The Blue Revolution 1.0 in captured fisheries resulted in the formation of a split fishing sector in India, one comprised of artisanal fishermen and the other of mechanized boat fishers. A Blue Revolution 2.0, a revolution in fisheries culture, has evolved today. Both Revolutions aim to capitalize on India’s shrimp export potential, dubbed the “Pink Gold Rush” by some experts. The shrimp business in India is expanding, accounting for over 73% of India’s $ 7 billion in seafood exports in 2019-20. (MPEDA 2020). However, this was the outcome of a focused drive to convert the brackish water resources of small-scale fishers to shrimp farms along the coast. Central Institute for Brackishwater Aquaculture was set up in 1987 to serve as a nodal agency for brackish water aquaculture. Coastal Aquaculture Authority was set up in 2005. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched in September 2020 with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore seeks to further enhance exports to Rs 1 lakh crore by 2024-25, which is more than double the current export value (GOI, 2020). India also has come up with a draft mariculture policy. Perhaps we should take our time capturing the ocean. Small-scale fishermen appear to have been disenfranchised as an organized market has emerged. Can artisanal fishermen be included in aquaculture along with promoting entrepreneurs from the hinterland?
What are your thoughts on a bottom-up approach?