Enhancing the Lives of Aquatic Farmers in Andhra Pradesh: YSR Matsyakara Bharosa Scheme
The government of Andhra Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy, has taken significant steps towards supporting and enhancing the livelihoods of its aquatic farmers. Through the introduction of various schemes, the state has aimed to improve the economic conditions and provide necessary support to this crucial sector.
Introduction to YSR Matsyakara Bharosa Scheme
The YSR Matsyakara Bharosa scheme has been instrumental in providing financial relief and incentives to fishermen in Andhra Pradesh. This scheme, aimed at enhancing the well-being of the fisher community, has introduced several benefits, particularly during the lean period and marine boycotts.
Financial Incentives to Fishermen
Under the YSR Matsyakara Bharosa scheme, 132,332 fishermen, aged between 21-60, are provided with an increased financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each during the marine boycott and lean period between April and June. This initiative is essential in aiding fishermen to manage their livelihoods during critical times.
Diesel Subsidy Improvement: The scheme has also focused on improving the subsidy on diesel, which is crucial for the operation of mechanized and motorized boats. The subsidy on diesel has been enhanced from Rs 6.03 to Rs 9 per liter for 10 months of the year, benefiting automated 3000-litre and mechanized 300-litre vessels. This improvement ensures the availability of more cost-effective fuel for fishermen, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency.
Creating Integrated Water Labs
In a bid to improve the quality of water and seeds, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken a proactive step by setting up integrated water labs in 46 places with an estimated investment of Rs 56.53 crore. These labs will serve as testing centers for water quality, feed, and seeds, thus helping water farmers.
Water farmers will be provided with electricity at an affordable rate of Rs 1.50 per unit, with the government allocating Rs 720 crore to benefit 53,550 water farmers. This initiative ensures a consistent supply of power, essential for the efficient operation of water cultivation facilities.
YSR Matsyakara Bharosa Scheme Benefits
One of the key benefits of the YSR Matsyakara Bharosa scheme is the increased financial assistance provided to fishermen during the COVID-19 lockdown. Previously, the amount was Rs 4,000, but it has now been raised to Rs 10,000. Additionally, the scheme has identified 81 filing stations to provide increased diesel subsidies of Rs 9 per liter.
Previously, financial assistance was only provided to fishermen using mechanized and motorized boats. However, the current scheme has expanded the benefits to include even those who use traditional hunting rafts, ensuring that all segments of the fisher community are supported.
As a result of the scheme, up to 1.09 lakh families of fishermen have benefited. The scheme has provided a substantial boost to the livelihoods of these families, particularly during challenging times such as the pandemic.
New Fishery Policy and Aqua Hubs
To further enhance the aqua production in the state, the government of Andhra Pradesh has introduced a new fisheries policy. This policy aims to boost the sector by enabling the establishment of Aqua Hubs.
Aqua Hubs: A Boon for the Aquatic Farming Industry
Aqua Hubs are dedicated facilities designed to support the storage, processing, and marketing of aquatic products. These hubs will feature fish storage tanks, chilled rooms, cold rooms, fish processing rooms, blast freezers, marination rooms, ice crushing machines, and water chillers. The establishment of these hubs is expected to provide a significant boost to the industry, particularly in terms of marketing and supply chain management.
100 Aqua Hubs will be set up across the state, with the first phase involving the planning and establishment of 25 Aqua Hubs. Each hub is estimated to cost Rs 1 crore. The second phase will see the establishment of 75 more Aqua Hubs.
The government has set a target of 30 domestic markets for these Aqua Hubs, with e-marketing facilities in each hub. The project aims to supply nutritious diets and sell fresh fish, shrimp, and crabs at reasonable prices, catering to the state's growing demand for aquatic products.
Impact on Aquatic Farming and the Economic Sector
The total production of fish in the state has increased from 20 lakh metric tonnes (MT) to 42 lakh MT in the last five years, a 110% increase. Similarly, the production of inland fisheries has soared from 14 lakh MT to 30 lakh MT between 2015 and 2020, marking a significant growth of 114%.
The fisheries sector has made a substantial contribution to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), with a gross value addition of 50,660 crore in 2019-20. The industry has provided direct and indirect employment to approximately 19 lakh people, highlighting its pivotal role in the state's economy.
Conclusion
The initiatives taken by the Andhra Pradesh government under the YSR Matsyakara Bharosa scheme and the introduction of new fisheries policies and Aqua Hubs have significantly transformed the lives of aquatic farmers. These steps not only enhance the economic well-being of these farmers but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the state's economy.
By continuing to implement such comprehensive and supportive schemes, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in the aquatic farming sector, ensuring a prosperous future for its fisher community.