New Delhi, Feb 15 : India has solidified its position as the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing approximately 8% to global fish production. During the financial year 2023-24, the country exported an impressive 17,81,602 metric tonnes (MT) of seafood, generating revenue of ₹60,523.89 crore, according to government data released on Saturday.
This marks a remarkable surge in exports, considering that in 2003-04, the value stood at just ₹609.95 crore, as per the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Over the past two decades, India’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors have witnessed significant milestones that have strengthened the country’s global standing.
In a move that underscores the sector’s growing importance, the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated a record-high ₹2,703.67 crore for fisheries. This is a testament to India’s strides in aquaculture and seafood exports, according to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Steady Growth in Fish Production
India’s fish production has seen a remarkable rise, reaching 184.02 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, compared to 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 and 63.99 lakh tonnes in 2003-04. The past decade (2014-24) alone recorded an increase of 88.23 lakh tonnes, a significant jump when compared to the 31.80 lakh tonnes rise between 2004 and 2014.
The growth has been particularly pronounced in inland and aquaculture fish production, which surged by 77.71 lakh tonnes between 2014 and 2024, compared to an increase of 26.78 lakh tonnes in the preceding decade (2004-14). Meanwhile, marine fish production also saw a doubling, rising from 5.02 lakh tonnes in 2014 to 10.52 lakh tonnes in 2024.
Government Initiatives Driving Growth
The Blue Revolution, launched as the first major initiative to make fisheries a sustainable and economically viable sector, laid the foundation for this growth. Introduced in 2015-16, the scheme focused on enhancing fisheries production and productivity through inland and marine aquaculture. It was backed by a central outlay of ₹3,000 crore over five years.
Recognizing the need for further reforms and to address value chain gaps, the government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in 2020. This ambitious scheme, with a total investment of ₹20,050 crore, aims to boost fisheries production, ensure the socio-economic well-being of fishermen and fish farmers, and strengthen the sector’s infrastructure.
PMMSY is a five-year initiative (2020-21 to 2024-25) that particularly emphasizes inland fisheries and aquaculture, recognizing their crucial role in enhancing production and ensuring food security.
With these continued efforts, India’s fisheries sector is poised for further expansion, reinforcing its position as a global leader in aquaculture and seafood exports. ( With inputs from IANS)