National Fisheries Development Board

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. It was established to promote the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in India through technological innovation, financial assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.
The NFDB plays a crucial role in coordinating and implementing national policies aimed at increasing fish production, improving infrastructure, enhancing export potential, and ensuring the livelihood security of millions engaged in the fisheries sector.

Establishment and Background

• Established: 10 July 2006
• Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• Legal Status: Registered as an autonomous society under the Andhra Pradesh Societies Registration Act, 2001 (later under Telangana after state reorganisation).

The NFDB was created in response to the need for a centralised institutional mechanism to strengthen the fisheries sector, which contributes significantly to food security, employment, and export earnings.
Fisheries is an important sector in India’s rural economy, providing livelihoods to more than 28 million fishers and fish farmers, and contributing around 1.24% to India’s GDP and over 7% to the agricultural GDP.

Objectives of the NFDB

The main objectives of the National Fisheries Development Board are:

1. Enhancement of Fish Production and Productivity:
   • To promote sustainable and scientific fish farming practices in both inland and marine sectors.
   • To bridge the gap between potential and actual fish production through technological interventions.
2. Infrastructure Development:
   • To create and modernise fish landing centres, harbours, hatcheries, markets, and cold-chain facilities.
3. Employment Generation and Livelihood Security:
   • To support fishers and fish farmers through skill development, capacity building, and financial assistance.
4. Promotion of Export and Trade:
   • To increase India’s share in the global seafood market by improving product quality and value addition.
5. Sustainability and Resource Management:
   • To conserve aquatic resources, promote responsible fishing, and ensure environmental sustainability.
6. Technology and Innovation:
   • To encourage research, innovation, and the adoption of modern aquaculture techniques, such as Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA).

Structure and Governance

• The NFDB is governed by a Governing Body and an Executive Committee.
• Chairperson: The Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India.
• Chief Executive: Appointed by the Government of India, responsible for administration and implementation of programmes.
• The governing body includes representatives from the central and state governments, research institutions (such as ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology), and other stakeholders.

Major Functions of the NFDB

1. Implementation of Fisheries Development Programmes:
   • Execution of central and centrally sponsored schemes related to fisheries and aquaculture.
   • Coordination with states and Union Territories for effective programme delivery.
2. Financial and Technical Assistance:
   • Funding support for infrastructure, fish seed production, feed mills, aquaculture clusters, and training centres.
3. Capacity Building and Training:
   • Organising workshops and training programmes for fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and fisheries officials.
4. Data Collection and Policy Support:
   • Assisting in fisheries data management, monitoring, and evaluation to support evidence-based policymaking.
5. Promotion of Modern Technologies:
   • Encouraging cage culture, ornamental fisheries, mariculture, and value-added processing.
6. Public–Private Partnerships (PPP):
   • Facilitating collaboration between government, research institutions, and private sector players for infrastructure and innovation.

Key Schemes and Initiatives under NFDB

1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
   • Launched in 2020 as a flagship programme to bring a “Blue Revolution” through sustainable and inclusive development of the fisheries sector.
   • The NFDB acts as a nodal agency for implementing PMMSY projects.
   • Focus areas include fish production enhancement, cold-chain development, processing infrastructure, and export promotion.
2. Blue Revolution Scheme (2015–2020):
   • NFDB was instrumental in implementing the earlier Blue Revolution scheme, which aimed to double fish production and promote aquaculture-based livelihoods.
3. National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD):
   • Implemented in collaboration with ICAR institutions to prevent and control aquatic animal diseases.
4. Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):
   • Established to provide concessional finance for infrastructure projects like fishing harbours, cold storage, and processing units.
5. Matsya Setu Mobile App:
   • Developed by NFDB and ICAR-CIFA to provide online training and information to fish farmers about modern aquaculture practices.
6. Fisheries Census and Data Systems:
   • The NFDB assists in conducting national fisheries censuses to collect reliable data on production, employment, and resources.

Focus Areas of Development

• Inland Fisheries: Development of reservoirs, ponds, and tanks for freshwater aquaculture.
• Marine Fisheries: Modernisation of fishing crafts, harbours, and post-harvest facilities.
• Ornamental Fisheries: Promotion of ornamental fish breeding and trade for domestic and export markets.
• Cold-Chain Infrastructure: Strengthening storage, processing, and transportation networks.
• Fish Seed and Feed Development: Establishing hatcheries and feed mills to ensure quality inputs for aquaculture.
• Digitalisation: Use of GIS mapping and real-time monitoring systems for resource management.

Achievements

• India has emerged as the third-largest fish producer and second-largest aquaculture producer in the world.
• Fish production in India has grown significantly, crossing 17 million tonnes (2022–23).
• NFDB-supported initiatives have expanded cold-chain capacity, fish landing centres, and fish seed production infrastructure.
• Increased adoption of modern farming systems has improved productivity and sustainability.
• Enhanced export performance: India is among the world’s top seafood exporters, with major destinations including the USA, China, Japan, and the European Union.

Challenges

Despite notable progress, the fisheries sector faces several challenges:

• Overfishing and Resource Depletion: Excessive exploitation of marine resources threatens long-term sustainability.
• Climate Change Impact: Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification affect fish habitats and breeding.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Many coastal and inland areas still lack adequate storage, processing, and marketing facilities.
• Disease Management: Frequent outbreaks of aquatic diseases pose risks to aquaculture productivity.
• Socioeconomic Vulnerability: Small-scale fishers often face income insecurity, lack of insurance, and exposure to natural disasters.

Future Strategies

The NFDB aims to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector through:

• Expansion of mariculture and deep-sea fishing to reduce pressure on coastal resources.
• Integration of digital technologies for data-driven decision-making.
• Strengthening of value chains and market linkages to enhance fisher incomes.
• Promotion of eco-friendly aquaculture and responsible fishing practices.
• Enhanced skill development and entrepreneurship among youth and women in coastal communities.