The Blue Revolution is the huge increase in aquaculture production around the world since the middle of the 20th century. This includes domestication and farming of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants as pets, especially in underdeveloped countries. The peak and later the stagnation of capture fishery in the late 1980s led to new technologies that made aquaculture production more efficient.
There has been a lot of growth in aquaculture, and now it is the main way that people get fish for food and other uses. It is now an important part of the global food chain. The Blue Revolution and the growth of aquaculture are expected to keep going strong. By 2030, the growth is expected to be 30% higher than current.
In India Blue Revolution, often referred to as Neel or Nili Kranti, started in 1985-1990 to boost and promote the fishery and marine products to double the income of the farmers depending on it.
Evolution of the Blue Revolution
India's fisheries transformation journey dates back to the era of the Green Revolution from 1965-72 when farming technology took significant strides. This revolution doubled the wheat yield, which was the set-up for growth further down the road.
The First Blue Revolution, which was launched during the 7th Five-Year Plan (1985-1990) was regimented. The government introduced the Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) to create awareness of the use of new techniques in fish breeding, rearing, marketing, and export of fish.
Intensive Marine Fisheries Program The 8th Five Year Plan (1992-1997) brought out the program which collaborated with multinational companies and set up fishing harbors all around India. This was a period when the sector underwent considerable development. In 2014, new programs were launched to continue changing the fisheries area, emphasizing more investment, improved training programs, and infrastructural development.
The most recent development in India's fisheries sector came in 2019 when the government established a separate Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying along with a Department of Fisheries
The creation of the new ministry had been very positively provided for in the Interim budget, Rs 3,737 Cr, as compared to Rs 804 Cr for the fishery sector alone, showing a clear commitment of the government to bringing the desired growth.
Father of The Blue Revolution
Indian fisheries scientists Hiralal Chaudhuri and Arun Krishnan are widely regarded as the Fathers of the Blue Revolution in India. Chaudhuri, a pioneer in induced breeding, revolutionized the country's fisheries sector by developing innovative methods for breeding and spawning production of economically important carp species.
His groundbreaking work in induced breeding and fish farming was instrumental in transforming the sector. The seventh five-year plan (1985-1990) marked the beginning of the Blue Revolution, aimed at boosting fisheries' economic growth and sustainability. Chaudhuri's curiosity about the reproductive process of fish led him to develop induced breeding techniques, a breakthrough in pisciculture, and he successfully bred carp species on July 10, 1956, after nine years of research.
This pioneering work laid the foundation for the Blue Revolution, which led to the rapid growth and development of India's aquaculture sector, ensuring food and nutritional security for the country.
What is Blue Revolution 2.0?
Blue Revolution 2.0 is India's latest fisheries and aquaculture reform. It aims to make India a worldwide seafood hub by improving output, productivity, exports, and fishermen and fish farmers' socioeconomic conditions while guaranteeing environmental sustainability.
The objective of The Blue Revolution 2.0
- Increase fish production and productivity to reach 22 million metric tonnes by 2024-25.
- By 2024-25, triple fisheries export profits to Rs. 1 lakh crore.
- Encourage eco-friendly aquaculture.
- Improve fishermen and fish growers' livelihoods.
- Increase fish consumption to secure food and nourishment.
Components of the Blue Revolution
- PMMSY: A comprehensive program for sustainable fisheries development.
- Promote cage and pen culture in reservoirs, lakes, and rivers to increase aquaculture.
- Improve fish productivity with current biotechnology and breeding.
- Megafood parks and aquaculture clusters: Creating value-added infrastructure.
- Electronic trading, real-time data collecting, and traceability are digital initiatives.
- Fisherman welfare: Housing, insurance, and social security.
Institutional Reforms
- 2019: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying established.
- To coordinate and implement Blue Revolution activities, and strengthen the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
- Effective implementation requires better central-state cooperation.
Funding and Investment:
- PMMSY programme allocation of Rs. 20,050 crore for 2020-2024.
- Public-private partnerships and private-sector participation intensified.
- Fisheries FDI promotion.
Techniques used during the Blue Revolution in India
The Blue Revolution's success stemmed from a combination of these techniques, promoting a shift from traditional, subsistence-level fishing to intensive, scientific aquaculture practices. While it significantly boosted fish production, it's important to acknowledge and address potential environmental concerns associated with intensive aquaculture practices.
Aquaculture Expansion and Improvement:
- Pond Culture: Traditional ponds were expanded and modernized. Techniques like polyculture (raising multiple fish species together) and improved water management practices were implemented to enhance productivity.
- Cage Culture: This technique involves raising fish in wire mesh cages placed in lakes, rivers, or coastal areas. It allows for intensive fish farming in confined spaces.
- Hatchery Technology: Advancements in hatchery technology enabled controlled breeding of commercially important fish species, ensuring a steady supply of fingerlings (young fish) for aquaculture.
Species Diversification:
- Carefully selected fish species with faster growth rates and higher market value were introduced in some regions. This broadened the variety of fish available for aquaculture.
- Selective breeding programs were implemented to develop fish varieties with desirable traits like faster growth, disease resistance, and improved flesh quality.
Modernization and Technology Adoption:
- The development and use of commercially prepared, high-protein fish feed enhanced fish growth and reduced dependence on natural food sources.
- Improved diagnostic tools and effective vaccines helped prevent and control diseases in fish farms, minimizing losses.
- The introduction of machinery for tasks like aeration, feeding, and harvesting streamlined operations and improved efficiency.
Infrastructure Development:
- Building cold storage facilities, processing units, and efficient transportation networks ensured fish reached consumers fresh and maintained their quality.
- Government initiatives and training programs for fish farmers played a vital role in promoting better marketing practices, creating awareness about new technologies, and disseminating knowledge for sustainable aquaculture practices.
Government Schemes for Blue Revolution
The Indian government's initiatives under the Blue Revolution have yielded significant positive impacts. Fish production has risen dramatically, strengthening food security and ensuring a wider availability of protein-rich seafood for the population.
The development of this sector has also created a ripple effect, generating employment opportunities not only for fishermen but also for allied industries involved in processing, distribution, and marketing. Furthermore, investments in infrastructure and technology have modernized fishing practices, leading to increased efficiency throughout the fisheries sector.
Finally, social security schemes and welfare programs have provided crucial support to fishermen and their families, contributing to their overall socio-economic well-being. These combined effects paint a positive picture of the Blue Revolution's impact on India's fisheries sector. The Indian government has implemented various schemes under the umbrella of the Blue Revolution (Nili Kranti Mission) to promote sustainable development and growth in the fisheries sector. Here's a breakdown of some key initiatives:
Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries
This overarching scheme launched in 2015-16 acts as a central pillar for Blue Revolution efforts. It encompasses various sub-schemes focusing on different aspects of fisheries development:
Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture: Promotes development of freshwater resources for fish production through pond modernization, cage culture, seed multiplication, and infrastructure development.
Development of Marine Fisheries: Encourages sustainable fishing practices, modernization of fishing vessels, infrastructure development in fishing harbors, and post-harvest infrastructure like cold storage facilities.
Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Operations: Supports infrastructure development like fish landing centers, ice plants, cold chains, processing units, and marketing facilities to improve efficiency and minimize post-harvest losses.
National Scheme on Welfare of Fishermen: Provides social security benefits to fishermen, including group accident insurance, financial assistance for housing, and support for children's education.
Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS): Strengthens enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, ensuring resource sustainability.
Institutional Arrangement for the Fisheries Sector: Enhances institutional capacity and human resource development in the fisheries sector.
Other Important Government Schemes for Blue Revolution:
Matsya Sampada Yojana: Launched in 2019, this scheme focuses on strengthening the marine fisheries infrastructure, modernization of fishing vessels, and improving post-harvest infrastructure.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A flagship scheme launched in 2020, PMMSY aims at enhancing fish production and productivity through various interventions like infrastructure development, modernization of the value chain, and institutional strengthening.
Fisheries Insurance Scheme: Provides insurance coverage to fishermen against accidents at sea and loss of fishing gear.
Impact of Government Schemes:
Key Statistics of Fisheries in India
- India's fish production has grown significantly. From 60,000 tonnes in 1970 to 4.7 million tonnes in 2020, including 1.6 million tonnes of inland and 3.1 million tonnes of marine fisheries.
- The fisheries sector contributed 1.069% to the National Gross Value Add (GVA) and 6.86% to Agriculture GVA in 2021-22, expanding 8.61% yearly.
- From 2023-28, the Indian fisheries market would grow 8.81% to 31.7 million tonnes.
- In 9 years, inland aquaculture production has doubled, with 174 lakh tonnes projected in 2022-23.
- India has 28,000 fishing cooperatives with 4 million members.
- India exports 8% of global fish, ranking 4th.
- The fisheries sector grows 8.61% annually, contributing 1.069% to the National Gross Value Add (GVA) and 6.86% to Agriculture GVA in 2021-22.
- The Indian government wants to raise fish production to 15 million tons by 2020 and 20 million tons by 2023.
- The sector faces issues like as overfishing, hazardous material discharge, and climate change.
- The government's Blue Revolution Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, and National Fisheries Development Board assist fisheries.
Impact of the Blue Revolution on the Global Food System
The Blue Revolution, which aimed to transform aquaculture, changed the global food chain. The Blue Revolution has helped meet global seafood demand by fostering sustainable and innovative aquaculture. Since 2000, worldwide fish production has climbed 20%, with aquaculture accounting for 50%, according to the FAO.
Rapid fish farming has enhanced food security and nutrition, especially in developing nations, by increasing the protein-rich food available. The FAO reports that aquaculture provides most of the world's 20% protein from fish and shellfish. The Blue Revolution also created jobs and increased aquatic product exports, boosting the economy.
India is the second-largest aquaculture producer, and the World Bank reported $150 billion in revenue in 2020. The success of the Blue Revolution has generated worries about the environmental impact of intensive aquaculture, requiring more sustainable practices to preserve the global food system's long-term viability.