*PM Modi Reviews Fisheries Sector Progress: Focus on Deep Sea Fishing & Seafood Exports* Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an important meeting on Thursday to review the current progress and future plans for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The main focus of this meeting was to promote deep sea fishing and increase seafood exports from India. The meeting was attended by Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Secretary of Fisheries Abhilaksh Likhi, Principal Secretary to PM Shaktikanta Das, and other senior PMO officials. Fisheries Sector Key to India's $5 Trillion Economy Vision PM Modi emphasised the crucial role that the fisheries and aquaculture sector plays in India’s growth. With around 3 crore fishers and fish farmers depending on this sector for their livelihoods, fisheries are a backbone for rural income and food security. India is already making global waves: 2nd largest fish producer in the world Leads in shrimp production and exports 2nd in aquaculture production 3rd in capture fisheries India’s vast coastline of 11,099 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.2 million sq km give it a big advantage for marine fisheries development. Government Investment & Reforms Since 2015, the government has committed over ₹38,500 crore for the development of this sector through various schemes like: Blue Revolution Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) These have attracted $4.4 billion in investments from 2014 to now. In February 2019, the Government created a separate Department of Fisheries, followed by a new Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in June 2019, showing its long-term commitment to this sector. Boost Through Fisheries Clusters Recently, 17 Fisheries Production and Processing Clusters have been announced under PMMSY. These are located across the country in states like Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, and Union Territories like Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Each cluster will focus on a specific type of fish or aquaculture practice, such as: Coldwater Fisheries (Anantnag, J&K) Brackish Water Aquaculture (Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh) Tilapia Farming (Raipur, Chhattisgarh) Sea Cage Culture (Uttara Kannada, Karnataka) Tuna & Seaweed Farming (Islands & coastal UTs) The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), in partnership with district administrations, will support these clusters and engage local fishers, SHGs, startups, cooperatives, and fish processors. Coastal States Get ₹255 Cr Push Just a few days earlier, the Ministry had launched ₹255 crore worth of new fisheries projects during the "Coastal States Fisheries Meet 2025" held in Mumbai. These projects will benefit seven coastal states and UTs, promoting sustainable practices and infrastructure. New projects include: Marine Fisheries Census Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) Vessel Communication and Support Systems With these efforts, the Government aims to increase production, ensure sustainable fishing, create jobs, and enhance India’s role as a global seafood hub.