Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
SPEECH AT INAUGURATL FUNCTION OF INDIAN FISH FESTIVAL (INFISH 2009) AT HYDERABAD ON 11 JULY, 2009.
SPEECH OF PROFESSOR K. V. THOMAS, HON'BLE UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AT THE INAUGURATL FUNCTION OF INDIAN FISH FESTIVAL (INFISH 2009) AT HYDERABAD ON 11 JULY, 2009.
Shri Sharad Pawarji, Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy Garu, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Parthasarathi Garu, Hon'ble Minister for Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, other dignitaries on the dais, Ladies and Gentlemen;
I am happy to be associated with two major activities of the National Fisheries Development Board today. I congratulate National Fisheries Development Board for commencing construction work of its new office complex with a unique architectural design. I am equally happy to see the display of various technologies in the field of aquaculture, marine fisheries, domestic marketing and ornamental fisheries. I congratulate NFDB and State Fisheries Department, Andhra Pradesh for taking this initiative to showcase the latest technologies in the field. I hope this effort would promote understanding of the opportunities in the fisheries sector to the emerging entrepreneurs as well.
I am delighted to see that ICAR research institutions are displaying their technologies. Similarly, I appreciate the efforts of Fishery Survey of India, National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology & Training and other State Government Departments in showcasing the contribution of their States in fisheries sector. While, much has been done so far, I believe that the full potential of this sector has not been fully exploited.
While India is the third largest fish producer of the world, still I believe that the total production of the country of around 7 million tons as against the total global production of 143 million tons needs to be enhanced. Fisheries sector is contributing to 1.07% of the total GDP in the country while its contribution to Agriculture GDP is 5.03%. In terms of exports, the fish and fishery products contribute 18% of the agri-exports. There is an opportunity for fisheries entrepreneurs to focus on quality and conversion of fish into value added products and export them to world markets.
India has a coast line of 8,118 Kms. and there are nearly 15 million fishermen depending on the sector for livelihood. The infrastructure particularly in the fishing harbors and landing centers needs to be modernized and I understand NFDB has a pivotal role to play in modernizing the coastal infrastructure facilities. Apart from the export opportunities, we should also look at the domestic marketing opportunity as well. India with a population of more than 100 crore and with the increasing middle class, domestic market can be encouraged in a big way.
The present level of fish consumption at the global level is around 17 Kgs. while per capita consumption of India is less than 5 Kgs. If the per capita consumption could be increased even by 2 Kgs., there will be a huge demand for fish within our country.
In this context, I am happy to see the marketing outlets established in this exhibition. I am sure that the entrepreneurs would be encouraged to establish such markets through NFDB. I wish the NFDB focuses more attention on market development in domestic sector so that the producers get remunerative prices.
India has been one of the important producers of shrimp in the world. However due to persistent disease outbreaks, I understand that vast areas developed for shrimp farming are under disuse. Keeping this in mind, the Government of India has introduced SPF prawn seed project in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs.40 crores and works are expected to commence shortly. Once this facility is ready, 3 billion disease free shrimp seed would be made available to the aqua-farmers all over the country. Further, the Ministry has also permitted introduction of white shrimp (Liptopenaeus vannamei) culture in India. The NFDB has funded an aquatic quarantine facility exclusively for white shrimp brood stock import through Marine Products Export Development Authority at Chennai and this facility is ready for use by the hatcheries. I hope with the introduction of vennamei shrimp culture, India would regain its glory in shrimp aquaculture.
I congratulate the participants who have joined in the festival to display their products and wish them all success in promoting their business.
Thank you,
Jai Hind
Shri Sharad Pawarji, Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy Garu, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Parthasarathi Garu, Hon'ble Minister for Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, other dignitaries on the dais, Ladies and Gentlemen;
I am happy to be associated with two major activities of the National Fisheries Development Board today. I congratulate National Fisheries Development Board for commencing construction work of its new office complex with a unique architectural design. I am equally happy to see the display of various technologies in the field of aquaculture, marine fisheries, domestic marketing and ornamental fisheries. I congratulate NFDB and State Fisheries Department, Andhra Pradesh for taking this initiative to showcase the latest technologies in the field. I hope this effort would promote understanding of the opportunities in the fisheries sector to the emerging entrepreneurs as well.
I am delighted to see that ICAR research institutions are displaying their technologies. Similarly, I appreciate the efforts of Fishery Survey of India, National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology & Training and other State Government Departments in showcasing the contribution of their States in fisheries sector. While, much has been done so far, I believe that the full potential of this sector has not been fully exploited.
While India is the third largest fish producer of the world, still I believe that the total production of the country of around 7 million tons as against the total global production of 143 million tons needs to be enhanced. Fisheries sector is contributing to 1.07% of the total GDP in the country while its contribution to Agriculture GDP is 5.03%. In terms of exports, the fish and fishery products contribute 18% of the agri-exports. There is an opportunity for fisheries entrepreneurs to focus on quality and conversion of fish into value added products and export them to world markets.
India has a coast line of 8,118 Kms. and there are nearly 15 million fishermen depending on the sector for livelihood. The infrastructure particularly in the fishing harbors and landing centers needs to be modernized and I understand NFDB has a pivotal role to play in modernizing the coastal infrastructure facilities. Apart from the export opportunities, we should also look at the domestic marketing opportunity as well. India with a population of more than 100 crore and with the increasing middle class, domestic market can be encouraged in a big way.
The present level of fish consumption at the global level is around 17 Kgs. while per capita consumption of India is less than 5 Kgs. If the per capita consumption could be increased even by 2 Kgs., there will be a huge demand for fish within our country.
In this context, I am happy to see the marketing outlets established in this exhibition. I am sure that the entrepreneurs would be encouraged to establish such markets through NFDB. I wish the NFDB focuses more attention on market development in domestic sector so that the producers get remunerative prices.
India has been one of the important producers of shrimp in the world. However due to persistent disease outbreaks, I understand that vast areas developed for shrimp farming are under disuse. Keeping this in mind, the Government of India has introduced SPF prawn seed project in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs.40 crores and works are expected to commence shortly. Once this facility is ready, 3 billion disease free shrimp seed would be made available to the aqua-farmers all over the country. Further, the Ministry has also permitted introduction of white shrimp (Liptopenaeus vannamei) culture in India. The NFDB has funded an aquatic quarantine facility exclusively for white shrimp brood stock import through Marine Products Export Development Authority at Chennai and this facility is ready for use by the hatcheries. I hope with the introduction of vennamei shrimp culture, India would regain its glory in shrimp aquaculture.
I congratulate the participants who have joined in the festival to display their products and wish them all success in promoting their business.
Thank you,
Jai Hind
Saturday, July 4, 2009
SPEECH BY Prof K V THOMAS TO THE CONFERENCE OF STATE FISHERIES MINISTERS AT ORISSA
SPEECH OF THE HON'BLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRBUTION TO THE CONFERENCE OF STATE FISHERIES MINISTERS 4-5 JULY, 2009, BHUBANESWAR, ORISSA.
My Respected Senior Colleague, Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Sharad Pawar Ji, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Orissa, Shri Naveen Patnaik ji, Hon'ble Ministers for Fisheries from States, Experts, Officials of Central and State Governments and distinguished delegates; I am indeed happy to be here in the conference of State Fisheries Ministers to discuss various important issues pertaining to the fisheries sector development in the country. As I have been associated with this sector as a Minister for Fisheries in Kerala and as a person with keen interest in the development of this sector which provides livelihoods to millions of fishermen, I consider it a privilege to address this conference.
As you are aware, there are a number of issues in the fisheries sector which need detailed discussions and a process of consensus before these can be resolved and acted upon for the development of the sector. This Conference will provide us an opportunity to put forward our ideas and views together, which will pave way for finding practical solutions which are workable at the ground level.
While the fisheries sector in a few States is developing rapidly, the performance in other states requires tremendous improvement. There is a wide gap between the States and the regions of the country in terms of their level of development of this sector, and this gap needs to be bridged. We need to take stock of the success stories and try and replicate them in other places for increasing production and productivity in the fisheries sector. There is a need to identify the critical success factors, which would enable the sector to rejuvenate in accordance with a well thought out road map. We need to identify the kinds of interventions required in areas of technology, infrastructure, marketing and capacity building. Given the uneven levels of development in the sector in many states at the moment, no pan Indian solution would be applicable to all states. While policy guidelines could be laid down for the country as a whole, States will have to find State specific solutions to deal with local problems in this sector. This is essential also because, fishery is a State subject and the responsibility for the development of this sector primarily rests with the State Governments.
This, however, does not undermine the crucial role that the Central Government on its part has been playing as a catalyst, enabler & facilitator in the process. As you are aware there are many central and centrally sponsored schemes, which are being implemented to improve the fisheries sector. Based on the recommendations of the Working Group set up for the 11th Five Year Plan and the evaluation reports on the efficacy of the schemes during the 10th Plan, these schemes have been appropriately modified for implementation during the 11th Five Year Plan. Further, the outlays of all the schemes have been enhanced for the current plan period. The allocation for various schemes of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for the current year has also been increased in consultation with the Planning Commission. The scheme guidelines of the NFDB are being modified to better address the requirements and problems facing the fisheries sector in the states. The States on their part however, must initiate proactive measures and speed-up implementation so that they could access more resources for their programmes.
The Eleventh Plan objective of inclusive growth necessitates priority attention to the agriculture and allied sectors. Additional central Assistance (ACA) to the tune of Rs.25,000 crore has been allocated to these sectors through the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) launched during 2007-08. I would urge the States to access funding for the fisheries sector from this scheme. The importance placed on the implementation of the scheme can be judged from the fact that there is no State-matching share to be provided for the scheme and 100 per cent outlay is provided by the Centre as ACA for various sectors within agriculture and allied sectors. RKVY provides an opportunity to complement the resources of the States for the fisheries sector.
The Eleventh Five Year Plan has targeted a growth rate of 6 per cent for the fisheries sector. This requires resources and investments. Our fish farmers need to be convinced through training and demonstration activities that fishery is a highly profitable activity. Many a time it has been seen that the technology, perfected in our laboratories has not reached the intended beneficiaries in the field. The transition of technology from the lab to the field has to be managed in an efficient manner. A host of activities need to be undertaken to perfect this transition. The efficacy of the extension services in Agriculture Sector in general and fisheries in particular must be improved. A fish farmer must be convinced of the economic viability of his project before he decides to embark on aquaculture.
Fish farmers in the country by and large belong to the weaker sections of our society. In most cases, a large segment of the fishing community, belongs to the Below Poverty Line households. Despite their hard work, many a times not enough remuneration is received by the fishermen to guarantee a comfortable livelihood for their families. I would therefore urge the State Governments to put greater emphasis on the welfare of fishermen apart from making adequate efforts to access funding and efficiently implement the centrally sponsored National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen. There are a large number of other schemes of various other ministries and departments which impinge on the welfare of fishermen and their livelihood. For example the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme aims at providing 100 days of guaranteed employment in the lean period to all persons in the rural areas who are willing to do manual work at minimum wages. I would urge the State Governments to initiate a process of convergence of all such schemes and projects by dovetailing resources through a viable strategy to alleviate the poor living conditions of fishermen.
I would urge all the State Ministers of Fisheries to discuss and exchange their views on some of these issues so that fisheries sector as well as all the persons dependant on this sector could benefit from a viable, pragmatic and State specific strategy during the 11th Plan.
Thank you,
Jai Hind
My Respected Senior Colleague, Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Sharad Pawar Ji, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Orissa, Shri Naveen Patnaik ji, Hon'ble Ministers for Fisheries from States, Experts, Officials of Central and State Governments and distinguished delegates; I am indeed happy to be here in the conference of State Fisheries Ministers to discuss various important issues pertaining to the fisheries sector development in the country. As I have been associated with this sector as a Minister for Fisheries in Kerala and as a person with keen interest in the development of this sector which provides livelihoods to millions of fishermen, I consider it a privilege to address this conference.
As you are aware, there are a number of issues in the fisheries sector which need detailed discussions and a process of consensus before these can be resolved and acted upon for the development of the sector. This Conference will provide us an opportunity to put forward our ideas and views together, which will pave way for finding practical solutions which are workable at the ground level.
While the fisheries sector in a few States is developing rapidly, the performance in other states requires tremendous improvement. There is a wide gap between the States and the regions of the country in terms of their level of development of this sector, and this gap needs to be bridged. We need to take stock of the success stories and try and replicate them in other places for increasing production and productivity in the fisheries sector. There is a need to identify the critical success factors, which would enable the sector to rejuvenate in accordance with a well thought out road map. We need to identify the kinds of interventions required in areas of technology, infrastructure, marketing and capacity building. Given the uneven levels of development in the sector in many states at the moment, no pan Indian solution would be applicable to all states. While policy guidelines could be laid down for the country as a whole, States will have to find State specific solutions to deal with local problems in this sector. This is essential also because, fishery is a State subject and the responsibility for the development of this sector primarily rests with the State Governments.
This, however, does not undermine the crucial role that the Central Government on its part has been playing as a catalyst, enabler & facilitator in the process. As you are aware there are many central and centrally sponsored schemes, which are being implemented to improve the fisheries sector. Based on the recommendations of the Working Group set up for the 11th Five Year Plan and the evaluation reports on the efficacy of the schemes during the 10th Plan, these schemes have been appropriately modified for implementation during the 11th Five Year Plan. Further, the outlays of all the schemes have been enhanced for the current plan period. The allocation for various schemes of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for the current year has also been increased in consultation with the Planning Commission. The scheme guidelines of the NFDB are being modified to better address the requirements and problems facing the fisheries sector in the states. The States on their part however, must initiate proactive measures and speed-up implementation so that they could access more resources for their programmes.
The Eleventh Plan objective of inclusive growth necessitates priority attention to the agriculture and allied sectors. Additional central Assistance (ACA) to the tune of Rs.25,000 crore has been allocated to these sectors through the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) launched during 2007-08. I would urge the States to access funding for the fisheries sector from this scheme. The importance placed on the implementation of the scheme can be judged from the fact that there is no State-matching share to be provided for the scheme and 100 per cent outlay is provided by the Centre as ACA for various sectors within agriculture and allied sectors. RKVY provides an opportunity to complement the resources of the States for the fisheries sector.
The Eleventh Five Year Plan has targeted a growth rate of 6 per cent for the fisheries sector. This requires resources and investments. Our fish farmers need to be convinced through training and demonstration activities that fishery is a highly profitable activity. Many a time it has been seen that the technology, perfected in our laboratories has not reached the intended beneficiaries in the field. The transition of technology from the lab to the field has to be managed in an efficient manner. A host of activities need to be undertaken to perfect this transition. The efficacy of the extension services in Agriculture Sector in general and fisheries in particular must be improved. A fish farmer must be convinced of the economic viability of his project before he decides to embark on aquaculture.
Fish farmers in the country by and large belong to the weaker sections of our society. In most cases, a large segment of the fishing community, belongs to the Below Poverty Line households. Despite their hard work, many a times not enough remuneration is received by the fishermen to guarantee a comfortable livelihood for their families. I would therefore urge the State Governments to put greater emphasis on the welfare of fishermen apart from making adequate efforts to access funding and efficiently implement the centrally sponsored National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen. There are a large number of other schemes of various other ministries and departments which impinge on the welfare of fishermen and their livelihood. For example the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme aims at providing 100 days of guaranteed employment in the lean period to all persons in the rural areas who are willing to do manual work at minimum wages. I would urge the State Governments to initiate a process of convergence of all such schemes and projects by dovetailing resources through a viable strategy to alleviate the poor living conditions of fishermen.
I would urge all the State Ministers of Fisheries to discuss and exchange their views on some of these issues so that fisheries sector as well as all the persons dependant on this sector could benefit from a viable, pragmatic and State specific strategy during the 11th Plan.
Thank you,
Jai Hind
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