New Delhi
India has emerged as the second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing 8% to global fish production, the government announced on Saturday. In 2023-24, India exported 17.81 lakh metric tonnes of seafood worth ₹60,523.89 crore, a massive rise from ₹609.95 crore in 2003-04.
According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India's fisheries sector has witnessed major growth over the past two decades. The country’s fish production rose from 63.99 lakh tonnes in 2003-04 to 184.02 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. This includes a significant boost in inland and aquaculture production, which saw an increase of 77.71 lakh tonnes in the last decade.
To further strengthen this sector, the Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹2,703.67 crore, the highest-ever budgetary support for fisheries. The Blue Revolution, launched in 2015-16 with an outlay of ₹3,000 crore, played a key role in improving fish production.
Recognizing the need for further reforms, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched in 2020 with a ₹20,050 crore investment. The initiative focuses on inland fisheries, aquaculture expansion, and socio-economic welfare of fishers and farmers.
With continued investments and policy support, India is set to further enhance its position in global fisheries while ensuring food security and economic growth for its fishing communities.