An umbrella scheme for integrated development and management of fisheries has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
It is Central Sector Scheme on Blue Revolution that will be implemented at an outlay of 3,000 crore rupees for a period of five years in all the states including North East States and Union Territories.
The scheme would cover development and management of inland fisheries, aquaculture, marine fisheries, including deep-sea fishing, mariculture and all activities undertaken by the National Fisheries Development Board, an official statement said here.
Fisheries, classified as a sunrise sector, covers about 14.50 million people and had export earnings of Rs 33,441 crore in 2014-15 ($5.51 billion). Total production was 10 million tonnes in 2014-15. Besides increasing fish production at the primary level, the scheme would stimulate growth of subsidiary and allied industries and other related economic activities, especially in the coastal regions, leading to many direct and indirect benefits.
India has attained the status of the second largest fish producing and second largest aquaculture nation in the world.