India Invests in Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages
The Indian government is advancing efforts to enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative focuses on improving infrastructure for fish preservation and quality, resulting in significant reductions in post-harvest losses in both inland and marine fisheries.
A recent study conducted by the National Productivity Council indicated that the national average of post-harvest losses in inland fisheries dropped from 18% in FY 2019-20 to 8.84% in FY 2023-24, while marine fisheries losses fell from 21% to 9.3% during the same period. This study highlights a national average loss of 9.16% in the fisheries sector for 2023-24, showcasing the positive impact of enhanced infrastructure facilities like ice plants and cold storage.
Data-Driven Approaches for Targeted Resources
The initiative further employs high-resolution, geo-tagged data collected through the National Marine Fisheries Census. This data serves multiple purposes, including ensuring targeted delivery of government schemes, identifying vulnerable groups, assessing infrastructure needs, and supporting climate-resilient livelihood activities. The robust digital database is set to improve policy planning and infrastructure investments in the fisheries sector.
Transforming Coastal Communities
The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has embarked on an ambitious project to transform 100 existing Coastal Fishermen Villages (CFVs) into Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs). This program aims to create economically thriving communities while fostering sustainable livelihoods. With proposals approved for 95 villages at a total cost of Rs. 190 crore, Central Government funding has been allocated, with Rs. 47.50 crore already released to state governments and Union Territories.
The CRCFV initiative includes developing climate-resilient livelihood activities such as open sea cage culture, seaweed farming, and bivalve cultivation. These activities are expected to provide alternative income sources for coastal fishermen, ultimately enhancing their economic stability.
This transformative approach was highlighted by Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha. The government’s commitment to advancing the livelihoods of coastal communities reflects an understanding of the pressing challenges faced by the fishing industry, including climate change and resource sustainability.
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