1. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has been allocated Rs. 2584.50 crore for the financial year 2024-25.
The flagship scheme, Pradhan Mantri Mastya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is being enhanced to boost aquaculture productivity from the current 3 tons/Ha to 5 tons/Ha, double exports to Rs. 1 lakh crore, and create 55 lakh employment opportunities. Additionally, significant infrastructural changes include the establishment of 5 integrated aquaparks.
Furthermore, the Blue Economy 2.0 will be launched to promote climate-resilient activities, restoration and adaptation measures, and the development of coastal aquaculture and mariculture through an integrated and multi-sectoral approach
Analysis:
I. Financial Allocation: Andhra Pradesh (AP) has been allocated Rs. 753 crore for the period 2020-21 to 2024-25. Over the past four years (2020-21 to 2023-24), the Government of India (GoI) has sanctioned Rs. 655 crore, of which Rs. 482 crore has been released. The anticipated balance is Rs. 232 crore. An action plan under PMMSY with a Total Project Cost (TPC) of Rs. 541 crore, including a GoI share of Rs. 324 crore for FY 2024-25, has been submitted.
II. Integrated Aqua Park: The GoI has sanctioned one integrated aqua park for AP with a TPC of Rs. 88.08 crore and a GoI share of Rs. 52.85 crore. A revised proposal has been submitted, requesting the TPC be considered as Rs. 187.75 crore, with a GoI share of Rs. 112.65 crore.
III. Climate Resilient Activities: To promote climate-resilient activities, restoration, and adaptation measures, a proposal for 15 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages with a TPC of Rs. 30 crore (100% central funding under the PMMSY scheme) has been submitted.
IV. Sea Ranching Programme: The GoI has sanctioned Rs. 1.50 crore under the Sea Ranching Programme for resource conservation and increasing marine fish production.
V. Artificial Reefs: The GoI has sanctioned 22 units of artificial reefs (ARs) for marine ecosystem restoration. Additionally, a proposal for 150 more ARs is planned.
VI. Modern Infrastructure: Provision of modern infrastructure facilities at Fish Handling (FH) and Fish Landing Centers (FLC) can reduce post-harvest losses, improve export quality of fish, and provide employment to fishermen.
VII. Deep Sea Fishing: Promotion of deep-sea fishing vessels for the export of tuna and other export varieties of fish is encouraged
2. Shrimp Production & Export: Financial support for setting up a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for Shrimp Broodstocks will be provided. Financing for shrimp farming, processing and export will be facilitated through NABARD.
Analysis:
I. Support for Entrepreneurs: This scheme will benefit private entrepreneurs by reducing the need to import SPF/SPR L. Vannamei Broodstock.
II. Quality Seed Production: It will enable the production of high-quality seeds, thereby enhancing exports
3. India’s seafood exports in the last financial year touched an all-time high of more than ₹ 60,000 crore. Frozen shrimp accounted for about two-thirds of these exports. To enhance their competitiveness, it is proposed to reduce Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on certain broodstock, polychaete worms, shrimp and fish feed to 5 per cent. Additionally, customs duty on various inputs for the manufacture of shrimp and fish will be exempted.
Analysis: CUSTOMS DUTY RATE CHANGES:
I. Reduction in Customs Duty: This reduction aims to lower input costs, increase value addition, promote export competitiveness, correct the inverted duty structure, and boost domestic manufacturing. These changes will take effect from
24.07.2024.
II. Benefits to Stakeholders: This initiative will benefit feed manufacturers, hatchery operators, and other stakeholders by reducing feed and seed costs. This will particularly help aqua farmers, including small and marginal farmers.
III. Quality Production for Exports: It will also enhance the production of high quality shrimp and fish for export markets.
Blogger:
Dr. Sathish Prasad
Senior Scientist – Aquatic Animal Health
Growel Innovation Center,
RS NO.57, Chevuru Village, Sriharipuram Panchayat, Mudinepalli Mandal, Krishna District – Andhra Pradesh India – 521329
Email: [email protected]