NATIONAL FISH FARMERS DAY

• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying celebrated the 22nd National Fish Farmers Day (10th July 2022) to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the country.
• It was established in 2006 as an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Now, it works under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• It aims to enhance fish production and productivity in the country and to coordinate fishery development in an integrated and holistic manner.
• National Fish Farmers Day is celebrated in the memory of scientists Dr K. H. Alikunhi and Dr H. L. Chaudhury.
• Both of them successfully demonstrated Hypophysation (technology of induced breeding) in Indian Major Carps (common name for several species of fish) on 10th July 1957.
• To recognise the accomplishments and contribution of fish farmers, aquapreneurs (entrepreneurs in the water sector) and fisherfolks in the growth of the fisheries sector in the country.
• To draw attention to changing the way the country manages fisheries resources to ensure sustainable stocks and healthy ecosystems.

Significance of the Fisheries Sector

• The fisheries sector plays a vital role in economic and overall development of the country. Referred to as the “sunrise sector”, the fisheries sector is poised to bring in immense potential through equitable and inclusive growth.
• Fisheries is one of the fastest growing sectors amongst the primary producing sectors.
• India is the second major producer of fish through aquaculture in the world.
• India is the 4th largest exporter of fish in the world as it contributes 7.7% to the global fish production.
• Currently, this sector provides livelihood to more than 2.8 crore people within the country. Nevertheless, this is a sector with untapped potential.
• The Economic Survey of India, 2019-20 estimated that, only 58% of the country’s inland potential has been tapped so far.
• The unrealised potential of the fisheries sector offers varied opportunities for bringing in scalable business solutions and maximizing the benefits for the fishermen and fish farmers.
• In order to realize the true potential of the fisheries sector, technological breakthroughs are required for enhancing production, productivity and efficiency of the fisheries’ value chain.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT