India’s fisheries sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past seven decades, shifting from a predominantly marine-based activity to an inland and aquaculture-driven powerhouse. Total fish production surged from 7.52 lakh tonnes in 1950–51 to an estimated 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 (provisional) recording a 26-fold increase. Over the last decade, the Government of India has significantly scaled up investments in the sector, channeling Rs 39,272 crore through major initiatives such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, FIDF, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY). These interventions have propelled fish production from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 (provisional), an impressive growth of over 100%. Shrimp production, India’s flagship aquaculture commodity, expanded by 267%, rising from 3.22 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to a record 11.84 lakh tonnes (2023–24). India’s seafood exports have more than doubled during the same period, increasing from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013–14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024–25, marking a 111.73% rise despite pandemic disruptions and persistent non-tariff barriers in global markets.

The fisheries sector is a vital pillar of India’s economy and social fabric, supporting nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers and several lakh workers across the value chain. As an affordable, nutrient-rich source of animal protein, fish significantly contributes to national food and nutritional security. India’s rapid growth in fish production and exports has been driven by technological innovation, strong institutional support, and proactive policy measures. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries has modernized infrastructure and introduced advanced technologies through interventions such as genetic improvement of key species; establishment of brood banks, brood stock multiplication centres, hatcheries, and seed-rearing units; construction of diverse grow-out ponds; development of raceways and reservoir cage culture; promotion of RAS and biofloc systems; expansion of sea cages; species diversification; and modernization of the fishing fleet. To further accelerate growth, 34 Production and Processing Clusters have been notified across States and Union Territories to enhance production, productivity, and value addition.

India’s marine fisheries have long been anchored in sustainability, guided by the National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017, which promotes an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. Government schemes have consistently advanced sustainable practices, with a strong focus on expanding deep-sea fishing and enabling traditional fishers to access distant areas of the EEZ. Under PMMSY, support has been extended for 480 deep-sea fishing vessels and the upgradation of 1,338 vessels for traditional fishermen. A recent, major milestone in this regard is the notification of the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025, empowering traditional and small-scale fishers, cooperatives, and FFPOs to tap untapped offshore resources, enhance processing and export opportunities, and strengthen national self-reliance in deep-sea fisheries. Science-based measures such as fishing bans during spawning seasons, minimum legal sizes, bycatch reduction, improved onboard handling, sea ranching, artificial reefs development, and protection of Essential Fish Habitats such as spawning and feeding grounds are taken for ensuring sustainability of the marine fisheries. Mariculture is being promoted alongside capture fisheries through the schemes and policies. The Department on 21 November 2025 brought out the Standard Operating Procedure for Mariculture (2025) to foster responsible, inclusive coastal development. To build climate resilience, PMMSY is developing 100 Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages, making coastal villages more resilient and economically vibrant.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in March 2025 for “Strengthening of Blue Ports in India,” fully funded by FAO with an allocation of USD 100,000. The TCP supports two pilot Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour projects at Vanakbara (Diu) and Jakhau (Gujarat), aimed at modernizing fishing infrastructure with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and safety. By integrating smart technologies, these harbours are expected to streamline operations, enhance safety standards, and promote eco‑friendly practices.

In addition, the Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with FAO and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, is implementing a Global Environment Facility (GEF‑8) project titled “Transforming Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture to a Sustainable, Reduced Footprint and Climate‑Resilient Food System.” The initiative focuses on advancing sustainable aquaculture in the State. The GEF Secretariat has approved the project with a grant of USD 13,155,657 (approximately Rs 18 crore), marking a significant step toward climate‑resilient and environmentally responsible aquaculture development.

Under PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries has approved Andhra Pradesh’s proposals for 39 activities at a total cost of Rs 2,398.72 crore, with a central share of Rs 559.10 crore, of which Rs 482.55 crore has been released during 2020–21 to 2024–25. For Telangana, proposals amounting to Rs 347.20 crore have been approved, with a central share of Rs 109.92 crore and Rs 85.54 crore released for fisheries and aquaculture development.

The above answer was given by Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lallan Singh, Minister of Fisheries,Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, in response to a question asked in the Lok  Sabha.

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JP

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