Sunday, May 14, 2023 05:45 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, May 14, 2023 00:07 [IST]
The state of West Bengal, situated in eastern India, has a long-standing agricultural heritage and plays a significant role in the country's food production. The primary occupation of the people in West Bengal is agriculture, and the proportion of arable land under cultivation is one of the highest among all Indian states. Despite its declining share in gross state domestic product in value terms over the years, the agricultural sector remains a vital contributor to West Bengal's economic growth. Nevertheless, due to increasing population pressure and climate change, the agricultural sector in the state is encountering several challenges, such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and pest attacks. To address these issues, aquaculture growth has emerged as a viable support to traditional agriculture, providing a new source of food, income, and employment opportunities. In India, aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector, with a production of 162.48 lakh tonnes in 2021-22, valued at Rs. 76,000 crore (MPEDA, 2021). West Bengal is one of the leading states in India in terms of freshwater aquaculture, with a production of 16.52 lakh tonnes in 2021-22, valued at Rs. 4,942 crore (DADF, 2020).
One of the main advantages of aquaculture is its efficiency in converting feed into protein. Fish, for example, can convert feed into body weight more efficiently than most land animals, such as cattle, pigs, or chickens. Aquaculture uses marginal or degraded lands, such as ponds, swamps, or abandoned fields, that are unsuitable for crop cultivation. In West Bengal, aquaculture is mainly practiced in ponds, ranging from small household ponds to large community ponds or commercial farms. According to the Department of Fisheries, West Bengal has a potential area of 1.18 lakh hectares for freshwater aquaculture, of which only 40,000 hectares are currently utilized (DADF, 2020). This means that there is a vast scope for expansion of aquaculture in the state.
Apart from its efficiency and scalability, aquaculture provides multiple benefits to farmers and communities, by income generation, employment, and nutritional security. Fish and other aquatic products are rich sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for human health. In West Bengal, the major species of freshwater fish cultivated are rohu, catla, mrigal, common carp, and silver carp, which account for more than 80% of the total production. In addition to fish, farmers can also cultivate shrimp, crab, or ornamental fish, depending on the market demand and suitability of the environment.
There are numerous success stories of aquaculture in West Bengal. The Sundarbans, a mangrove forest in West Bengal, is a prime example of a site with potential for aquaculture. The Sundarbans is home to several species of fish and shrimp, and with the use of modern aquaculture techniques, the region has become a major producer of fish and shrimp. In 2018-2019, the Sundarbans produced over 71,000 metric tons of fish and shrimp, generating a revenue of over Rs. 2,000 crores.
In addition to the Sundarbans, other areas in West Bengal such as Purba Medinipur, Nadia, and Hooghly have also seen success in aquaculture. In Purba Medinipur, farmers have been able to increase their income by 50% through fish farming. In Nadia, the district administration has implemented a project to promote the cultivation of fish and vegetables together, providing a sustainable livelihood for farmers. However, there are also challenges to the expansion of aquaculture in West Bengal.
To overcome these challenges, the government and private sector need to work together to provide the necessary infrastructure and support for aquaculture. The government can provide support for the construction of ponds and tanks, as well as for the purchase of equipment and inputs. The private sector can provide technical assistance and market linkages to farmers. Infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water supply in the rural areas where aquaculture is practiced needs improvement. Training programmes for the farmers needs to be more frequent so as to increase awareness among farmers on modern aquaculture techniques and marketing strategies. This can help farmers to improve the efficiency and productivity of their operations, while also increasing their profitability.
The aquaculture sector in West Bengal has been growing rapidly in recent years, with the state government taking several initiatives to promote fish farming. The government has launched various schemes to provide financial assistance and technical support to farmers, through the "Bangla Krishi Sech Yojana" and the central government initiative "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana." These schemes aim to increase the production of fish and provide livelihood opportunities to rural communities.
The aquaculture sector in West Bengal has shown significant potential for growth over the years, contributing to the state's overall economic development. It wields a range of benefits such as high productivity, low environmental impact, and adaptability to changing climatic conditions. As the challenges facing traditional agriculture continue to grow, aquaculture offers a sustainable and resilient support system that has the potential to supplement the agricultural sector in West Bengal. By promoting sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices and supporting the growth of the sector through investment and innovation, the state can continue to leverage the benefits of aquaculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security in the region.
(Tenji Pem Bhutia is an Assistant Professor (Fisheries Economics), College of Fisheries (BASU), Kishanganj, Bihar. Email: tenzipem2@gmail.com)
