India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pillars of the rural economy, with fish production more than doubling over the past decade to reach 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024–25, compared with 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013–14.
The sharp 106% increase highlights the impact of sustained government investments and policy-led interventions aimed at modernizing fisheries, expanding aquaculture and improving market access for fishers and farmers.
The sector currently supports the livelihoods of nearly three crore people, making it a critical source of income and employment in coastal and inland rural areas. India now ranks as the world’s second-largest producer of fish and aquaculture products, and is also among the global leaders in shrimp production and exports.
Since 2015, the government has committed Rs 38,572 crore under flagship schemes such as the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY). Of this, projects worth more than Rs 32,723 crore have already been approved, strengthening cold chains, harbors, hatcheries, processing units and other critical infrastructure.
Targeted policy measures have played a major role in boosting productivity and resilience across the sector. These include expansion of inland and marine aquaculture, wider availability of Kisan Credit Cards and insurance coverage, modern fish transport and processing facilities, and the rollout of disease diagnostic and aquatic health centres. Government initiatives have also pushed newer segments such as ornamental fisheries and seaweed farming, opening up fresh income streams and export opportunities.
Under PMMSY alone, over 2,195 Fisheries Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) have been approved to improve collective bargaining, input access and market linkages. The sector is also being digitally integrated through partnerships such as the MoU with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), enabling fishers and aquaculture entrepreneurs to tap e-commerce platforms.
India’s growing competitiveness is reflected in seafood exports, which stood at 16.98 lakh tonnes worth Rs 62,408 crore in 2023–24, despite global tariff pressures. With strong policy backing and rising demand at home and abroad, fisheries is fast becoming a cornerstone of India’s agricultural and export economy.