Context:
India elected as First vice-chair of FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Fisheries
Management.
Committee on Fisheries (COFI):
- A subsidiary body of the FAO Council
- Established by the FAO Conference in 1965.
- Only global inter-governmental forum where issues and challenges related to fisheries and aquaculture are discussed by FAO members
- Provide periodic global recommendations and policies advice to governments, fisheries departments etc.
- Membership – open to all member nations of the organisation
Indian Fisheries Economy:
- Fish producing – 3rd largest
- Aquaculture production – 2nd largest
- Blue Revolution – demonstrated the importance of fisheries
- Government Initiatives –
- “SagarParikrama” – resolve the issues of the fishers and other stakeholders
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Marine fisheries major share (currently 82 %) compared to inland fisheries (currently 18%)
- Top Producing States:
- Andhra Pradesh – largest producer of fish in India followed by West Bengal.
Source: All India Radio News
Previous Year Question
Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
3. Consumption requirements of farm households
4. Post-harvest expenses
5.Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (b)