Paper: GS – III, Subject: Indian Economy, Topic: Agriculture and Allied Sector, Issue: India’s Growth in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Context:
India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has grown rapidly, emerging as a vital pillar of food security, livelihoods, and economic growth.
Key Highlights:
- Contributing over 17 million tonnes of aquatic produce annually, the sector stands as the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer.
Growth and global standing:
- According to FAO’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 (SOFIA), India produced 10.23 million tonnes of aquatic animals, making it the second-largest aquaculture producer globally.
- Total aquatic food production rose from 2.44 million tonnes in the 1980s to 17.54 million tonnes in 2022–23.
- Rapid growth is attributed to the adoption of advanced aquaculture technologies and improved infrastructure.
Government initiatives:
- The Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have modernized fisheries and enhanced inland and coastal aquaculture.
- Reforms include digital inclusion through Kisan Credit Cards, vessel transponders for safety, and Matsya Seva Kendras for integrated service delivery.
- The Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages Programme and draft National Fisheries Policy 2020 emphasize resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
Institutional and private sector support:
- Key agencies like ICAR fisheries institutes, Marine Products Export Development Authority, National Fisheries Development Board, and Coastal Aquaculture Authority have promoted innovation, export growth, and regulatory compliance.
- Private sector involvement in hatcheries, feed production, and exports has strengthened India’s seafood value chain.
Sustainability and environmental challenges:
- Overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change threaten aquatic ecosystem. Science – based management, ecosystem-based aquaculture, and effective Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) mechanisms are vital to curbing IUU practices.
- Strengthening certification, traceability, and digital monitoring can make Indian seafood more competitive and environmentally responsible.
Way forward:
- Prioritize sustainability with ecosystem-based management and stakeholder co-management.
- Improve institutional coordination among states and promote inclusivity for small-scale fishers.
- Invest in green technologies, cold chains, and digital traceability to boost value addition and exports.
- Foster international cooperation for blue economy goals that balance productivity with ecological integrity.
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