Gandhinagar: Gujarat is going to observe National Fish Farmers Day on July 10th in Anand and July 11th in Ukai. This comes in the wake of National Fish Farmers Day that is marked annually on 10th July to show solidarity and extend support to the aquaculture industry. The celebrations will include programs designed to educate farmers involved with fish production about Gujarat government schemes and advancements in fisheries technology.

Gujarat boasts India’s longest coastline of 1600 km, having significant potential for advancing the country’s blue economy. The Government of Gujarat has implemented various incentives and policies aimed at boosting fish production and enhancing the economic well-being of farmers involved with fish production. On the back of these schemes and central government’s assistance, Gujarat ranks second in marine fish production across the country.

Gujarat’s Annual Fish Production Touches Average of 8.38 Lakh Metric Tonnes Over Last 4 Years

While Gujarat ranks second in marine fish production, it ranks fifth in overall fish production in the country. Over the past four years, Gujarat has maintained an average annual production of about 8.38 lakh metric tonnes. In 2022-23, Gujarat’s marine fish production remained 7,03,000 metric tonnes, and inland fish production amounted to 1,94,422 metric tonnes, resulting in a total fish production of 8,97,422 metric tonnes. The projections for 2023-24 indicate an even more promising increase, with marine fish production expected to touch 7,02,050 metric tonnes and inland fish production projected at 2,13,140 metric tonnes, bringing the total fish production estimate to 9,15,190 metric tonnes.

GoI Approves Projects worth ₹61 Crore Under PMMSY to Boost Gujarat’s Aquaculture

The Central Government runs the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) nationwide, aiming to increase production in the fisheries sector and enhance the livelihoods of farmers involved with aquaculture. Under this scheme the union government sanctioned projects worth ₹286.53 crore for Gujarat in 2022-23 and over ₹61.55 crore in 2023-24. As a result, the fisheries sector is gaining momentum with an increase in production and livelihood for farmers.

The Gujarat government’s measures to advance the fisheries sector include reduced VAT rates on diesel, subsidies on kerosene and petrol purchases, land allocation for shrimp farming, improvements in road and electricity infrastructure, and enhanced port facilities specifically designed to benefit small farmers associated with fish production. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish four new fishing ports in Madhwad, Navabandar, Veraval-2, and Sutrapada. DeshGujarat