Fishery Department requires proper regulations, an updated policy, and adequate funding
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Assam produced 4.99 lakh tons of fish in 2023-24, with a target of producing 7 lakh tons by 2027. However, with the state's "mediocre" infrastructure, shortage of funds, and lack of a proper policy, it will be difficult for the Fishery Department to meet this ambitious target. Moreover, the rules designed to increase the production of ethnic fish species found in Assam are not properly enforced.
Discussing these issues, a source from the Fishery Department, speaking to GPlus on condition of anonymity, explained, "According to The Assam Fishery Rules, the production and culture of Thailand Magur, Japanese Kawai or Tilapia, and Bighead carp fish are prohibited and considered punishable offenses under the law." These species, being carnivorous, pose a threat by consuming other fish in rivers and beels. Despite the ban, the source revealed that these species are still being produced in many parts of Assam and are even smuggled in from Bangladesh.
The source further clarified that while the rules prohibit the culture and production of these species, the sale is not mentioned. This loophole allows people to produce and sell these fish, taking advantage of the gap in the law. "The sale must be banned, but that can only happen once a proper policy is formed," the source added, pointing out the lack of a comprehensive policy by the Fishery Department.
The lack of regulation in fish prices is also an issue, as there is no clear policy in place. The Fishery Department had envisioned becoming self-sustaining by 2026, provided it received an estimated Rs 3997 crore in funding from various agencies. However, this funding has not yet been secured, dampening the department's plans.
In November 2017, the Fishery Department submitted a project titled "Assam Fisheries Development and Livelihood Project" to the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India, through the state Finance Department. The project was intended to be financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for three years (2017-2020), with a total allocation of ₹3391.50 crore. The goal of the project was to make Assam self-sufficient in table fish production by 2021-22, thereby increasing fish consumption and providing the cheapest source of protein to the state's population, while also generating additional employment in rural areas.
Ironically, the project has yet to start, and the funds have not been approved by JICA. A senior official from the Fishery Department explained, “The government curtailed the budget for the project twice, and the feasibility study by the funding agency (JICA) also took time.” As a result, the project has now been scaled down to ₹250 crore, with ₹200 crore to be funded by JICA.
The official further stated that JICA has prepared the detailed project report, and the loan sanction papers are expected to be signed by March. The work will begin in October.
Regarding other sources of funding, the official noted that, like JICA, other agencies are also being approached to organise funds for various projects. On the policy front, the official mentioned that a draft policy is already prepared, but it is yet to be approved by the government.
Another source from the Fishery Department said that by 2026, the department aims to be self-sufficient in fish production, with all necessary infrastructure strengthened. The goal is to utilise resources in an effective and sustainable manner. However, the department faces several challenges, including the non-availability of quality fish seed, poor hatchery management, low fish seed production, and shortages of quality fish seed. The under-utilisation of water resources and periodic natural calamities further complicate matters. Additionally, the department has yet to adopt modern aquaculture technologies like cage culture, RAS, pen culture, and biofloc, which have yet to make significant inroads in Assam’s fish sector. The state also lacks proper live fish transportation and cold storage facilities.
In light of these challenges, the Fishery Department has developed an action plan, for which ₹3997 crore is required for the development of fisheries in the state. The funds will be used for a variety of initiatives, including developing fish seed hatcheries and seed multiplication centers, establishing quality brood banks (requiring ₹72 crore), adopting modern technologies (requiring ₹125 crore), and enhancing fish feed production (requiring ₹100 crore). Additionally, ₹200 crore is needed for post-harvest management, including live fish transportation, storage, processing, and value addition. Furthermore, Rs 3500 crore is required for the optimum utilisation of available water resources.
It is important to note that while Assam produced 3.93 lakh metric tons (MT) of fish in 2020-21 and 4.32 lakh MT in 2021-22, the state's fish production in 2023-24 reached 4.99 lakh MT.
Despite this progress, Assam still imports 12-15 MT of fish every day from other states to meet its daily requirement. A portion of this fish is imported legally, while some is smuggled, creating discrepancies in market prices. In April 2022, the Departmentally Related Standing Committee (DRSC) of the Assam Legislative Assembly submitted a report on fish smuggling, emphasising the need for a comprehensive policy. However, the Fishery Department's policy remains in draft form.
To build the necessary infrastructure, the Fishery Department requires proper regulations, an updated policy, and adequate funding. Only with these measures in place can Assam hope to meet its production targets and ensure the sustainability of its fisheries industry.