India’s Fisheries and Aquaculture — A Promising Course
Fisheries and aquaculture are among India’s fastest-growing food-producing sectors, supporting livelihoods, nutrition, and trade. India has seen a remarkable rise in aquatic food production driven by technological progress, institutional strengthening, and policy initiatives. However, environmental pressures and socio-economic challenges continue to constrain sustainability.
Growth & Transformation
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As per SOFIA 2024, global aquaculture reached a record 130.9 million tonnes (2022).
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India contributed 10.23 million tonnes, becoming the second-largest aquaculture producer in the world.
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Total aquatic food production increased from 2.44 million tonnes (1980s) to 17.54 million tonnes (2022–23).
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Growth driven by inland and brackish water aquaculture, improved infrastructure, and institutional and private-sector support.
Key Drivers
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Institutions: ICAR fisheries institutes, MPEDA, National Fisheries Development Board, Coastal Aquaculture Authority.
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Government Initiatives:
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Blue Revolution
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Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
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Safety, digital and credit reforms (vessel transponders, KCC for fishers, Matsya Seva Kendras).
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Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages Programme
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Draft National Fisheries Policy 2020
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Challenges
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Overfishing, habitat degradation, water pollution, climate change.
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Inadequate traceability and post-harvest handling.
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Poor access to finance, technology, and markets for small-scale fishers.
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Risk of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
FAO’s Role in India
FAO has been a long-standing partner in strengthening sustainable fisheries:
Major Collaborations
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Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP):
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Improvements in small-scale fisheries, sea safety, post-harvest management.
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Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME):
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Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM).
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Support for tackling IUU fishing.
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Conservation of endangered species.
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GEF-funded project in Andhra Pradesh:
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Promotes climate-resilient, sustainable aquaculture.
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Guided by Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA) and Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA).
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FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP):
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Strengthening fishing ports (Vanakbara and Jakhau).
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Focus on environmental, social and economic sustainability.
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Way Forward: Sustainability at the Core
To sustain and enhance India’s fisheries sector:
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Science-based stock assessment to manage fishing pressure.
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Co-managed Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) to reduce IUU fishing.
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Adoption of ecosystem-based approaches in both fisheries and aquaculture.
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Improvements in traceability, certification and digital monitoring.
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Ensuring inclusive development for small-scale fishers.
Conclusion
India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector is poised for continued growth within a Blue Economy framework. With sustainability, climate resilience, and smallholder inclusivity at the centre, FAO and India aim to build a robust aquatic food system that strengthens food security, reduces environmental impacts, and enhances global competitiveness.
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