Fisheries Sector

India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has seen significant growth, with fish production increasing by 106% from 95.79 lakh tonnes (2013-14) to 197.75 lakh tonnes (2024-25).

About Fisheries Sector

• Global Rank: India is the 2nd largest fish producer globally (≈ 8% of global output).
• Aquaculture: India ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and export, and is the second-largest producer in capture fisheries.
• Livelihood: Fisheries sector provides livelihoods to ≈3 crore fishers and fish farmers across India.
• Share in GVA: 7.43% of Agriculture GVA since 2014-15 becoming highest amongst Agri & Allied Sector

Trends in Fish Production

• Increase in Fish Production: India’s fish production increased to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25 from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14, marking a 106% increase.
• Aquaculture Productivity: Average aquaculture productivity reached 4.77 tonnes per hectare.
• Seafood Exports: India exported 16.98 lakh tonnes of seafood worth ₹62,408 crore in FY 2023-24
• Leading State: Key states include West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala.

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Government Schemes and Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): launched in September 2020 with a total investment outlay of ₹20,050 crore.
  • Aim:  To transform the fisheries sector by filling critical gaps in fish production, productivity, quality, technology, and post-harvest infrastructure
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):
  • FIDF is established to create and modernise fisheries infrastructure across marine and inland sectors, thereby supporting sustainable development of capture and culture fisheries
  • Extension: Originally planned for five years (2018-19 to 2022-23), the scheme has been extended up to 2025-26 to continue supporting infrastructure development projects.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY):
  • approved in February 2024 as a sub-scheme under PMMSY to further strengthen the fisheries sector.
• Technology and Data-Driven Solutions: Collaboration with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to onboard 63 Fisheries Startups and Fisheries Farmer Producer Organization (FFPO) for digital market access.
• EEZ Sustainable Harnessing Rules, 2025: Provides priority fishing access to cooperatives, introduces digital ReALCraft Access-Pass, and bans destructive fishing practices to protect marine biodiversity.
• Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY):
  • Launched in Union Budget 2025-26, this scheme aims to expand aquaculture activities and improve fishermen’s incomes, impacting 1.7 crore farmers.

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