Fisheries and Aquaculture in India

The past decade has seen a significant transformation in India's fisheries and aquaculture sectors, which are among the fastest-growing food-producing sectors in the country. These sectors play a crucial role in livelihoods, nutrition, and trade.

Growth and Challenges

• India has witnessed substantial growth in aquatic food production, driven by technological innovation, institutional support, and proactive policy measures.
• Challenges include: 
  1. Overfishing
  2. Habitat degradation
  3. Water pollution
  4. Climate change
• Small-scale fishers and farmers face issues such as lack of access to finance, technology, and markets.
• Poor traceability and inadequate post-harvest measures hinder market potential and compromise food security.

World Fisheries Day 2025 and FAO's Role

• On World Fisheries Day 2025, the FAO emphasizes strengthening value addition in seafood exports as part of India's Blue Revolution.
• According to FAO's 2024 report, India produced 10.23 million tonnes of aquatic animals, making it the second-largest aquaculture producer globally.

Policy and Institutional Support

• Key agencies involved: 
  1. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
  2. Marine Products Export Development Authority
  3. National Fisheries Development Board
  4. Coastal Aquaculture Authority
• Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have driven growth in inland and brackish water aquaculture.

FAO's Collaboration and Projects

• FAO has supported India through various initiatives like the Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP) and Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) project.
• FAO assists in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and in promoting sustainable aquaculture.

Technical and Infrastructure Developments

• Focus on improving fishing ports and harbors through FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP).
• Two pilot fishing ports in Vanakbara and Jakhau will benefit from strategic and operational tools provided by the TCP.

Future Directions and Sustainability

• Emphasizing sustainability through: 
  1. Science-based stock assessments
  2. Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS)
  3. Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture
  4. Ecosystem-based approaches
• Strengthening certification, traceability, and digital tools while ensuring inclusivity for smallholders.

The FAO remains committed to supporting India's journey toward sustainable aquatic food systems, ensuring food and nutritional security, and reducing environmental and climate footprints.