ENA Sectors 2024-02-01 14:11:16 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Feb 1 (KNN)</strong> Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the government's steadfast commitment to the fisheries sector, underscoring its pivotal role in the nation's economy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"> It was our Government which set up a separate Department for Fisheries realising the importance of assisting fishermen. This has resulted in doubling of both inland and aquaculture production, stated Sitharaman during her budget speech.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Finance Minister went on to outline the impressive growth in seafood exports since 2013-14, effectively doubling during this period.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A key highlight of the budget announcement was the government's determination to further boost the fisheries sector through the accelerated implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Finance Minister outlined three key objectives to be achieved under this scheme.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Firstly, the government aims to increase aquaculture productivity from the existing 3 tons per hectare to an ambitious 5 tons per hectare.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Secondly, with a target of 1 lakh crore, the government aims to double seafood exports, promoting India as a major player in the global seafood market.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Lastly, the implementation of PMMSY is expected to generate a substantial 55 lakh employment opportunities in the near future, providing a significant boost to livelihoods in the fisheries sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Finance Minister Sitharaman also announced the establishment of five integrated aquaparks across the country for advanced aquaculture practices, research, and development, fostering innovation and growth in the fisheries sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As the budget proposals unfold, it is evident that the fisheries sector is poised for a significant transformation, with the government's proactive measures aimed at not only boosting production and exports but also creating a multitude of employment opportunities for the country's workforce.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The successful implementation of these initiatives is expected to position India as a global leader in the fisheries and aquaculture industry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 36515 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/indias-fisheries-sector-receives-government-boost-in-interim-budget-2024-25 2024-02-01 14:11:16 knnindia.co.in