Discuss the significance of aquaculture towards nutrition security, livelihood generation, and economic growth. Also mention various initiatives taken by the government to promote sustainable aquaculture in the country.

Aquaculture refers to the farming technique involving the utilisation of aquatic organisms like fish, crustaceans, mollusca, etc. India comprises of the 3rd largest aquaculture globally. Significance of aquaculture I Nutrition security (1) Sea food provides an essential protein source in diet. (2) Important for acquisition of essential micronutrients. SA Omega 3 fatty acid. (3) The aquaculture organisms are an essential source of Vitamin C.

II Livelihood generation (1) The 7500km of coast houses a major chunk of population dependent on fishery. (2) Aquaculture is a labour intensive industry. (3) Essential for women empowerment as it employs women in inland fishery. III Economic growth (1) Aquaculture has the potential of 10% CAGR growth. (2) Export potential is huge with currently less than 2% of global market acquisition. (3) Promote food processing through dry & fish SA Market of dry fishes, pickles, bombil, etc. (4) Potential to utilise fish markets and unorganised vendors. (5) Financial security to farmers. SA Shrimp farming.

Initiatives taken by government (1) Legislative and policy measures to disseminate under umbrella schemes SA PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. (2) Identification of aquaculture as a growth engine to thrust agricultural GDP. (3) Institutional support for quality aquaculture produce. SA Nuclear breeding centres (4) Preservation of quality of breeds and indigenous quality. (5) Credit support to setup infrastructural demands for a Pisciculture. (6) Setting up of aquaculture development fund for farmer support under NABARD. (7) Knowledge dissemination through clusters, KVKs, etc. Blue revolution will ensure tapping the actual potential of aquaculture in India.