Fisheries Department To Ink MoU With ONDC For Improved Fisherman Market Access

An innovative endeavor is underway to improve fishermen’s direct market reach in India’s fisheries industry through digital commerce. Scheduled for February 19th, 2024, at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be inked between the Department of Fisheries (GoI) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

Key Participants

• Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala.
• Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. L Murugan.
• Secretary Department of Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi.
• Joint Secretary Department of Fisheries, Shri Sagar Mehra.
• Joint Secretary Department of Fisheries, Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad.
• Managing Director of ONDC, Shri T. Koshy.
• Vice President of ONDC, Ms. Aditi Singh.
• Approximately 50 Fish Farmers Producers Organizations (FFPOs) expected to attend in-person.

Empowering the Fisheries Sector

• First formal collaboration between the Department of Fisheries and ONDC.
• Digital platform to be provided for fisherfolks, fish farmer producer organizations, entrepreneurs, SHGs, fishermen cooperatives, and other stakeholders.
• Goal is to access broader markets, expanding reach and potential customer base.

Benefits of Collaboration

• Technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, collectivization, and competitiveness.
• Anticipated benefits include enhanced trust, reduced transaction costs, increased market reach, improved transparency, heightened competitiveness, innovation, and employment generation.

Seamless Integration and Capacity Building

• Collaboration to facilitate seamless integration within the fisheries sector.
• Efficient supply chain management, value chains, and market access to be enhanced.
• Capacity building initiatives and educational workshops to raise awareness among MSMEs, startups, SHGs, small and marginal fishermen, FFPOs, and other stakeholders.

About ONDC

• Incorporated as a Section 8 company, an initiative by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• A unique platform for e-marketing promoting open networks for the exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks.
• Aims to connect FFPOs and other fishermen cooperatives, reducing reliance on intermediaries.

Scaling Digital Commerce

• Over 6.3 million transactions recorded in November 2023 across 600+ cities.
• Wide geographical coverage with sellers and service providers in 500+ cities.
• Over 3000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and around 400 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), micro-entrepreneurs, and social sector enterprises onboarded.

Empowering the Fisheries Sector

• Government initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund.
• Outstanding average annual growth of 10.87% since 2014-15.
• Focus on infrastructural growth and welfare of stakeholders, particularly FFPOs.

Pioneering Digital Transformation in India’s Fisheries Sector

• MoU signifies a new era of digital transformation and empowerment in India’s fisheries sector.
• Technology and collaboration aimed at enhancing market access, promoting efficiency, and driving inclusive growth.
• Benefits to millions of fishermen and stakeholders across the country.