New Delhi: India increased its fish production to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25, up from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14. This marks a 106% rise over a decade. The growth reflects sustained policy support and investment in fisheries and aquaculture, according to data released by the Department of Fisheries.
Since 2014-15, the Centre rolled out several fisheries schemes. These initiatives created 74.66 lakh direct and indirect jobs across the value chain. At the same time, average aquaculture productivity rose to 4.77 tonnes per hectare.
As a result, India now ranks as the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing nearly 8% of global output. The sector supports the livelihoods of about three crore fishers and fish farmers. It also remains a major employment source in both coastal and inland regions.
Over the past decade, the Centre approved or announced investments worth ₹38,572 crore. These came under major initiatives such as the Blue Revolution, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Notably, projects worth ₹32,723 crore received approval since 2014-15.
Central schemes and exports drive fisheries growth
Meanwhile, Indian seafood exports reached 16.98 lakh tonnes, valued at ₹62,408 crore, in 2023-24. Fisheries contributed 7.43% to Agriculture Gross Value Added, the highest among allied sectors since 2014-15. In addition, aquaculture increased its share of export earnings, with value-added exports rising sharply over the last five years.
Alongside production, the government expanded welfare and financial inclusion measures. Group accidental insurance now covers 34.71 lakh fishers. Authorities also issued 4.49 lakh Kisan Credit Cards, enabling loans worth ₹3,569.60 crore. During fishing bans and lean periods, the government provides annual nutritional support to 4.33 lakh fisher families.
During 2025-26, the Centre approved thousands of projects under PMMSY and allied programmes. These projects span inland and marine fisheries, infrastructure, ornamental fisheries, seaweed cultivation, and capacity building. They include cages, hatcheries, biofloc units, vessel upgrades, fish landing centres, retail markets, and training initiatives across states.
Overall, the government said higher investment, better infrastructure, export growth, and wider welfare coverage strengthened incomes and productivity. Consequently, fisheries have emerged as a key pillar of India’s agricultural and blue economy growth.
