Gujarat Marks National Fish Farmers Day at Anand and Ukai
Gandhinagar, 9 July 2024: Under Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, Gujarat will observe National Fish Farmers Day on July 10th in Anand and July 11th in Ukai. This annual event on July 10th demonstrates solidarity and support for the aquaculture industry. The celebrations will feature programs aimed at educating fish farmers about Gujarat government schemes and advancements in fisheries technology.
The central government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is significantly focusing on developing the blue economy. Speaking on the importance of the blue economy, the Prime Minister stated, “We are moving towards a future where the blue economy will play a crucial role in building a green planet.” With India’s longest coastline of 1600 km, Gujarat has substantial potential for advancing the country’s blue economy. The Government of Gujarat, under Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, has implemented various incentives and policies to boost fish production and improve the economic well-being of fish farmers. Due to these efforts and central government support, Gujarat ranks second in marine fish production in the country.
Gujarat’s Annual Fish Production Averages 8.38 Lakh Metric Tonnes Over Last 4 Years
While Gujarat ranks second in marine fish production, it ranks fifth in overall fish production in the country. Over the past four years, Gujarat has maintained an average annual production of about 8.38 lakh metric tonnes. In 2022-23, Gujarat’s marine fish production was 7,03,000 metric tonnes, and inland fish production was 1,94,422 metric tonnes, totaling 8,97,422 metric tonnes. Projections for 2023-24 indicate an increase, with marine fish production expected to reach 7,02,050 metric tonnes and inland fish production projected at 2,13,140 metric tonnes, bringing the total fish production estimate to 9,15,190 metric tonnes.
GoI Approves Projects Worth ₹61 Crore Under PMMSY to Boost Gujarat’s Aquaculture
Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Central Government runs the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) nationwide to increase production in the fisheries sector and improve the livelihoods of aquaculture farmers. PMMSY focuses on developing essential fisheries infrastructure and addressing gaps across the fisheries value chain, including production, productivity, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing. The scheme aims to modernize the fisheries sector, enhance traceability, establish robust management practices, and ensure the socio-economic welfare of fish farmers.
In 2022-23, the Government of India sanctioned projects worth ₹286.53 crore for Gujarat under PMMSY and over ₹61.55 crore in 2023-24. As a result, the fisheries sector is gaining momentum, with increased production and improved livelihoods for farmers.
Gujarat Government Remains Committed to Advancing Fisheries through Key Initiatives
The Gujarat government’s measures to advance the fisheries sector include reduced VAT rates on diesel, subsidies on kerosene and petrol purchases, land allocation for shrimp farming, improvements in road and electricity infrastructure, and enhanced port facilities specifically designed to benefit small fish farmers. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish four new fishing ports in Madhwad, Navabandar, Veraval-2, and Sutrapada.
Gujarat Government Brings Blue Economy to Centre Stage
Gujarat hosted its first “Global Fisheries Conference 2023” in Ahmedabad on November 21 and 22 last year. A national-level “National Conference on Seaweed Cultivation 2024” was held on January 27 this year at Koteshwar in Kutch. Through these initiatives, Gujarat is not only highlighting the blue economy but also encouraging innovative solutions to improve fish farming production and boost farmers’ incomes. The launch of key policies and their effective implementation for the betterment of the fisheries sector will continue to remain a top priority for the Gujarat government.
