Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister of Agriculture here today released the ‘Handbook on Fisheries Statistics-2014’ published by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Ministry of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries was also present on this occasion.The Handbook shows that there has been steady growth in the export of fish and fish products over the period. Efforts are being made to boost the export potential through persification of products for export. During 2013-14 the volume of fish and fish products exported was 9,83,756 tonnes worth Rs. 30,213.26 crores as compared to 2009-10 (6,78,436 tonnes; Rs. 10,048.53 crores). This was due to L. Vannamei, an exotic shrimp variety, introduced in year 2009 along with guidelines framed for coastal aquaculture by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries which accounted for nearly Rs 20,000 crores of export, in 2013-14. The total fish production during 2013-14(Provisional) is registered 9.58 million metric tonnes, with a contribution of 6.14 million metric tonnes from inland sector and 3.44 million metric tonnes from marine sector. The average growth in fish production during 2013-14 stands at 5.9%, which has been mainly due to 7.3% growth in inland aquaculture and the remaining 3.7% growth from marine sectors. India is currently the second largest producer of fish. It is also world number two in aquaculture production as well as in inland capture fisheries.
The Handbook on Fisheries Statistics-2014 provides information on year-wise fish production (both marine and inland) from 1978-79 to 2013-14, trend of exports, fisheries resources, fishing craft, per capita fish consumption pattern in different States/UT’s, GDP from Fisheries Sector and its contribution to total GDP of the country, fisheries institutes, fishermen population and various schemes implemented for development of fisheries sector. The fisheries sector is a source of livelihood for over 14.49 million people engaged fully, partially or in subsidiary activities related to the sector. Besides, an equal population is engaged in ancillary activities in fisheries and aquaculture. Development of fisheries can ensure nutritional security, food security as well as tackle unemployment in these regions that are predominately inhabited by rural populace.The Handbook on Fisheries Statistics-2014 is the twelfth edition published by Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DAHD&F), Ministry of Agriculture. The Handbook presents useful statistical information for various aspects of Fishery Sector in India. The 11th edition of Handbook was published in 2011.