India Implements Climate-Resilient Strategies in Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Sectors

Strategic Insights -

The Indian government has initiated adaptive measures to combat climate change impacts on the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors, focusing on protecting vulnerable species and safeguarding the livelihoods of fishers and livestock farmers. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV). The initiative provides need-based facilities for aquaculture, fish processing, and marketing, along with insurance cover and nutritional support for socio-economically backward fishers' families. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Fisheries Research Institutes contribute to promoting inland and marine aquaculture. In addition, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) for vaccination against various diseases and strengthening laboratories, training, and culling compensation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has implemented science-based adaptation and mitigation strategies to combat climate change impacts on the fisheries sector, focusing on vulnerable species and safeguarding the livelihoods of fishers.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV), providing need-based facilities such as aquaculture, fish processing, and marketing.
  • The initiative also provides insurance cover and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers' families during fish ban/lean periods.
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Fisheries Research Institutes have contributed to promoting inland and marine aquaculture through ongoing research, technology development, and capacity building programs with funding support from the Government of India.
  • The Department of Fisheries has been actively engaged in global and regional efforts, such as the Globlitter Partnership Project and Reglitter Project, to combat marine plastic pollution.
  • The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has implemented the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) to combat various diseases and improve animal health.

Statistics:

  • 100 coastal fishermen villages have been identified as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) under the PMMSY scheme.
  • 50% of the identified villages are to receive need-based facilities for aquaculture, fish processing, and marketing under the PMMSY scheme.
  • 100% of the identified villages will receive insurance cover for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers' families.
  • ₹10 crores (approximately $1.4 million USD) have been allocated for the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) to combat various diseases and improve animal health.
  • The Department of Fisheries has contributed ₹5 crores (approximately $0.7 million USD) to the Globlitter Partnership Project to combat marine plastic pollution.

Sources:

  • Government of India, PIB Delhi. (2025). The Government of India is implementing science-based adaptation and mitigation strategies in the fisheries as well as animal husbandry sectors to build resilience against climate change, protect vulnerable species and breeds and safeguard the livelihoods of fishers and livestock farmers.
  • Lok Sabha. (August 5, 2025). Written reply by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian.