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National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): About, Functions and Objectives 

• The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was founded in 2006 under the governance of the Central Government with the aim of fostering comprehensive growth within India's fisheries sector. Its key focus areas encompass diverse developmental endeavors such as intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks, culture-centric capture fisheries in reservoirs, as well as infrastructural ventures like fishing harbours, fish landing centers, deep-sea fishing, and coastal aquaculture.
• The fisheries domain stands as a pivotal sector meeting the nutritional, economic, and social requirements of India's populace. Despite the vast marine resources available, a significant portion remains untapped and underutilized. This article delves into the establishment and proactive measures undertaken by NFDB to enhance the fisheries industry.

About National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)

• Establishment and Headquarters: NFDB was established in 2006 with its headquarters in Hyderabad.
• Administrative Oversight: NFDB operates under the administrative control of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
• Mission: The primary objective of NFDB is to enhance the fisheries sector through consistent and innovative approaches, providing specialized attention to every segment.
• Key Emphases: NFDB focuses on various key areas including:
  • Culture-based Capture Fisheries: This involves the cultivation of fish for commercial purposes after harvesting them from natural sources.
  • Intensive Aquaculture: NFDB promotes intensive aquaculture practices where fish are bred in ponds or tanks with optimal conditions to maximize output.
  • Knowledge-based Farming: Understanding the intricacies of fish culture practices such as pond management, feeding, breeding techniques, and scientific farming methods is essential for successful fish production and processing.
• Organizational Structure: NFDB is governed by a body chaired by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, with an Executive Committee led by the Secretary of the Department of Fisheries. These bodies oversee and guide the functions of the board.
• Leadership: The Chief Executive heads NFDB and plays a pivotal role in executing its objectives.
• Focus Areas: NFDB engages in a range of activities, including:
  • Intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks
  • Coastal aquaculture
  • Mariculture
  • Seaweed cultivation
  • Infrastructure development
  • Ornamental fisheries
  • Trout culture
  • Artificial reefs technology advancement
  • Fish landing centers
  • Capacity building for fish farmers and fishermen

Functions of National Fisheries Development Board

• Intensive Aquaculture in Ponds and Tanks: This involves the practice of raising aquatic species like fish, crustaceans, and mollusks in controlled environments such as ponds and tanks. It aims to increase production efficiently.
• Coastal Aquaculture: Coastal aquaculture focuses on cultivating marine species in coastal areas, utilizing natural resources like seawater. It enhances seafood production and economic opportunities in coastal regions.
• Mariculture: Mariculture involves the farming of marine organisms in their natural habitat or in enclosed sections of the ocean. This practice supports the sustainable production of seafood.
• Seaweed Cultivation: Seaweed cultivation refers to the controlled farming of seaweeds for various purposes such as food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial uses. It plays a vital role in marine ecosystem maintenance and provides valuable resources.
• Infrastructural Setup: This encompasses the development of necessary infrastructure like processing plants, storage facilities, and transportation networks to support the fisheries sector's growth and efficiency.
• Ornamental Fisheries: Ornamental fisheries involve breeding and rearing colorful and exotic fish species for the aquarium trade. This sector contributes to biodiversity conservation and provides livelihood opportunities.
• Trout Culture: Trout culture focuses on the farming of trout species, popular for their high-quality flesh and adaptability to various environmental conditions. It supports both commercial and recreational fisheries.
• Artificial Reefs Technology Upgradation: Artificial reefs are human-made structures placed underwater to enhance fish habitats and promote biodiversity. Upgrading this technology involves improving designs and materials for better ecological outcomes.
• Fish Landing Centres: Fish landing centres are crucial infrastructure where fishers bring their catch for processing and distribution. These centers help streamline the fish supply chain and ensure quality control.
• Capacity Building for Fish Farmers and Fishermen: Capacity building programs aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of fish farmers and fishermen through training, education, and technology transfer. This empowers individuals in the fisheries sector and improves productivity.

Enhancing Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

• Comprehensive Attention to Fisheries and Aquaculture: To ensure a holistic approach towards fisheries and aquaculture, encompassing various stages such as production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing functions. This involves focusing on the entire value chain to optimize outcomes.
• Promoting Sustainability in Aquatic Resource Management: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining sustainability in the management of aquatic resources. This involves adopting practices that ensure the long-term health and productivity of aquatic ecosystems.
• Utilizing Modern Technology for Enhanced Productivity: Harnessing modern, technology-oriented tools in research and development to increase productivity and production within the fisheries sector. This includes leveraging innovations such as IoT devices for efficient data collection and analysis.
• Infrastructure Development for Fisheries Management: Establishing modern and well-equipped infrastructure mechanisms to facilitate effective fisheries management and maximize resource utilization. This involves creating facilities that support activities like fish farming and processing.
• Promoting Employment and Gender Inclusivity: Creating significant employment opportunities within the fisheries sector and encouraging the active participation of women in fisheries management. This aims to promote inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
• Enhancing Nutritional and National Security Contributions: Amplifying the contribution of fish to nutrition and national security. Fish is a valuable source of protein and essential nutrients, playing a crucial role in food security and overall well-being.

Overview of GAIS Scheme

• This is referred to as the Group Accident Insurance Scheme.
• It is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
• The scheme provides insurance coverage for individuals working in the fisheries sector across the country.
• The implementation is managed by the National Fisheries Development Board in collaboration with the Oriental Insurance Company.
• The beneficiaries include fish workers, fish farmers, and others involved in fishing and related activities.
• Individuals aged 18 to 70, regardless of gender, are eligible for this insurance coverage.
• The premium for this insurance is shared between the Central and State governments.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructural Development Fund (FIDF)

• Established by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
• Promotes the development of infrastructure in both inland and marine fisheries to boost fish production.
• Aims for a sustainable growth rate of 8 to 9 percent in the fisheries sector.
• Targets an increase in fish production to 20 million tonnes by 2022-23.
• The National Fisheries Development Board is the main implementing agency for the FIDF Scheme.

Indian Fishing Industry

• India accounts for about 7.58% of global fish production.
• The sector contributes 1.28% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and 7.28% to Agricultural GVA.
• The fisheries sector has experienced an average annual growth rate of 10.87% since 2014-15.
• In 2021-22, India exported marine products worth USD 7.76 billion and is the 4th largest fish exporter globally.
• The sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 28 million people in India, including fishers and fish farmers.
• India’s extensive coastline of about 7,516.6 km offers significant opportunities for fishing in Exclusive Economic Zones, Continental Shelf Areas, and various inland resources such as ponds, lakes, canals, floodplain lakes, tanks, reservoirs, and brackish waters.
• The fishing industry contributes to national income, food security, nutrition, and employment for millions.

Department of Fisheries

• Kodagu district in Karnataka stands out for its fishery activities compared to other districts. While fishery activities elsewhere in the state typically occur in community or public water resources, Kodagu farmers engage in fish farming within their private ponds. Approximately 3,000 farmers are involved in fish farming over 480 hectares, with a total of 2,500 hectares dedicated to fisheries in the district. Reservoirs like Harangi (1,886 hectares) and Chiklihole (105 hectares) are managed according to government regulations.
• The fisheries department aids local fish farmers by distributing high-quality fish seed. For the year 2021-22, the target was 7 million fish seeds, with 5.345 million seeds distributed to 1,500 farmers by February 2022.
• In Karnataka, Harangi is unique as the sole production and rearing center for the endangered Mahaseer fish. By the end of February 2022, the center had produced 25,000 Mahaseer fish seeds and also distributes them to neighboring states. Mahaseer seeds have been planted in various river stretches in Kodagu over the years. This conservation effort has led the Mahaseer (Tor khudree) to be reclassified from "endangered" to "Species of Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), thanks to the continuous efforts of the Fisheries Department in Kodagu.