In 2013-14, the fish production in India was 95.7 lakh tons, which approximately doubled to more than 184 lakh tons annually in 2023-24.
India’s role in Global Fisheries Sector
- India is the 2nd largest fish producing country with around 8% share in global fish production.
- Major fish producing states: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka.
- Inland fisheries contribute more than 75% of total fisheries output.
- Globally, India ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and third in capture fisheries production.
Challenges in Fisheries Sector
- Environmental: Plastic pollution, carbon emissions from traditional fishing and water pollution.
- Economic: Unorganized nature, small scale and artisanal fishers, and infrastructural gaps, high transportation and marketing cost etc.
- Others: Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, and climate change affecting fish stocks.
Initiatives taken
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Enhancing aquaculture productivity, improving fisheries management, establishing integrated aquaparks etc.
- Its sub-scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), aims at addressing weaknesses through financial and technological interventions.
- Blue Revolution Scheme: Integrated approach for development and management of fisheries covering both the marine and inland fisheries.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Provides funding for creation of infrastructure in both marine and inland fisheries.
- National Marine Fisheries Policy 2017: Guides conservation and management of India’s marine fishery resources.
