[Answered] Examine the potential of India’s Blue Revolution in fisheries and aquaculture for an inclusive future. Justify FAO’s role in guiding this sector towards resilience and sustainability.

Introduction

India is the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer, contributing 10.23 million tonnes annually. The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Sampada Yojana aim to transform fisheries into engines of inclusive growth, sustainability, and export competitiveness.

Potential of India’s Blue Revolution for an Inclusive Future

1. Economic Growth & Export Competitiveness: Fisheries contribute 1.09% to India’s GDP and 6.72% to agricultural GDP. India exported USD 8.09 billion seafood in 2023-24 (MPEDA), with shrimp dominating global markets.
2. Employment and Social Equity: The sector supports 28 million fishers and workers, largely from coastal and marginalized communities. PMMSY (₹20,050 crore) aims to create 55 lakh employment opportunities, advancing inclusive growth.
3. Food and Nutritional Security: Per capita fish consumption is rising (from 5 kg to 9 kg in a decade), crucial for addressing protein deficiency and malnutrition, especially under POSHAN Abhiyan and mid-day meal programmes.
4. Regional Development and Blue Economy Vision 2047: India’s 7,516 km coastline, 3 million hectares of reservoirs, and 1.2 million hectares of brackish water provide significant space for mariculture, cage culture, and recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), supporting SDG-1, SDG-2 & SDG-14.
5. Technology-led transformation: Key reforms include:

• Vessel transponders improving marine safety
• Matsya Seva Kendras improving service delivery
• Kisan Credit Card inclusion for fishers
• Digital traceability & cold-chain infrastructure enhancing export compliance
• Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Village Programme

Challenges Hindering Inclusivity and Sustainability

1. Overfishing and habitat degradation (CMFRI 2024 recorded a 2% marine landing drop)
2. IUU fishing, weak Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS)
3. Fragmented value chains & inadequate post-harvest infrastructure (losses ~₹15,000 crore annually)
4. Poor access to technology, finance, and logistics for small-scale fisheries

FAO’s Critical Role in Guiding the Sector

1. Institutional Partnership and Global Best Practices: FAO supports an ecosystem-based, science-led model aligned with Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA).
2. Policy and Capacity Strengthening: FAO’s collaboration began with Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP) strengthening small-scale fishers, safety, and post-harvest systems. BOBLME project aided combating IUU fishing, endangered species conservation & National Action Plans.
3. Sustainable Aquaculture Initiatives: GEF-funded project in Andhra Pradesh transforms aquaculture into a climate-resilient sector using Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA).
4. Value Chain and Infrastructure Support: FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme assists modernizing fishing ports (Vanakbara & Jakhau), strengthening market access, hygiene, and environmental compliance.
5. Ensuring Inclusivity and Climate Resilience: FAO focuses on smallholder empowerment, digital traceability, and reducing environmental footprints—aligning with Blue Transformation Strategy 2030.

Conclusion

As emphasized in Amartya Sen’s Development as Freedom, sustainable and equitable growth requires institutional support. India’s Blue Revolution, guided by FAO cooperation, can secure resilient aquatic systems and inclusive prosperity.