Content:

1. Casting Nets, Catching Success
2. India and Sri Lanka Strengthen Ties in Critical Minerals, Exploration, and Mining

Casting Nets, Catching Success

Introduction

• India ranks as the second-largest fish producer globally, contributing 8% to world fish production.
• The fisheries sector has grown significantly from 2004 to 2024, marked by technological advancements and policy reforms.
• The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹2,703.67 crores, the highest ever, underscoring the sector’s importance.

Highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26

• Financial inclusion: Focus on reducing farmers‘ financial burden and increasing credit access.
• Marine Fisheries Development: Sustainable exploration of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) & High Seas in Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Limit Raised: From ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, boosting financial accessibility for fishers, processors, and other stakeholders.

Growth in Fisheries Over Two Decades

1. Increase in Fish Production:
   1. 2023-24: 184.02 lakh tons
   1. 2013-14: 95.79 lakh tons
   1. 2003-04: 63.99 lakh tons
   1. Increase (2014-24): 88.23 lakh tons vs. 31.80 lakh tons (2004-14)

• Inland and Aquaculture Production Growth:
  • 2014-24: 77.71 lakh tons increase vs. 26.78 lakh tons (2004-14)

• Marine Fish Production:

• Doubled from 5.02 lakh tons (2014-24) to 10.52 lakh tons (2004-14).

• Seafood Exports (MPEDA Data, 2023-24):
  • 17.81 lakh MT exported, worth ₹60,523.89 crores, a significant jump from ₹609.95 crores in 2003-04.

Policy Initiatives and Schemes

1. Blue Revolution (2015-16)

• First step towards enhancing fisheries productivity.
• Budget: ₹3,000 crores (5 years) for modernizing aquaculture.

2. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) (2020-25)

• Investment of ₹20,050 crores for fisheries development, targeting:
  • Inland fisheries & aquaculture
  • Socio-economic welfare of fishers

3. Key Initiatives Under PMMSY

• Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs)
  • 2195 FFPOs approved at ₹544.85 crores to empower fishers.
  • KCC extended to fisheries (4.5 lakh KCC cards sanctioned).

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
  • ₹7,522.48 crores fund, supporting 136 projects across states/UTs.

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY) (2024-27)
  • ₹6,000 crores outlay for financial and technological reforms.

• Integrated Aqua Parks
  • 11 aqua parks sanctioned at ₹682.6 crores to develop aquaculture.

• Artificial Reefs Deployment
  • 937 artificial reefs installed at ₹291.37 crores across coastal states.

• Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs)
  • Focus on genetic improvement of shrimp & aquaculture species.

Technological Advancements

• Satellite Technology for Fisheries
  • Vessel Communication System, Oceansat & PFZ mapping for fishing zones.

• GIS-Based Resource Mapping
  • Helps in tracking marine fish landing centers & fishing grounds.

• ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE)
  • A leading institute training 4,000+ fisheries professionals.

Sustainable Fishing Policies & Regulations

1. National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF, 2017)

• Emphasizes sustainability & conservation of marine resources.

2. Conservation Measures

• Uniform Fishing Ban (61 days in monsoon for fish stock replenishment).
• Bans on Destructive Fishing (pair trawling, bull trawling, LED light use).
• Sustainable Practices: Sea ranching, artificial reefs, mariculture (seaweed cultivation, etc.).
• State-Level Regulations: Gear-mesh size rules, zonation of fishing areas, legal size restrictions.

Conclusion

• India’s fisheries sector has experienced transformative growth (2004-2024).
• Government initiatives, policy reforms, and technological advancements have made India a global leader in aquaculture and seafood exports.
• Sustainability & innovation will be key to maintaining this upward trajectory.

India and Sri Lanka Strengthen Ties in Critical Minerals, Exploration, and Mining

Context & Significance

• India and Sri Lanka are strengthening bilateral ties in critical minerals, exploration, and mining.
• Critical minerals like lithium, graphite, cobalt, and nickel are vital for renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and high-tech industries.
• Sri Lanka has rich deposits of graphite and beach sand minerals, crucial for battery technology and clean energy transition.

 Discussions & Agreements

• Mining & Exploration Opportunities:
  • India seeks investment opportunities for Indian companies in Sri Lanka’s mineral sector.
  • Geological Survey of India (GSI) has shown interest in mineral assessments in Sri Lanka.
  • Government-to-Government (G2G) cooperation was discussed for smoother exploration and mining ventures.

• National Critical Mineral Mission:
  • India is aiming to secure a steady supply of essential raw materials for energy security.
  • Focus on international partnerships and overseas mineral asset acquisition.
  • Encouraging Indian companies to expand operations in mineral-rich countries.

• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
  • MoU on Cooperation in Geology and Mineral Resources is in progress.
  • It aims at capacity building, knowledge sharing, and technological collaboration.
  • India to support Sri Lanka in modernizing its mining sector through financial & technological aid.

Economic & Strategic Implications

• For India:
  • Ensures supply chain security for critical minerals essential for EVs and renewable energy.
  • Reduces dependency on China and other mineral-exporting nations.
  • Strengthens India’s role in regional economic cooperation & strategic mineral diplomacy.

• For Sri Lanka:
  • Attracts Indian investment in mining and processing.
  • Enhances mining sector efficiency through advanced technologies.
  • Economic boost through resource monetization & industrial growth.

Geopolitical Relevance

• Strategic Cooperation: Strengthening economic ties aligns with India’s “Neighborhood First” policy.
• Countering Chinese Influence: Reducing Sri Lanka’s reliance on China’s mineral investments.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Diversifying sources of critical minerals to avoid monopolization risks.

Way Forward

• Fast-track MoU finalization for structured collaboration.
• Encourage Indian firms to participate in Sri Lanka’s mineral sector.
• Leverage advanced mining technologies for efficient resource extraction.
• Expand cooperation in rare earth minerals essential for future technologies.