Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Government assistance – Upto 60% covers women and weaker sections.
Fund dispersal - Funds have been provided to State governments and Union Territories for operationalising 102 such Kendras.
Functions – It establishes lab for water, soil, and microbial analysis to conduct request-based disease tests.
It focuses on capacity building for fishers/fish farmers on varied seed/feed inputs backed with the required technology infusion.
Future proposals – Government advises MSKs to mobilise start-ups, cooperatives, fish farmers’ producer organisations, joint liability groups, and self-help groups to share best practices.
Other initiatives of Fisheries Extension Services
Sagar Mitras – They are deployed in coastal States and U.T.s as a vital interface between the government and sea-borne fishers.
National Fisheries Digital Paltform – It is a platform to formalize the fisheries sector.
AquaBazaar – It is a nationwide virtual learning platform, initiated by National Fisheries Development Board.
It enables experts to clarify basic concepts and provide practical demonstrations to fishers on breeding/seed production of commercially important fish.
India’s Fisheries Sector
National Fish Production – It has witnessed an 83% since 2013-14, that stands at a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23.
With 75% of this coming from inland fisheries.
India is the 2nd largest fish and aquaculture producer globally.
