A Decade of Transformation
India’s fisheries sector has emerged as a powerful engine of economic growth, drawing investments worth ₹39,272 crore since 2015 and witnessing a remarkable surge in seafood exports. Government data show that export earnings have more than doubled over the past decade, reflecting a structural shift in how the sector operates. Today, fisheries and aquaculture support around 30 million fishers and farmers directly, with millions more engaged in allied activities—making it a cornerstone of coastal and rural livelihoods.
Rising Scale and Global Standing
India now ranks as the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer and the second-largest fish producer overall, contributing nearly 8 per cent to global output. Domestic fish production has seen steady expansion, rising from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019–20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25.
Exports tell a similar story of growth. From ₹46,666 crore in 2019–20, seafood exports climbed to ₹62,408 crore in 2024–25, while long-term trends show a doubling from just over ₹30,000 crore a decade ago. This growth reflects not only higher volumes but also improved integration into global value chains, positioning India as a major player in international seafood markets.
Policy Push and Infrastructure Boost
A significant driver of this transformation has been targeted government intervention. Flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana have focused on modernising infrastructure—building fishing harbours, landing centres, cold storage chains, and processing units.
These investments have helped connect small-scale fishers to export-oriented supply chains, particularly in high-value segments like shrimp farming. By strengthening logistics and reducing post-harvest losses, the sector has become more competitive globally while also generating employment across the value chain.
Sustainability and Technological Shift
As the sector expands, sustainability and compliance have become critical priorities. The introduction of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in shrimp trawlers aims to reduce environmental impact while maintaining access to eco-sensitive export markets.
Simultaneously, regulatory reforms such as the digitisation of the Sanitary Import Permit system have streamlined approvals, reducing processing time from weeks to just a few days. These changes enhance traceability, improve biosecurity, and ensure compliance with stringent international standards—key factors in sustaining export growth.
Moving Up the Value Chain
Looking ahead, India’s fisheries strategy is shifting from volume-driven exports to value-added products. The focus is on ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat seafood, which command higher margins in global markets. Plans to develop inland aquaculture hubs and diversify export destinations beyond traditional markets like the US are also underway.
This transition is crucial for increasing income levels within the sector and reducing vulnerability to price fluctuations in raw exports.
Charting a Sustainable Blue Economy
India’s fisheries sector is no longer just a traditional livelihood activity—it is a dynamic “sunrise industry” driving economic growth, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. However, the next phase will depend on balancing rapid expansion with sustainability, regulatory compliance, and inclusive growth. Ensuring that small-scale fishers benefit from this transformation will be key to its long-term success. If managed effectively, India’s blue economy could become a model for combining economic ambition with environmental responsibility and social equity.
(With agency inputs)
