VASCO: The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Union budget for 2024-25, asserting that it fails to benefit traditional fishermen. The NFF general secretary, Olencio Simoes, criticised the budget for shifting its focus from wild capture fisheries to culture fisheries, neglecting the concerns of small-scale fishers, and potentially impacting the sustainability of wild capture fisheries.
“In her budget presentation, Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the government’s commitment to the fisheries sector, citing the establishment of five integrated aqua parks. I want to ask how it will help fisherfolk? Rather, it will burden the ecology,” he said.
The NFF argued that the budget lacks prioritisation of the welfare and interests of small scale fishers, who play a crucial role in the industry. Simoes expressed skepticism about the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana touted ‘to enhance aquaculture productivity, double exports and generate employment of around 51 lakh’. “In reality, it will displace two crore fishers simply because non-fishers mafia will control our sea and rivers basically because no small scale fishers can afford to run aquaculture as it requires huge investment,” he added.
The NFF also criticised the government’s emphasis on blue economy 2.0 and climate-resilient activities for coastal aquaculture and mariculture. While recognising the importance of climate resilience, Simoes called for strengthened environmental laws and a halt to the concretisation of coastal areas.
