Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Contextualize the importance of the fisheries sector in the global and Indian context.
  • Highlight India’s role as the third-largest fish producer and key player in the global fisheries market.
  • Mention the significance of fisheries for food security, livelihoods, and economic growth in India.
  • Introduce WTO’s fisheries subsidies agreement and its relevance to global fisheries sustainability.

2. Importance of the Fisheries Sector

• Food Security:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • Fish as a nutritious food source rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients.
    • Role of fish in combating malnutrition, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
  • Example/Fact: Fish consumption helps in combating hidden hunger and improving dietary diversity.
• Livelihoods:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • Over 14 million people in India are employed in fishing and related activities (NSSO data).
    • Coastal communities in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods.
    • Women’s empowerment through post-harvest activities such as fish processing and marketing.
  • Example/Fact: Women play a significant role in the processing and marketing of fish, which provides them with economic and social empowerment.
• Economic Growth:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • Contribution of fisheries to India’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings.
    • Growth of the sector (double-digit annual growth rate of 10.87% since 2014-15).
    • India’s position as the 4th largest exporter of fish globally, contributing 7.7% to world fish production.
    • Record fish production of 145 lakh tons in 2020-21.
  • Example/Fact: India’s fish and seafood exports were valued at over $7 billion in 2020-21.

3. Concerns Surrounding the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

• Prohibition of R&D Subsidies:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • The agreement bans R&D subsidies, which could stifle technological advancements in India’s fisheries sector.
    • India may fall behind technologically when compared to non-bound nations, affecting its competitiveness.
  • Example/Fact: India may not be able to modernize its fishing practices as effectively as countries not bound by the agreement.
• Impact on Small-Scale Fishermen:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • Restricting subsidies for overfished or destructive fishing methods could disproportionately affect small-scale fishermen.
    • Compliance costs may force small-scale fishermen to shut down their operations, leading to job losses.
  • Example/Fact: Small fishermen may be unable to meet new compliance standards, hurting their livelihoods.
• Competitiveness Issues:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • Indian fishing industries might struggle to compete with heavily subsidized fishing operations from other countries.
    • Market distortions could occur, especially as the agreement limits certain fishing practices while other nations continue subsidizing.
  • Example/Fact: India’s fishing sector could lose its competitive edge in global markets due to the elimination of subsidies for certain fishing techniques.
• Market Disruptions:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • The ban on certain subsidies may disrupt markets, especially for fish caught through high-subsidy fishing practices.
    • This could affect consumer prices and the availability of fish in the market.
  • Example/Fact: Reduced subsidies might lead to higher consumer prices and a reduction in the supply of fish.
• Unequal Impact on India:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • The agreement is seen as unequal, as it disproportionately affects countries like India, which provide low subsidies.
    • Overfishing and overcapacity issues in advanced fishing nations are not sufficiently addressed.
  • Example/Fact: Developed nations that have historically contributed to fish stock depletion should bear more responsibility.
• Resource Access:
  • Key Points to Cover:
    • Restrictions on subsidies for high-seas fishing may limit access to valuable fish stocks.
    • Indian vessels may be unable to fish in areas that were previously accessible, impacting production.
  • Example/Fact: India’s fishing vessels may lose access to high-value fish stocks in the high seas, impacting the industry.

4. Conclusion

• Summary of India’s Fisheries Importance: Recap the sector’s role in food security, livelihoods, and economic development.
• Address WTO Agreement Concerns: Highlight the need for a balanced approach that doesn’t disproportionately harm low-subsidizing countries like India.
• Call for Fairer Terms: India advocates for a system based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle and ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ to ensure fairness in the agreement.
• India’s Stance: India has not ratified the agreement, as it believes the terms are not favorable and could harm its small-scale fishermen and technological development.

Key Facts and Data for Use in Answer

• India is the third-largest fish producer globally.
• Over 14 million people in India are employed in the fisheries sector (NSSO).
• Fisheries contribute about 24% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture.
• India’s fisheries sector has demonstrated an annual growth rate of 10.87% since 2014-15.
• India is the 4th largest exporter of fish globally, contributing 7.7% to global fish production.
• India’s fish and seafood exports were valued at $7 billion in 2020-21.
• The WTO fisheries subsidies agreement aims to reduce subsidies for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and for overfished stocks.
• India’s concerns: The agreement bans R&D subsidies, could harm small-scale fishermen, and creates competitiveness issues for Indian fishing industries.