By July 2025, projects worth ₹21,274.16 crore had been approved, with ₹5,587.57 crore already disbursed. These investments span pond systems, hatcheries, cold chains, markets, and processing units.
India’s fisheries sector has scripted a success story over the past decade, with total fish production soaring by 104 per cent from 96 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, according to the latest figures from the Department of Fisheries. This surge cements India’s position as the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing nearly 8 per cent of global output.
Much of the momentum has come from inland fisheries, which recorded a staggering 142 per cent growth to reach 147.37 lakh tonnes. This shift underscores how aquaculture, once limited in scope, has become a backbone of rural livelihoods and nutrition security.
A Decade of Transformation
The sector’s transformation has been driven by sustained government support, modern aquaculture practices, and improved infrastructure. “From the shores to the hinterland, the sector has embraced new technology, better value chains, and stronger institutional support, which has enabled fishers to produce more and earn more,” an official from the Fisheries Department noted.
The turnaround is reflected in the lives of individuals like Navkishar Gope, a displaced villager from Jharkhand’s Gangudih Punarwas. With training and financial support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Gope adopted cage culture, cut mortality rates, and scaled up production. He now owns a modest home and a two-wheeler, and dreams of further expansion. His story reflects how fisheries growth is not just about statistics but about resilience and empowerment.
From Blue Revolution to PMMSY
The modern journey began with the Blue Revolution of 2015, aimed at raising productivity and modernising infrastructure in marine and inland fisheries. Yet gaps in post-harvest handling, traceability, and fisher welfare persisted. To bridge these, the government launched the PMMSY in 2020 with an outlay of ₹20,050 crore, extended till 2025–26.
By July 2025, projects worth ₹21,274.16 crore had been approved, with ₹5,587.57 crore already disbursed. These investments span pond systems, hatcheries, cold chains, markets, and processing units. The scheme has generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs in aquaculture, transport, and marketing.
Infrastructure and Innovation
The sector’s growth is increasingly supported by dedicated hubs. The Department of Fisheries has notified 34 fisheries clusters, including organic ones in Sikkim and Meghalaya, and sanctioned 11 Integrated Aquaparks worth ₹682.60 crore. These aquaparks act as “farm-to-fork” ecosystems, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring higher incomes through value addition.
Technology-driven practices are central to the growth push. As of March 2025, 12,000 Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and 4,205 Biofloc units had been approved. Both methods enable high-density fish farming while conserving water and maintaining quality. The sector is also embracing digital transformation – the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) launched in 2024 has already registered over 26 lakh stakeholders, linking them to credit, insurance, and training.
Innovation has also been nurtured through entrepreneurship. Under PMMSY, 39 startups have received subsidies worth ₹31.22 crore for seed funding and incubation, bringing fresh ideas into the sector.
Complementary Schemes and Financial Inclusion
To strengthen the momentum, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) was introduced in 2024 with a ₹6,000 crore outlay. It aims to formalise the sector, expand insurance coverage, and provide easier access to finance. By April 2025, ₹11.84 crore had been sanctioned under this scheme.
Financial inclusion is being reinforced through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a ₹7,522.48 crore corpus extended till 2026. It offers up to 3 per cent interest subvention and a credit guarantee facility of ₹12.50 crore. Meanwhile, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has been extended to fisheries, with 4.76 lakh cards issued by June 2025, disbursing ₹3,214.32 crore.
Inclusivity is another hallmark. The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is supporting fish culture among 10,000 tribal groups and one lakh individuals with ₹375 crore. Women have also been major beneficiaries, with projects worth nearly ₹3,973 crore dedicated to them.
Modern Harbours and Global Links
On the marine side, the government is modernising coastal infrastructure with three smart fishing harbours in Diu, Puducherry, and Gujarat at a cost of ₹369.8 crore. Equipped with AI, IoT, solar power and eco-friendly systems, these align with the FAO’s Blue Port Initiative. India has also deepened international cooperation, including with the French Development Bank and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Towards a Blue Economy
The Union Budget 2025–26 has earmarked the highest-ever allocation of ₹2,703.67 crore for the fisheries sector. Officials say this funding will further boost employment, sustainability, and export potential.
For policymakers, India’s fisheries growth is more than a story of production. It reflects the country’s growing stake in the Blue Economy – leveraging ocean and aquatic resources for sustainable growth, jobs, and food security. “The challenge now is not just to increase output, but to ensure quality, traceability, and sustainability so that India’s fisheries remain competitive globally,” said a senior fisheries expert.
For millions of fishers and farmers, however, the transformation is tangible – from better incomes to improved access to markets, credit, and technology. The doubling of production over a decade signals both resilience and ambition, charting India’s course towards becoming a true fisheries powerhouse.
