UPSC Mains 2018 GS Paper 1 Q15: model answer

India is the world's second-largest fish producer, with about 175 lakh tonnes in 2022–23, and inland aquaculture now gives more than two-thirds of it. Andhra Pradesh alone produces about a third of India's inland fish.

Blue Revolution

The Blue Revolution means rapid growth of fisheries and aquaculture through better technology, investment and markets, much as the Green Revolution did for grain. The government launched a Blue Revolution scheme in 2015–16, followed by the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020).

Problems in pisciculture

• Seed and feed: shortage of quality fish seed and costly feed in many states.
• Disease: outbreaks in shrimp farms (white spot) cause huge losses.
• Infrastructure: few cold chains, ice plants, processing units and fishing harbours; post-harvest losses are high.
• Credit and insurance are limited for small fish farmers.
• Unscientific practices: overuse of antibiotics and chemicals hurts exports.
• Environment: conversion of mangroves and farmland to shrimp ponds causes salinity and pollution.
• Water bodies: under-use of reservoirs, tanks and floodplain wetlands; conflicts over leasing.
• Market: middlemen take a large share; weak domestic marketing.

Strategies

• PMMSY (₹20,050 crore): hatcheries, brood banks, cold chains, fishing harbours, insurance and Kisan Credit Cards for fishers.
• Species diversification: tilapia, pangasius, seabass, ornamental fish; cage culture in reservoirs and open-sea cages.
• Technology: recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), biofloc, integrated rice–fish farming.
• Disease control and certification to meet export standards.
• Cooperatives and FFPOs for collective marketing; e-markets.
• Training and extension through the National Fisheries Development Board.
• Sustainability: zoning that protects mangroves, controlled antibiotic use.

Conclusion

Fisheries could double farmers' incomes in states with water but low productivity, such as Bihar, Odisha and the North-East. Achieving that needs the infrastructure and science that made Andhra Pradesh a leader.