UPSC Prelims Exam 2020 Test Series
Important Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam 2020
Blue Revolution
Vice President recently inaugurated the Aqua Aquaria India 2019.The theme for the 2019 edition was “To take Blue Revolution to India’s hinterland”. It is the largest aquaculture exhibition in India. It is a biennial exhibition organised by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).India is today the 2nd largest producer of fisheries in the world. The sector forms 20% of the agricultural exports.
2. Blue Revolution, focuses on promoting fisheries and allied activities among farmers i.e. furthering the Blue economy-Blue economy is a term used for describing an aquatic or water based economy. It has the vision to achieve economic prosperity of the country and the fishers and fish farmers as well as contribute towards food and nutritional security through full potential utilization of water resources for fisheries development in a sustainable manner.
2. Aim of the Revolution
To fully tap the total fish potential of the country both in the inland and the marine sector and triple the production by 2020 all this while keeping the emphasis on sustainable aquaculture.
To transform the fisheries sector as a modern industry with special focus on new technologies and processes
Better marketing post harvest infrastructure including e-commerce and other technologies and global best innovations.
To triple the export earnings by 2020 with focus on benefits flow to the fishers and fish farmers including through institutional mechanisms in the cooperative, producer companies and other structures
To enhance food and nutritional security of the country
3. What is Blue Revolution 2.0?
Government of India has announced Neel Kranthi Mission or Blue Revolution 2.0 for the development and management of fisheries across inland aquaculture, deep sea fishing and Mari culture sectors.
It will also expand the activities of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
It attempts to develop fisheries in a sustainable manner keeping in view the concerns of biosecurity and environment conservation.
The focus areas of Blue Revolution 2.0 include strengthening fisheries sector, increasing seafood output and export.
4. The peninsular region of India is covered on all 3 sides by ocean. There are tremendous fresh water resources as well. Fishing is a primary source of livelihood for several communities in India. In the recent years, Mari cultures also growing with the production of mussels, oysters, etc. Mari culture is the cultivation of marine organisms in the open-ocean or enclosed spaces filled with sea water.
5. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana:
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana‘s aim to increasing production in the sectors of fisheries and robust fisheries management framework.
The government intends to bring all fishermen under the ambit of farmer welfare programs and social security schemes.
The new scheme has been introduced under the newly established department of fisheries announced by the government in its interim budget this year.
Its aim is to augment fish production to achieve its target of 15 million tons by 2020 under the blue revolution and raise it thereafter to about 20 million tons by 2020 to 2023.
6. Challenges in Indian Fisheries Sector
Concern over stagnation of production of marine fisheries
Resource quality issues-It pertains to the length of time for which adequate water would be standing in a water body.
Alternate demands on the same water body
Water quality problems resulting from these alternate demands
Limited rights over the water bodies
Security and length of tenancy when these are leased
Poaching of fish
Availability of spawn, seedlings and fingerlings on time
Availability of necessary feed and medicine
Access to markets and working capital, There is a major issue with ponds and tanks in most parts of the mainland in India —these are typically multiple-use water bodies. These multiple-use water bodies, therefore, are unreliable for fish production unless managed well.
Global warming and climate change adversely impacts the marine habitats and life forms, Challenges such as environmental threats, disease risks and trade barriers.
7. Caution also needs to be exercised against reckless exploitation of limited resources, stopping exploitation of endangered marine species, Discharge of harming substances such as plastics and other wastes into water bodies, etc.