Blue Revolution: Promoting Indigenous Fish Species Under PMMSY

Syllabus: Agriculture and Allied Sectors - Fisheries

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying

Why in news?

Department of Fisheries prioritizes 11 indigenous species for aquaculture diversification under PMMSY and PMMKSSY, with 34 production and processing clusters notified including species-specific clusters.

⚛️Static Concepts

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada YojanaFIDFMariculture

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Prelims-Oriented Points

Over 2,800 indigenous fish/shellfish species identified: 917 freshwater, 394 brackishwater, 1,548 marine (ICAR-NBFGR data).
11 indigenous species prioritized: Fringed-lipped Carp, Olive barb, Pengba, Striped murrel, Pabda, Singhi, Asian seabass, Pearlspot, Pompano, Mud crab, Penaeus indicus.
34 clusters notified including Scampi (Odisha), Murrel (Telangana), Pabda (Tripura), Pengba (Manipur), Pearl Spot (Kerala).
Inland and aquaculture contribute over 75% of India's fish production; Indian Major Carps (rohu, catla, mrigal) dominate freshwater aquaculture.

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Examiner's Trap: P. vannamei (exotic whiteleg shrimp) dominates brackishwater production, while indigenous P. monodon (black tiger shrimp) has smaller share.

Quick Data Points

Indigenous Species: 2,800+

Prioritized Species: 11

Clusters Notified: 34

Mains Value Addition

GS-3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns, Irrigation and Agricultural Marketing

Aquaculture Diversification: Reduces over-dependence on few species, building climate and disease resilience.
Livelihood Support: Regional clusters promote local species supporting cultural food preferences and community livelihoods.
Biodiversity Conservation: Commercialization of indigenous species creates economic incentive for conservation.

Source

Press Information Bureau (PIB)

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Strategy Deep Dive