Parliament Question: Livelihoods of Fishers and Livestock Farmers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2726 TO BE ANSWERED ON 5TH AUGUST, 2025 Livelihoods of Fishers and Livestock Farmers 2726. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy: Shri. T R Baalu: Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state: (a) whether the science-backed adaptation and mitigation strategies being implemented by the Government across the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors to build resilience against climate change, protect vulnerable species and breeds, and safeguard the livelihoods of fishers and livestock farmers and if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard; (b) whether the Government has taken noticed that the imminent threat to the Blue Economy in the wake of endangerment caused by climate change to the fishermen's and other coastal communities’ livelihood and if so, the mitigation response of the Government in this regard; (c) whether the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has offered necessary any assistance in this regard; and (d) whether the Government has accepted FAO assistance and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI GEORGE KURIAN) (a) and (b): The Government of India is implementing science-based adaptation and mitigation strategies in the fisheries as well as animal husbandry sectors to build resilience against climate change, protect vulnerable species and breeds and safeguard the livelihoods of fishers and livestock farmers. Further this Department has taken note of the imminent threat to the Blue Economy posed by climate change, which may affect the livelihoods of fishermen and other coastal communities. In order to address these challenges, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in consultation with the coastal State Governments, has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages situated close to the coastline as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV). The activities promoted in the identified coastal fishermen villages and the climate-resilient livelihoods under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) are need-based facilities, including development of common facilities like aquaculture, especially the mariculture of seaweed, food and ornamental fishes, bivalves etc., fish drying yards, fish processing centers, fish markets, fishing jetties, ice plants, cold storages, and emergency rescue facilities. Further, for livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers’ families during fish ban/ lean period and insurance cover to fishers are also provided under the PMMSY scheme. Further, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Fisheries Research Institutes have been contributing to promote inland and marine aquaculture activities through ongoing research, technology development and capacity building programs with funding support of the Government of India. In addition to above, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) in all States and Union Territories. The programme included the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis; the Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP) for vaccination against Classical Swine Fever and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) for vaccination against state-prioritized diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease and Rabies. The programme also covered the strengthening of laboratories, training, culling compensation, and the establishment of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) under the Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD) component. A new component—Pashu Aushadhi—was added for the sale of generic veterinary medicines through PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and cooperative societies.(c) and (d): The Department of Fisheries, Government of India has not received any assistance from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in this regard. However, to combat marine plastic pollution, particularly from fishing and maritime sectors, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has been actively engaged in the global and regional efforts like Glolitter Partnership Project and Reglitter Project both of which are jointly implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO). These projects focus on preventing and reducing Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) from sea-based sources, with an emphasis on addressing Abandoned, Lost, or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) and wastes from ships. The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) with co-financing from member countries and being implemented by the FAO in partnership with regional organizations viz. Bay of Bengal Programme Inter- Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) in its member countries, including India. The BOBLME Project is promoting the concept of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) that aims to integrate ecological health, social equity, and economic sustainability, ensuring that fisheries management addresses broader ecosystem and community needs. ******