Focus: Government policies and Interventions
Why in News?
Inspired by Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Technology Development Board (TDB) has extended support to the Tilapia Aquaculture Project with Israeli Technology.
- Technology Development Board (TDB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched in 2020 to bring about Blue Revolution through the sustainable development of the fisheries sector over a period of five years (2020-2025).
- It is an umbrella scheme to develop the fisheries sector with a total outlay of Rs. 20050 crores.
It has two components
- The Central Sector Scheme (CS) component with a non-beneficiary-oriented scheme and a Beneficiary oriented scheme (Central Assistance for General Category – 40%; SC/ST/Women – 60%).
- A Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS) component also with a non-beneficiary-oriented scheme and Beneficiary oriented scheme. The different break-ups of funding are: Central Assistance for Northeastern States – 90%, Other States – 60%; and UTs – 100%.
The areas expected to be covered by the PMMSY are:
- Fish production
- Fisheries productivity
- Quality of fisheries and aquaculture sectors
- Post-harvest infrastructure and management
- Modernization of value chain
- Welfare of the fishers and fish farmers
- Fisheries management framework
The objectives of the PMMSY are:
- Develop fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
- Harness the potential of fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner
- Efficient use of land and water resources to enhance fish production and productivity.
- Modernize value chain considering post-harvest management and quality improvement.
- Double fishers and fish farmers’ incomes
- Generate employment in the fisheries sector.
- Enhance fisheries sector’s contribution to overall agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and exports.
- Provide social, economic and physical security to fish farmers and fishermen.
- Develop a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.
What is Aquaculture?
- The term “aquaculture” broadly refers to the raising of aquatic organisms for any economic, recreational, or societal purpose in artificial aquatic settings.
- In various kinds of water settings, including ponds, rivers, lakes, the ocean, and man-made “closed” systems on land, plants and animals are bred, raised, and harvested.
Purposes:
- Food production for human consumption,
- Rebuilding of populations of threatened and endangered species,
- Habitat restoration,
- Wild stock enhancement,
- Production of baitfish, and
- Fish culture for zoos and aquariums.
What is Tilapia?
- One of the most successful and widely traded fish foods in the world is tilapia, sometimes known as aquatic chicken.
- Because of its fast development and simple cultivation, tilapia has gained commercial popularity throughout the world and earned the moniker “aquatic chicken.”
- Tilapia can be raised in ponds or cage systems, salt or brackish water, and in a number of other aquaculture conditions.
