Blue Revolution – Objectives, Schemes & Impact

Blue Revolution: The Blue Revolution in India refers to a series of initiatives and measures aimed at the sustainable development of the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. In 2015, Mr Hiralal Chaudhry proposed the blue revolution. The fishing and aquaculture industries play an important role in food production. Nutritional security and agricultural exports are greatly impacted by the fishing industry. Farmed operations utilized 15 million people, demonstrating that this industry offers stable work and a means of survival. The Indian government established the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) to preserve this industry. It enhances fish production and improves the infrastructure related to fisheries.

In this article, we will study Blue Revolution, who is the father of Blue Revolution, its objectives, techniques, and global impact.

What is Blue Revolution?

One of the major initiatives or programs supported by the Government that promotes the expansion of fishing units is called the Blue Revolution. It consists of an extensive range of activities. Mr. Hiralal Chaudhry, who is regarded as the “father of the blue revolution,” was the initiator of the movement. The Blue Revolution focused on the development of both marine and inland fisheries through the introduction of modern technology, scientific management practices, and infrastructure support. It played a crucial role in transforming India into one of the leading fish-producing countries in the world.

Blue Revolution Definition

The Blue Revolution refers to a significant and sustainable increase in the production of fish and other aquatic resources through the application of modern aquaculture and fisheries management practices

Fish production was reduced in the early months of 1980 as a result of poor maintenance. And over time, there was a 50% rise in aquaculture productivity. In 2017, the percentage of fish, shellfish, and seaweed produced increased to 5.8%. Aquaculture supplies fish and increased annual global consumption to 3.1% after the commencement of the Blue Revolution.

Who is the Father of the Blue Revolution?

The Blue Revolution in India, which aimed at increasing fish production and productivity, was initiated by the government in the mid-1970s. The term “Blue Revolution” was coined by Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri, the then-director of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Hiralal Chaudhuri and Dr Arun Krishnsnan are known as the fathers of the Blue Revolution. The Blue Revolution in India was launched during the 7th Five Year Plan (1985-1990) The program was officially launched in 1973 by the Indian government, to augment fish production and improve the socio-economic conditions of fisherfolk.

Objectives of the Blue Revolution

These are the Objectives of the Blue Revolution:

• Sustainable growth of aquaculture and increased fish production
• Main objectives of the “blue revolution”
• Support for food and nutrition security
• Improvement of employment and financial security, especially for farmers
• Significant earnings from exports
• Major emphasis on environmental and biosecurity issues
• Doubling of income for fishermen through increased production and enhanced post-harvest marketing infrastructure
• Active involvement of fishermen and fish growers in income generation
• Tripled export earnings expected by 2020
• Focus on benefits covering institutional processes
• Enhancement of food security and nutrition in the country

Techniques Used During the Blue Revolution

The Blue Revolution extends from the deep sea to small ponds and wetlands. The three tactics used in the NFDB and blue revolution are species diversity, adoption of cutting-edge technology, and dissemination. Deep-sea exploration and pond expansion were implemented to boost production and utilization. With the construction of new infrastructure, a much better culture was adopted in freshwater aquaculture. Many organizations, including fishery cooperatives, ICAR, NFDB institutes, state and federal government federations, and others, were involved in the implementation of these initiatives.

Components of the Blue Revolution

The following components received central funding from the National Fisheries Development Board, the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen and Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Post-Harvest Operations Development, as well as from inland fishing and aquaculture development. The central funds for the remaining three components have been completely allocated to their implementation. All individuals, including entrepreneurs, business groups, and individual recipients, are given financial support:

• The activities of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
• Enhancement of the Fisheries Sector’s Database and Geographic Information System
• Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
• The Fishermen’s Welfare National Scheme
• Infrastructure Development, Post-Harvest Operations, and Marine Fisheries Development
• Other need-based interventions, such as monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS),
• Institutional Structure of the Fisheries Industry.

Why Blue Revolution is Important?

The Blue Revolution has an important effect on how farmers and fishermen are able to grow economically. It improves the lives of those who depend on the fishing industry and contributes to the decrease of poverty. It offers more stable income and better jobs. Rural residents can generate revenue from the development of several seafood varieties through aquaculture. Several fishing techniques produce a variety of income levels. As a result, the revenue might fluctuate widely based on factors including production, demand, and the kinds of activities they engage in.

The growth and administration of freshwater aquaculture benefited from the blue revolution. Both coastal and inland farming are included in the phrase “aquaculture.” It supplies fish more regularly for human use. However, issues with over-intensification and water contamination are aquaculture’s main disadvantages.

The Blue Revolution not only ensures financial security but also nutrient and food security. People who live in rural areas and low-income countries can benefit from it. The availability of fish is consistently increased by aquaculture’s sustainability. The costs of the produced species were lowered by aquaculture, making them more accessible to the general public.

Government Schemes on Blue Revolutions

Some of the recent steps that were taken by the Government to support the Blue Revolution Scheme are:

1. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

With the help of infrastructure, marketing, and suitable legislation, the Scheme seeks to make India a fish and aquatic product hotspot. The government hopes to include all fishermen in social security and farmer assistance programs by implementing the Scheme. The Department of Fisheries will create a strong foundation for fisheries management with the help of this plan. A major gap in the value chain that affects production, productivity, quality control, post-harvest management, traceability, and infrastructure modernization will be filled by this.

2. Financial Distribution

For the current fiscal year, the government has allotted 804.75 crore rupees to the fisheries industry. Its goal is to increase fish production to meet the Blue Revolution’s target of 15 million tonnes by 2020 and then increase it to roughly 20 million tonnes by 2022–2023.

3. Scheme Under the MGNREGA

Under the MGNREGA, the government has begun to improve the farm ponds used for pisciculture.

Global Impact of Blue Revolution

The Blue Revolution, often associated with advancements in aquaculture and fisheries, has a significant global impact. By focusing on sustainable practices and technological innovations in the aquatic sector, the Blue Revolution aims to enhance food security, economic growth, and environmental conservation. This global movement has led to increased fish production, improved livelihoods for communities dependent on fisheries, and the adoption of responsible aquaculture practices. Moreover, the Blue Revolution plays a crucial role in addressing the growing demand for protein-rich food, promoting economic development in coastal regions, and contributing to the overall well-being of communities worldwide. Additionally, the emphasis on conservation and sustainable resource management under the Blue Revolution has positive implications for marine ecosystems and biodiversity on a global scale.

FAQs on Blue Revolution

1. Who is known as the Father of Blue Revolution ?

The Blue Revolution in India’s fisheries sector was initiated by the revolutionary research of Dr. Hiralal Chaudhary, known as the “Father of the Blue Revolution,” in fishery industry.

2. Blue Revolution is Related to What?

Blue Revolution is related to Aquaculture. Any type of aquatic animal such as fish, prawns, crabs, etc. and plant culture that takes place in freshwater, brackish water, or the ocean is referred to as aquaculture.

3. Blue Revolution is initiated in which Five-Year Plan?

Under the Central Government of India’s support of the Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA), the Blue Revolution began in India during the 7th Five Year Plan (1985–1990).

4. What is Blue Revolution Scheme?

In India, the Blue Revolution, also known as the Neel or Nili Kranti Mission, was initiated between 1985 and 1990 as part of the 7th Five-Year Plan. The primary goal is to double farmers’ income through the development, management, and promotion of fisheries.

5. In which year Blue Revolution was initiated?

During the 7th Five-Year Plan, which ran from 1985 to 1990, the Blue Revolution, also known as Neel or Nili Kranti Mission in India, was started. Building, maintaining, and expanding fisheries is the primary goal in order to double farmers’ revenue.