India the Second Largest Country in Fish Production

India became the second largest fish producer due to strong financial and technical support provided to farmers by the current government.

About Fisheries Sector in India

• The fisheries sector is an important part of India’s economy.
• It plays a key role in food security, providing employment, and earning export revenue.
• India’s Fisheries Potential
  • India has a long coastline, large inland water resources, and diverse aquatic ecosystems.
  • These resources make India one of the top fish producers in the world.
• Evolution and Modernization
  • Fisheries in India have grown from traditional practices to a more organized and modern industry.
  • It includes marine fishing, inland fishing, and aquaculture.

Significance of the Fisheries Sector in India

• Economic Contribution:  The fisheries sector provides jobs for 28 million people, including those involved in fishing, processing, and marketing.
• Food Security: Fish is an important and affordable source of nutrition for many, often called Export Value: Fish and fish products are a key part of India’s exports, bringing in significant foreign exchange through global trade.
• Support to Allied Industries: The fisheries sector supports industries like aquaculture feed, fishing gear, and processing equipment, contributing to overall industrial growth.
• Job Creation: The fisheries sector is a significant source of employment, benefiting not just fishermen but also individuals in processing, marketing, and allied industries.

Current Status of the Fisheries Sector in India

• Growth in Fisheries Sector
  • Rapid Growth:
    • The fisheries sector grew by 126% under the current government.
  • Production Figures:
    • In 2013-14, India produced 95.7 lakh tons of fish.
    • In 2023-24, this increased to over 184 lakh tons annually.
• Top fish producing states in India: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, and Kerala. 
• Budget Allocation for Fisheries Sector (2025-26)
  • Total Budget: ₹2,703.67 crore (3.3% increase from ₹2,616.44 crore in 2024-25)
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
    • Allocation: ₹2,465 crore (4.8% rise from ₹2,352 crore last year)
    • Focus: Boosting aquaculture and seafood exports
  • Announcement by Finance Minister: Highlighted India’s leadership in aquaculture and seafood exports

Government’s Commitment to Fish Farmers

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25  to increase fish production, improve infrastructure, and generate employment.
• Palk Bay Scheme
  • The Palk Bay Scheme was launched in 2017 as part of the Blue Revolution initiative.
  • It aims to motivate fisherman to abandon bottom trawling
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
  • FIDF was established in 2018 to create infrastructure facilities for both marine and inland fisheries sectors

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