India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has recorded sharp growth over the past decade, supported by large public investment, infrastructure creation, welfare measures, and export expansion. The sector remains vital for livelihoods, food security, and the Blue Economy, with India now ranking among the world’s leading fish producers and aquaculture powers.
Sectoral Importance and Growth
India provides livelihoods to about 3 crore fishers and fish farmers. It is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributes around 8% to global output, and ranks second in aquaculture production. It also leads in shrimp production and export. Fish production rose to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25 from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14, marking a rise of 106%. Aquaculture productivity also increased to 4.77 tonnes per hectare.
Major Government Schemes and Investments
Since 2015, cumulative central investments of Rs 38,572 crore have been approved or announced under schemes such as Blue Revolution, FIDF, PMMSY and PMMKSSY. Projects worth Rs 32,723 crore have been approved since 2014-15.
- PMMSY has supported inland aquaculture, marine fisheries, welfare, infrastructure, health management and ornamental fisheries.
- PMMKSSY has advanced formalisation, insurance, microenterprises, quality systems and digital monitoring.
- FIDF has approved 225 proposals worth Rs 6,685.78 crore for harbours, landing centres, processing and related facilities.
- Kisan Credit Cards have been extended to 4.49 lakh fishers and fish farmers.
Welfare, Jobs and Infrastructure
Financial inclusion and social protection have expanded through insurance, credit and nutritional support during lean periods. Group accidental insurance has covered 34.71 lakh fishers. Nutritional support has reached 4.33 lakh fisher families annually. The sector has generated 74.66 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities since 2014-15. Infrastructure support includes transport units, cold storages, fish markets, kiosks, labs, hatcheries, seaweed units and aquaparks.
Exports, Clusters and New Policy Measures
India exported 16.98 lakh tonnes of seafood worth Rs 62,408 crore in 2023-24, and exports reached an all-time high in 2024-25. The sector exports over 350 products to 130 countries. The government has also promoted 34 fisheries clusters, launched traceability and quality frameworks, and notified rules for sustainable harnessing of fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone. These steps aim to improve value addition, certification, deep-sea fishing, and market access.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026