Giriraj releases “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics – 2018″

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New Delhi : Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Minister Giriraj Singh released a “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics – 2018” on September 19, 2019, published by the Department of Fisheries of  Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India.  The Handbook on Fisheries Statistics – 2018 is the 13^th edition which presents useful statistical information for various aspects of Fisheries sector. The last (12^th edition of) Handbook was published in 2014.

Addressing the media after releasing the Handbook, Giriraj Singh said that the Union Government will invest Rs 25,000 crore in the next five years to enhance infrastructure and boost production of fishes in India. He said that PM Narendra Modi has given due importance to this sector by creating a separate Ministry for it. He said that Fisheries sector will play a crucial role in the doubling of farmers’ income.

The latest edition provides information on year wise fish production (Marine & Inland) from 1990-91 to 2017-18, trend of fisheries exports, fisheries resources, fishing craft, pattern of per capita fish consumption in different States/UTs, Grass Value Addition (GVA) from fisheries sector and its contribution to total GVA of the Country, fisheries institutes, fishermen population and various schemes implemented for sustained and responsible development of fisheries sector.

The Fisheries sector is major source of livelihood for over 1.60 crore people along with double the number in down and upstream. Development of fisheries can ensure nutritional security, food security of India, and also provide employment in these regions that are predominately inhabited by rural populace.

The total fish production of 12.59 million metric tonnes was registered during 2017-18 with a contribution of 8.90 million metric tonnes from inland sector and 3.69 million metric tonnes from marine sector. The average growth in fish production during 2017-18 stands at 10.14% compared to 2016-17 (11.43 million metric tonnes). This is mainly due to 14.05% growth in Inland fisheries compared to 2016-17 (7.80 million metric tonnes). India is currently world’s second largest producers of fish. It is also world number two in aquaculture production as well as in inland capture fisheries, according to a PIB release.