India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, emerging as a critical contributor to the national economy and the livelihoods of nearly 3 crore fishermen and fish farmers.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, fish production increased from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25, marking a 106% growth. The average productivity of aquaculture has risen to 4.77 tonnes per hectare, while marine seafood exports reached a record ₹62,408 crore in 2023-24.
The government has implemented several flagship initiatives, including the Blue Revolution, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samriddhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY). These programs have mobilized ₹38,572 crore in investments, directly and indirectly creating 74.66 lakh employment opportunities.
Key achievements under PMMSY include:
- Inland aquaculture: 52,058 cages, 23,285 hectares of ponds, 12,081 recirculatory aquaculture systems, and 4,205 biofloc units approved.
- Marine fisheries: 1,525 cages in open waters, 480 deep-sea fishing vessels, and 17 brackish water hatcheries operational.
- Fisher welfare: 6,706 replacement boats and nets, 102 fish service centers, and financial assistance through Kisan Credit Cards (4.49 lakh cards issued with ₹3,569.60 crore loans).
- Infrastructure development: 27,189 fish transportation units, including ice-box motorcycles, insulated trucks, and retail fish kiosks.
- Special clusters and aquaparks: 34 fishery clusters nationwide, covering ornamental fish, marine algae, pearl, and cold-water aquaculture. Eleven integrated aquaparks have been approved with a total investment of ₹682.60 crore.
Under the Digital India initiative, 63 fish farmer producer organizations have been linked to e-marketplaces, improving market access and value realization. Additionally, EEZ rules for sustainable offshore fisheries and coastal aquaculture are being implemented to expand India’s blue economy.
The government has also provided social security and insurance coverage for 34.71 lakh fishermen, along with nutritional assistance during fishing bans, ensuring livelihood support.
India continues to strengthen marine food exports, now shipping products to 130 countries, with a focus on high-value processed seafood, which constitutes 62% of export value. The sector’s sustained growth reflects strategic investments, policy support, and the integration of modern technologies.
By
