New Delhi
India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing 8 percent to global fish output, and also ranks second in global aquaculture production, the government announced on Saturday. Since targeted initiatives began in 2015, the government has approved or announced cumulative investments of Rs 38,572 crore under various schemes.
As a result, total fish production has increased to 195 lakh tonnes, with the sector growing annually at 8.74 percent. Seafood exports also rose to Rs 60,524 crore in 2023-24. The Department of Fisheries (DoF) has notified 34 fisheries production and processing clusters nationwide and is now focusing on creating species-specific clusters to strengthen value chains using advanced technologies.
To support ongoing growth, over 15,000 fishers and fish farmers from 34 states and union territories took part in a series of virtual discussions led by DoF Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi between April and September. These sessions covered coastal, inland, hilly, island, and North-Eastern regions, representing almost every district in India. The initiative helped identify challenges and gather feedback directly from stakeholders.
Fishers and farmers stressed the need for quality fish seed, brood banks, affordable feed, local feed mills, improved transport, cage culture, mini hatcheries, ice boxes, poly sheets, cold storage, and aquaculture support, including solar energy integration.
They also highlighted the adoption of tech solutions like drones for live fish transport, satellite applications for fishermen’s safety, and potential fishing zone advisories. Fishermen appreciated the government’s free installation of transponders on vessels, which provide timely advisories on fishing zones, weather, and cyclones, helping them navigate safer routes, according to the ministry.