Aquaculture in Reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars: Budget 2026 Push for Fisheries and Blue Economy

The Union Budget 2026-27 has announced a landmark initiative for the integrated development of fisheries in 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. 

• This initiative aims to tap into India’s vast inland water resources to enhance farmer incomes and achieve the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision through the Blue Revolution.

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Status of the Fisheries Sector in India

• Global Standing: India is the world’s second-largest fish producer and also holds the second position globally in aquaculture production, establishing itself as a global powerhouse in the sector.
• Growth in Production: National fish production has witnessed a massive 106% increase since 2013-14, reaching a record 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
• Dominance of Inland Fisheries: Contrary to the myth that marine fishing dominates, 75% of India’s total fish production now comes from Inland Fisheries (fresh water, brackish water, and saline water resources).
• Role of Reservoirs: Covering over 31.5 lakh hectares, reservoirs (dams and water bodies) are vital for food and nutritional security. They provide a source of cheap protein and employment, particularly in economically backward and water-scarce regions of Eastern, Central, and Peninsular India.
• Geographical Distribution: Madhya Pradesh has the maximum area covered by reservoirs, while Tamil Nadu possesses the highest number of reservoirs (over 8,000).

Technical Advancements- Cage Culture Technology

• Productivity Leap: This technology has helped double productivity from 50 kg to 100 kg per hectare since 2006. Experts envision a potential increase up to 300 kg per hectare.
• The Method: Involves growing fish in synthetic nets (floating or anchored) within large water bodies.
  • Operational Ease: Allows for easier feeding, health monitoring, and disease control.
  • Natural Exchange: The mesh structure ensures oxygen and nutrient exchange with the surrounding environment.
  • Innovation: Shift from traditional rectangular cages to circular cages to promote species diversification.
• Species and Support: Major cultivated species include Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal, alongside high-value species like Tilapia and Pangasius, supported by government subsidies for seeds and feed.

Strategic Governance- Cluster-Based & Value Chain Approach

• Cluster-Based Strategy: To overcome management friction between different departments (Irrigation, Forest, and Fisheries), the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has adopted a cluster-based ecosystem strategy.
• Integrated Value Chain: This involves providing end-to-end solutions, including:
  • Production Infrastructure: Hatcheries and feed mills.
  • Post-Harvest Logistics: Storage sheds, ice plants, refrigerated trucks, and auction centers.
• Economy of Scale: Aggregating small farmers into Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives to enhance market competitiveness.
• Success Story: Farmer Bimal Chandra Oran at the Chandil Reservoir (Jharkhand) utilized a cooperative society and government subsidies to achieve a 3-ton production and a ₹3 lakh annual turnover.

Mission Amrit Sarovar- Community Innovation

• Pondage Area: Aiming for at least 75 water bodies per district, each Amrit Sarovar is designed with a minimum of one acre area.
• Community Participation: A key innovation is the mapping of user groups for local pond management.
• Diversification: In Arunachal Pradesh, Amrit Sarovars are being used for the aquaculture of ornamental fishes, providing high-value niche market opportunities.

Challenges in the Reservoir Ecosystem

• Agency Multiplicity: Overlapping ownership of fishing rights often poses challenges in data gathering and unified policy implementation.
• Sectoral Gaps: Significant deficits remain in processing capacities and cold-chain infrastructure in remote inland areas.
• Management Issues: The assessment of fishing rights between local communities and state departments sometimes leads to a trust deficit.

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Way Forward

• Value Chain Integration: Adopting the ICAR-CIFRI vision to triple current productivity levels through integrated hatcheries and berthing platforms.
• Scaling Clusters: Replicating the success of the MP Dam Clusters (Halali and Indra Sagar) across other States and Union Territories.
• Strengthening Cooperatives: Ensuring that the Blue Revolution benefits the grassroot level by making FPOs the central pillars of the supply chain.
• Nutritional Security: Prioritizing these water bodies as primary sources of protein for marginalized communities in tribal and water-scarce belts.

Conclusion

Tapping the potential of reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars aligns with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. By shifting from traditional harvesting to a high-tech Value Chain model, India can empower millions of fishermen families while securing its position as a global leader in the Blue Economy.

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