The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, has announced plans to set up five integrated aquaparks, as part of the efforts to boost the Fisheries sector. This announcement was made during the presentation of the Interim Budget 2024-25 in Parliament. The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to the fisheries sector, which led to the establishment of a separate Department for Fisheries, resulting in the doubling of both inland and aquaculture production since 2013-14. Seafood exports have also doubled in this period.
The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) will be intensified with the aim to increase aquaculture productivity from the current 3 to 5 tons per hectare, double exports to ₹1 lakh crore, and generate 55 lakh employment opportunities in the near future.
In addition to these developments, the Minister announced the launch of a scheme for promoting climate-resilient activities for Blue Economy 2.0. This scheme will focus on restoration and adaptation measures, coastal aquaculture, and mariculture, adopting an integrated and multi-sectoral approach.
Regarding dairy development, the Minister stated that a comprehensive programme to support dairy farmers will be formulated. This programme will build on the success of existing schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and Infrastructure Development Funds for dairy processing and animal husbandry. The aim is to address the issue of low productivity of milch-animals in India, the world’s largest milk producer. The programme will include efforts to control foot and mouth disease among cattle.