This, the twelfth edition of the `Handbook on Fisheries Statistics 2014’, contains useful information on various aspects of the fisheries sector. The importance of this sector in the socio economic development of the countries is well known.

The Animal Husbandry and livestock sectors are critical for the rural economy, especially the small and marginal farmers. They not only contribute to their income but also their best insurance against any natural calamity. For planning purposes, the need for upto date and reliable data cannot be over emphasized.