Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council (26 Feb - 5 Apr 2024) delivered by Mr. K.S. Mohammed Hussain, First Secretary (Legal), Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, on 7 March 2024
Madam Vice President,
- We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting the report on fisheries and the right to food in the context of climate change.
- Fisheries are an important component to the right to food, providing nutrition and employment to millions of people around the world. India is the third largest fish producing country in the world, with 8 per cent of global production and providing livelihood to over 16 million persons at the primary level and almost twice this number along the value chain.
- India has been ensuring the sustainability of small-scale and traditional fishing fleets and supporting fishing communities realize their To consolidate the achievements of the Blue Revolution, India’s flagship policy Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, that is, Prime Minister’s Fishery Wealth Scheme, was started in 2020. It aims to further develop the fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner. It focuses on enhancing productivity through diversification, technology infusion, modernizing the value chain including post-harvest management, and strengthening the fisheries regulatory framework. It also prioritizes creating a conducive environment for private sector participation, entrepreneurship development, and innovation in the fisheries sector.
Madam Vice President,
- We request the Special Rapporteur for views and suggestions to enhance international cooperation for the sustainable development and management of the fisheries sector globally.
Thank you.
