Development of fisheries in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra the share of Fisheries in GSDP (at current prices) was 0.3% in 2013–14, State's contribution in marine, inland and total fish production of India was 13.6%, 2.2% of marine and 6.3% of inland. There are 173 fish landing centers on the coastline of the State. The State has 28 fish seed production centers and during 2013–14, about 1, 875 crore fish seed were produced. There are 14, 863 marine fishing boats in operation, of which 12, 240 are mechanized. Inland fisheries resources in Maharshtra is, reveres and canals is 16000 KM, reserve's 2.99000 lakh hectors, tank and ponds 0.27000 lakh hectors, brackish water 0.12000 lakh hectors. Total water bodies is 3.83000 hectors. In 2014 there are 3, 391 primary fi sheries co-operative societies, 16 fisheries co-operative unions and two federations working in the State. Fish farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs) and Brackish Water Fish Development Agencies (BFDAs) are working to development fisheries in the Maharashtra. For development of fi sheries government spent Rs. 8228 lakh in 2010–11 and Rs. 37790 lakh in 2011–12. Due to higher expenditure the fish production and also related activities is also increased. Maharashtra has a share of 14% and 27% in India's export of fish and fishery products, in terms of value and quantity, respectively. There are 36 seafood processing and exporting units in Maharashtra. In Maharashtra freezing plants, ice plants, fishmeal plants, peeling sheds, cold storages, Surmi plants and fresh chilled fish handling centres working in the state. In Maharashtra total fish production was 6.02 lakh MT in 2013–14. Total gross value of fish is Rs. 4779 crores of which Rs. 3606 crors of marine fish and RS. 1173 is inland fish. Total export of fish and fish products is 1.47 Lakh Mt and total value is Rs. 3986. In Maharashtra 25 districts the FFDAs are working and BFDAs are running in 4 districts. Due to FFDAs and BFDA the productivity of fi sh has increased. Therefore, the production has also increased. In Maharashtra there are more opportunities in fishing sector. Fish is the best nutritious staple food, earning foreign exchange, geating more surplus, value addition, Private entrepreneurs need to entering into to development of the water resources, small tanks, fi sh seed hatchery, cold storage. The fishing business is provided income and employment to the rural and urban people and also provided food for growing population.