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