Rajasthan - Fishing | RPSC Preparation: All subjects - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Fisheries Scenario in Rajasthan

• According to the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), India holds the position of the world's third-largest fish producer, with India ranking second only to China in aquaculture, contributing 7% to global production. Fish production plays a pivotal role, contributing around 1% to India's gross domestic product and over 5% to the agricultural GDP. 
• In Rajasthan, besides enhancing fish production, this sector ensures the provision of affordable protein-rich food and employment opportunities for rural and marginalized communities.

Fisheries Resource in Rajasthan

Rajasthan possesses ample aquatic resources that position it favorably to emerge as a leading fish producer in the country.
The water resources in Rajasthan encompass:

• 3.36 lakh hectares - large and medium water bodies
• 0.94 lakh hectares - small water bodies and ponds
• 0.87 lakh hectares - rivers and canals

As indicated by a study conducted by the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai in 2010, Rajasthan boasts a fish production potential exceeding 80,000 metric tonnes annually.

Fish Production Status in Rajasthan

• The state has been witnessing a steady increase in fish production. However, the production figure achieved in the year 2018-19 stood at 55,848.99 metric tonnes.

Government Departments

• At the union level, various government departments play crucial roles in overseeing and supporting the fisheries sector in Rajasthan.
• In May 2019, the Department of Fisheries was established under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, marking a significant step in the development of fisheries in Rajasthan.
• The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has been actively involved in promoting fisheries within the state.

Schemes Promoting Livelihood in Rajasthan

• Implementation of a groundbreaking 'livelihood model' in three reservoirs - Jaisamand (Udaipur), Mahi Bajaj Sagar (Banswara), and Kadana Backwater (Dungarpur) - aimed at uplifting tribal fishermen.
• The model operates on a 'zero revenue' basis where the entire fish catch price is transferred to tribal fishermen, resulting in significantly increased earnings for around 7,193 fishermen belonging to 56 cooperative societies.
• The National Mission for Protein Supplement has played a vital role in enhancing the nutritional intake of individuals within Rajasthan through fisheries.

National Mission for Protein Supplement

• Under the National Mission for Protein Supplement scheme, the Government of India has allocated funds for various projects aimed at promoting modern fisheries techniques and enhancing fish culture in Rajasthan.
• A cage culture project costing ₹ 3.44 crore has been initiated at Mahi Bajaj Sagar, Banswara, to showcase and disseminate modern fisheries techniques.
• 56 cages have been set up as part of this project to facilitate fish culture activities.
• The project has progressed through two phases, with plans to allocate cages to the tribal fishermen society in Bassipada, Banswara, for the third phase.
• An innovative Ornamental Fish breeding unit and aquarium gallery project with a sanctioned amount of `3.64 crore is currently under construction at Bisalpur Dam, Tonk.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

• Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), ₹15.30 crore has been approved for the modernization and construction of 41 fish landing centers in Rajasthan to minimize post-harvest losses.
• Fish landing centers at Ramsagar (Dholpur), Bisalpur (Tonk), and Rana Pratap Sagar (Rawatbhata) have been successfully constructed.
• Construction of landing centers at Jawai Dam (Pali) and Jaisamand (Udaipur) is completed and operational.