In line with a launch from the Ministry of Cooperation, the handing over of the keys of deep-sea fishing vessels to beneficiaries by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will mark a historic milestone in cooperative-led deep-sea fishing, which can symbolise India's dedication to self-reliance, sustainability and empowering cooperatives within the fisheries sector.
Deep Sea Fishing Vessels are being given to the beneficiaries underneath Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna with a unit value of Rs 1.2 Cr with monetary help from the Authorities of Maharashtra, the Nationwide Cooperative Growth Company (NCDC) and the Division of Fisheries, Authorities of India. This initiative is a testomony to the Modi Authorities's dedication to realising the imaginative and prescient of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening the Blue Economic system.
Below the management of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it marks a big step in direction of modernising India's Marine fisheries sector, enhancing deep-sea fishing capability, and selling cooperative-led development in coastal areas. It goals to discover fisheries sources within the Indian EEZ and Excessive Seas.
In view to speed up cooperative-led deep-sea fishing initiatives by way of cooperatives and FFPOs a Joint Working Group (JWG) has been constituted by the Division of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Authorities of India and Division of Cooperatives, Ministry of Cooperation, Authorities of India.
India's marine fisheries sector has historically operated on a modest scale, with fishermen counting on typical vessels and strategies, sometimes venturing solely as much as 40-60 nautical miles from the shoreline. This restricted operational vary has constrained catch volumes and financial returns.This initiative will empower fisheries cooperative societies and FFPOs to sustainably harness the huge potential of India's Unique Financial Zone (EEZ) and Excessive Seas, significantly in areas like Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It's anticipated to unlock new alternatives in high-value fisheries similar to tuna, thereby enhancing India's seafood exports and strengthening coastal livelihoods.The inauguration of deep-sea fishing vessels at Mazagon Dock represents a pivotal second within the modernisation of India's marine fisheries infrastructure. These newly constructed vessels are geared up with superior applied sciences that allow sustainable harvesting of aquatic sources, making certain minimal ecological disruption whereas maximising financial returns. The combination of onboard digital programs will improve traceability, security, and operational effectivity, aligning India's marine practices with world requirements of accountable fishing.
A central focus of the occasion is the strengthening of fisheries cooperatives, which play a significant function in empowering coastal communities. The initiative helps the event and scaling of Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and cooperative societies, enabling them to perform as self-reliant entities. Importantly, the initiative locations robust emphasis on selling women-led cooperative enterprises, recognising their important function in driving inclusive development, management, and socio-economic transformation in coastal communities.
The occasion additionally highlights the convergence of presidency schemes and institutional help mechanisms geared toward reworking the fisheries panorama. The schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Growth Fund (FIDF) are instrumental in creating cold-chain and value-chain infrastructure for marine produce, enhancing the standard, shelf-life, and marketability of fishery merchandise. Moreover, efforts are being made to enhance market entry, making certain higher worth realisation and financial sustainability.
Lastly, the strategic function of fisheries cooperatives in advancing India's Blue Economic system and securing coastal livelihoods will probably be underscored. The deep-sea fishing initiative is predicted to generate substantial employment alternatives in coastal belts, contributing to socio-economic upliftment. It is going to additionally bolster India's seafood exports, reinforcing the nation's place in world marine commerce. By selling sustainable fishing practices and accountable useful resource administration, the initiative helps nationwide targets of meals and dietary safety, whereas safeguarding the long-term well being of marine ecosystems.
