Union Minister Piyush Goyal represented India at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Douala, Cameroon, from February 26-29, 2026. He highlighted fisheries’ vital role in food security, jobs, and sustainable trade amid global talks on overfishing and subsidies. Goyal stressed India’s leadership in responsible fishing. “Fisheries sustain 28 million people and contribute 1.24% to GDP,” he said, citing the 2024-25 Economic Survey. India ranks second globally in fish production at 18 million tonnes yearly (FAO 2025 data), exporting $8.09 billion worth in FY24—up 30% from prior years.
At MC13, Goyal opposed rich nations’ push for stricter subsidy curbs on developing countries. India seeks fair rules under the 2022 WTO Fisheries Agreement, protecting small-scale fishers who catch 80% of inland produce. He advocated for a permanent solution by 2026, balancing environment and livelihoods.
Cameroon’s conference, hosted amid Africa-India trade ties, saw deals on technical aid for traceability tech. India’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has boosted production by 10% since 2020, creating 1 lakh jobs via 50,000 new boats and cold chains.
Goyal linked this to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, urging WTO to prioritize climate-resilient fisheries. India imports $2 billion seafood annually but aims for self-reliance. Experts note MC13 outcomes could add $1 trillion to global fisheries economy by 2030 (World Bank).
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What did Piyush Goyal highlight at WTO MC13?
Goyal emphasized fisheries’ role in food security and jobs for 28 million Indians, pushing fair subsidy rules for developing nations at Cameroon meet.
2. What are India’s fisheries stats?
India produces 18 million tonnes yearly (2nd globally), exports $8.09 billion (FY24), sustaining 1.24% GDP via PMMSY’s 10% production boost.
3. Why oppose rich nations’ curbs?
To protect 80% small-scale fishers; Goyal seeks 2026 permanent solution balancing environment, livelihoods under 2022 WTO Fisheries Agreement.
(*Image Source- Newsonair)