheries sector has grown at an average annual rate of 10.87 since 2014-15.
- India exports marine products worth USD 7.76 billion during 2021-22 and is the 4th largest exporter of fish in the world.
- This sector contributes to the livelihood of almost 280 lakh people in India, including fishers and fish farmers.
- India with its vast coastline of about 7516.6 km provides scope for fishing on a massive scale from Exclusive Economic Zones, Continental Shelf Area, and Inland resources like ponds, lakes, canals, floodplain lakes, tanks, reservoirs, saline/alkaline affected areas, and brackish waters.
- It contributes to national income, food, nutrition, and employment for millions of people.
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