Key Highlights
- Fish output surged to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024‑25, a 106% rise since FY 2013‑14.
- Government‑driven schemes have fostered 74.66 lakh jobs across the value chain.
- India now holds the world’s second‑largest share of fish production, contributing 7.43% to agricultural GVA.
- Investments totalling ₹38,572 crore have upgraded infrastructure, cold storage, and modern aquaculture practices.
- Seafood exports reached 16.98 lakh tonnes, valued at ₹62,408 crore in 2023‑24.
Detailed Insights
The past decade has witnessed an unprecedented acceleration in India’s fisheries sector, propelled by persistent policy backing and technological upgrades. Production climbed from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013‑14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024‑25, positioning the nation as the globe’s second‑largest fish producer with an 8% share of world output. Aquaculture yield per hectare improved to 4.77 tonnes, reflecting better seed quality, scientific husbandry, and adoption of high‑density systems.
Financial commitments from the Department of Fisheries amount to ₹38,572 crore, channelled through flagship programmes such as the Blue Revolution, Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kalyan Yojana (PMMKSSY). These funds have financed harbour upgrades, cold‑chain logistics, and modern hatcheries, thereby strengthening the entire value chain.
Employment generation has been a cornerstone of this growth. Approximately 3 crore fishers and fish‑farmers now depend on the sector for their livelihood, with 74.66 lakh direct and indirect jobs created since 2014‑15. Social protection mechanisms—including Group Accidental Insurance for 34.71 lakh workers, targeted nutrition schemes during fishing bans, and the issuance of 4.49 lakh Kisan Credit Cards amounting to ₹3,569.60 crore—enhance income stability and financial inclusion.
Export performance has kept pace with domestic expansion. In 2023‑24, India shipped 16.98 lakh tonnes of seafood, generating ₹62,408 crore in foreign exchange earnings. Improved processing facilities, compliance with international quality norms, and expanded market access have consolidated India’s reputation as a dependable global seafood supplier.
Key Concepts
- Aquaculture Productivity: The amount of fish harvested per hectare, a metric that rose to 4.77 t/ha due to advanced breeding and farm management practices.
- Blue Revolution: A governmental initiative aimed at scaling up fish production, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing export competitiveness.
- Group Accidental Insurance (GAI): A risk‑mitigation scheme providing accidental death and disability coverage to millions of fishers.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A flagship program that channels substantial capital into fisheries development, focusing on seed production, cold‑chain, and capacity building.
- Fishery‑Related GVA Contribution: The share of fisheries in Gross Value Added of agriculture, currently 7.43%, the highest among allied sectors.