India’s Fisheries on the rise
New Delhi, Feb 15, 2025 : India is the second largest fish producing country with around 8% share in global fish production. Over the past two decades, India's fisheries sector has witnessed significant growth and transformation. From technological advancements to policy reforms, the period from 2004 to 2024 has been marked by milestones that have bolstered India's position in global fisheries and aquaculture. The Union Budget 2025-26, proposed the highest ever total annual budgetary support of Rs. 2,703.67 crores for the fisheries sector. This is a testament to India’s achievement as a leader in aquaculture and seafood exports!
The 2025-26 budget announcement strategically focuses on enhancing financial inclusion, reducing financial burden on farmers by reducing custom duties and furthering development of the marine fisheries.
Additionally, The Budget 2025-26 highlights enabling a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and High Seas with special focus on Lakshadweep and A&N Islands. This will ensure sustainable harnessing of the untapped potential of the marine fish resources in the Indian EEZ and adjacent High Seas for growth in the marine sector.
The Government of India also increased the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) lending limit from ?3 lakh to ?5 lakh to enhance credit accessibility for fishers, farmers, processors and other fisheries’ stakeholders. This move aims at streamlining the flow of financial resources ensuring that necessary funds are easily accessible for fulfilling working capital requirements of the sector.
Increase in Production: Fish production increased to an impressive 184.02 lakh tons (2023-24) from 95.79 lakh tons (2013-14) and 63.99 lakh tons (2003-04) registering an increase of 88.23 lakh tons in 10 years (2014-24) as compared to an increase of 31.80 lakh tons (2004-14).
Increase in Inland and Aquaculture Fish Production: A tremendous increase of 77.71 lakh tons was achieved in Inland and Aquaculture fish production from 2014-24 as against the 26.78 lakh tons achieved from 2004-14.
The marine fish production doubled to 10.52 lakh tons (2004-14) from 5.02 lakh tons (2014-24).
As reported by Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), during the financial year 2023-24, India exported 17,81,602 MT of Seafood worth ? 60,523.89 Cr. The export value has witnessed a significant jump from 609.95 Cr in 2003-04.
Blue Revolution: The Blue Revolution scheme was the first step towards making the fisheries sector economically viable and robust. With its multi-dimensional activities, Blue Revolution focuses mainly on increasing fisheries production and productivity from aquaculture and fisheries resources, both inland and marine. The Blue Revolution Scheme was launched in FY2015-16 with a central outlay of Rs. 3000 crores for 5 years.
However, as the sector needed reforms to address critical gaps across the value chain; Thus, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme was conceived in 2020 to help the fisheries sector achieve new heights while ensuring socio-economic welfare of fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is being implemented for a period of five years (2020-21 to 2024-25) with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore. The initiative delves into the domain of inland fisheries and aquaculture, recognizing their pivotal role in bolstering production and ensuring robust food security.
INITIATIVES UNDER PMMSY
1.Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs)- Under the ongoing PMMSY, there is a provision to provide financial assistance for setting up of Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs) to economically empower the fishers and fish farmers and enhance their bargaining power which ultimately help to improve the standard of living of fishers.
The Department of Fisheries has so far accorded approval for setting up of a total of 2195 FFPOs at a total project cost of Rs.544.85 crore comprising 2000 fisheries cooperative as FFPOs and 195 new FFPOs. Further, to facilitate access to institutional credit by fishers and fish farmers, Kisan Credit Card facility has been extended to fisheries since 2018-19 and till date 4,50,799 KCC card have been sanctioned to fishers and fish farmers.
2.Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)-
In the Union Budget 2018, the Hon’ble Finance Minister announced setting up of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) for fisheries sector. Accordingly, during 2018-19, a dedicated fund, FIDF was created with a total funds size of Rs 7522.48 crore.
The Department of Fisheries, has approved a total 136 project proposals/projects at a total cost of Rs.5801.06 crore with project cost restricted for interest subvention at Rs.3858.19 crore received from various State Governments/UTs and other eligible entities. Extension of FIDF will further intensify development of various fisheries infrastructures.
3.Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana-
The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in February 2024 for a period of four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27. PM-MKSSY will be implemented in all the States and Union Territories with an estimated outlay of ?6000 crore. PM-MKSSY intends to address the inherent weaknesses of the sector through identified financial and technological intervention for bringing in institutional reforms to support the transformation of the fisheries sector in the Long-term.
Integrated Aqua Parks Under PMMSY-
4.The Department of Fisheries in India has been actively promoting the development of integrated aquaparks to boost the fisheries sector. These aquaparks are part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and aim to enhance the aquaculture value chain through various initiatives. The Department has accorded approval for setting up of a total 11 integrated aquaparks in the country at a total cost of Rs 682.6 crore.
5.Artificial Reefs Deployed Under PMMSY-
Artificial reefs are man-made structures placed on the seafloor to enhance marine habitats and ecosystems. These structures mimic natural reefs and provide shelter, food sources, and breeding grounds for various marine organisms. In India, the Department of Fisheries has been actively promoting the installation of artificial reefs across coastal states to support sustainable marine fisheries conservation efforts. These initiatives aim to rejuvenate coastal fisheries, rebuild fish stocks, and enhance marine biodiversity. The Department of Fisheries, with technical support from the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), is committed to promoting sustainable practices and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities through these projects. As on Sep 2024, installation of 937 artificial reefs have been approved at a project cost of Rs. 291.37 crore in the states/UTs of AP, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
6.Designated NBCs Under PMMSY-
The Department of Fisheries in India has designated specific Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs) to enhance the genetic quality of aquaculture species. These NBCs play a crucial role in improving the productivity and quality of species like shrimp, which are vital for both domestic consumption and export.
Technological Advancements:
•Satellite Technology Integration: National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System, application of Oceansat, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) etc., undertaken by Department of Fisheries on application of space technologies in the fisheries sector.
•GIS-Based Resource Mapping: Implementation of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for mapping marine fish landing centers and fishing grounds, aiding in effective resource management.
The components of the scheme for strengthening of database and geographical information system GIS for fisheries sector are as under:
ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE): A Centre of Excellence
The Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), established in 1961, is India’s leading institution for higher education and research in fisheries. CIFE has trained more than 4,000 fisheries extension workers and professionals who play a crucial role in promoting sustainable fisheries practices across the country. CIFE’s role in capacity building has been critical to the growth of India’s fisheries sector.
National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF, 2017): The Government of India has introduced the NPMF, which places a strong emphasis on sustainability as the core principle for all marine fisheries actions. This policy guides the conservation and management of India’s marine fishery resources.
Regulation and Conservation Measures: To ensure the long-term sustainability of marine fish stocks, the Government has implemented several conservation measures, including:
•Uniform Fishing Ban: A 61-day uniform fishing ban during the monsoon season in the EEZ to allow fish stocks to replenish.
•Prohibition of Destructive Fishing Methods: Bans on pair trawling, bull trawling, and the use of artificial LED lights in fishing, which help reduce overfishing and minimize damage to marine ecosystems.
•Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sea ranching, the installation of artificial reefs, and mariculture activities such as seaweed cultivation.
•Fisheries Regulations by States/UTs: Coastal States/UTs have also implemented gear-mesh size and engine power regulations, minimum legal size (MLS) of fish, and zonation of fishing areas for different types of vessels, contributing to sustainable fishing.
Conclusion:
The period from 2004 to 2024 has been transformative for India's fisheries sector. Through concerted efforts in policy implementation, technological integration, and sustainable practices, India has not only enhanced its fish production but also ensured the socio-economic development of its fishing communities. As the nation moves forward, continued focus on innovation and sustainability will be key to maintaining this upward trajectory.