Syllabus: GS-III & V: Agriculture
Why in the News?
India’s aquaculture sector is witnessing a phase of rapid expansion and technological transformation. With the country’s aquaculture output reaching 14.4 million tonnes (MT) in 2024 and expected to double to 28.8 MT by 2033, it now stands as the second-largest producer of freshwater fish in the world. The growing emphasis on species diversification, climate resilience, and export potential has placed aquaculture at the heart of India’s “Blue Economy” vision, making it a key contributor to employment generation, nutritional security, and rural livelihoods.
What is Aquaculture?
Aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic organisms—including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic plants—under controlled or semi-controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, reservoirs, and coastal areas.
Unlike capture fisheries, aquaculture involves deliberate breeding, feeding, and management of aquatic species for commercial, recreational, or resource restoration purposes.
In simple terms, it is the aquatic equivalent of agriculture—a blend of traditional practices and modern biotechnology aimed at producing food and economic value sustainably.
Species Diversification in Aquaculture
Species diversification means the cultivation of multiple fish species or genetic strains rather than relying on a few dominant varieties. It helps the sector adapt to climate variability, enhance ecosystem resilience, and meet changing market demands.
- Globally, 730 aquatic species are currently farmed, and this number continues to grow.
- In India, six species contribute over 80% (8.16 MT) of total aquaculture output—primarily Indian major carps (Rohu, Catla, Mrigal), exotic carps (Common carp, Silver carp, Grass carp), and Pangasius.
- Diversification efforts now focus on:
- High-value species: Tilapia, Murrel, and Catfish.
- Climate-resilient species: Euryhaline species tolerant to salinity and heat.
- Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA): Combining fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants for ecological balance.
- Genetic improvement: Through selective breeding and hatchery-based stock enhancement.
The FAO Technical Workshop (Rome, 2016) emphasized diversification as a key strategy for climate resilience, ensuring ecological and economic insurance in a changing environment.
India’s Progress in Aquaculture
India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has evolved from a subsistence activity to a technology-driven sunrise sector:
- India’s global ranking:
- 1st in inland capture fish production
- 2nd in aquaculture production
- 3rd in overall fish production
- 1st in inland capture fish production
- Contribution:
- 1.04% of India’s total GDP
- 5.34% of GDP from agriculture and allied sectors
- 1.04% of India’s total GDP
- Employment: Over 15 million fisherfolk directly or indirectly depend on fisheries and aquaculture.
- Dominant system: Freshwater aquaculture contributes 88.27% of total aquaculture output.
- Production growth: CAGR of 7.5% (2024–2033).
- Export earnings: Seafood exports from India were valued at over USD 8 billion in FY 2024, driven largely by shrimp and aquaculture products.
Assam’s Progress in Aquaculture
Assam has emerged as a leading aquaculture hub in Northeast India, utilizing its extensive beel (wetland) ecosystems and rainfed ponds for fish production.
- The state produces over 3.8 lakh tonnes of fish annually, catering to nearly 95% of local demand.
- Programs under Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have improved hatchery networks, seed quality, and ornamental fish cultivation.
- Districts such as Nagaon, Nalbari, and Morigaon are emerging as inland aquaculture clusters, while Kamrup and Cachar are developing ornamental fish parks.
Factors Driving Growth in India’s (and Assam’s) Aquaculture Sector
- Vast inland water resources: India possesses 2.36 million hectares of ponds and tanks, 0.8 million hectares of floodplain wetlands (beels), and 1.24 million km of rivers, offering immense aquaculture potential.
- In Assam, more than 3,500 beels—such as Deepor Beel (Kamrup), Dora Beel (Kamrup), and Samaguri Beel (Nagaon)—are being developed as community-based fisheries under projects like APART and NFDB’s wetland rejuvenation initiative, ensuring both livelihood and ecological sustainability.
- Government initiatives: Nationally, flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Blue Revolution, and the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) aim to modernize fishery infrastructure and double farmer income.
- In Assam, PMMSY has supported the creation of Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in districts such as Morigaon, Nagaon, and Lakhimpur, while the State Department of Fisheries has introduced cold-chain projects and hatchery modernization under Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART).
- Technological advancement: Technologies such as Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc, and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) are transforming production efficiency and sustainability.
- In Assam, farmers in Kamrup (Rural) and Barpeta districts have adopted biofloc aquaculture units for high-density fish farming with minimal water use, while CIFRI (Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute) is training local youth in RAS technology to enhance year-round production.
- Export potential: India’s shrimp and tilapia exports contribute significantly to global seafood markets.
- In Assam, initiatives to develop ornamental fish hubs in Kokrajhar and Kamrup districts are gaining traction under NFDB and APART, aiming to supply ornamental species such as Goldfish, Koi Carp, and Gourami to national and international markets, showcasing Assam’s export readiness in niche aquaculture segments.
- Private sector participation: Startups, cooperatives, and private players are driving innovation in aquafeed, logistics, and cold storage infrastructure.
- In Assam, the Sonai Fish Feed Mill in Cachar and local cooperatives like Nalbari Matsyajibi Cooperative Society have partnered with private hatcheries to ensure quality seed and feed availability, reducing dependence on imports from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
- Socio-economic inclusion: Aquaculture has become a tool for rural empowerment, offering income diversification and employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
- In Assam,SHGs under the Orunodoi and Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) are engaging in integrated fish–duck and fish–pig farming in Darrang and Biswanath districts, generating self-employment and contributing to household nutrition security.
Challenges Faced in Aquaculture
Despite its rapid progress, several systemic and ecological issues hinder the sector’s sustainable expansion:
- Environmental degradation: Pollution from feed residues, eutrophication, and destruction of mangrove ecosystems.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns affecting breeding cycles and water quality.
- Limited genetic diversity: Over-dependence on six carp species; poor broodstock management.
- Market volatility: High feed cost (70–80% of production cost) and limited cold chain infrastructure.
- Biosecurity gaps: Disease outbreaks such as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in shrimp farms.
- Regulatory fragmentation: Lack of uniform aquaculture zoning laws and data integration across states.
Key Government and Research Initiatives
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – A flagship scheme launched in 2020 targeting Rs 20,050 crore investment to enhance production and infrastructure.
- National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) – Promotes modernization and cluster-based fish farming.
- Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar – Research on species diversification and genetic improvement.
- National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) – Works on biodiversity conservation and germplasm management.
- Assam Fisheries Development Directorate – Implements region-specific schemes like integrated fish farming with paddy and piggery.
- e-Samridhi and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fishers – Expanding access to institutional finance.
Best Practices from Assam’s Aquaculture Sector
Model / Initiative | District / Area | Highlights & Outcomes |
1. Beel-based Community Fisheries | Samaguri Beel (Nagaon) | Managed under the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART); integrates local fishers in co-operative management; improved fish yield by 40% through scientific stocking and weed removal; also enhanced flood control and biodiversity conservation. |
2. Biofloc Aquaculture Units | Kamrup (Rural) & Barpeta | Introduced by the Department of Fisheries, Assam for small-scale farmers; allows intensive fish culture in limited space with minimal water use; average productivity 25–30 tonnes/ha, offering year-round employment to rural youth. |
3. Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) | Lakhimpur, Morigaon & Nalbari | Formed under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY); facilitates bulk input purchase, collective marketing, and access to institutional credit; ensures higher price realization and market linkage for over 1,200 fish farmers. |
4. Ornamental Fish Hub | Kokrajhar & Kamrup (Metro) | Developed with NFDB support; promotes export-quality species like Goldfish, Guppy, and Gourami; provides training and incubation support to local entrepreneurs, particularly women and tribal youth. |
5. Integrated Fish–Duck Farming | Darrang & Biswanath | Promoted through Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) SHGs; combines fish and poultry in a symbiotic system — duck droppings fertilize ponds, increasing plankton and fish yield by 20–25% while generating dual income streams. |
Way Forward
- Formulate a National Aquaculture Diversification Policy for sustainable species introduction and climate-resilient farming.
- Promote risk-based aquaculture zoning to prevent overexploitation and habitat degradation.
- Strengthen cold-chain and logistics infrastructure for value-added fish exports.
- Develop genetic improvement programs for indigenous species to enhance yield.
- Empower local cooperatives and women SHGs to manage fish clusters through community-based resource models.
- Expand digital aquaculture platforms for real-time disease surveillance and market intelligence.
- Integrate aquaculture with agriculture (Agri-Aqua models) for efficient land and water use, particularly in flood-prone states like Assam.
Conclusion
Aquaculture in India represents a transformative pillar of the Blue Economy, balancing livelihood generation with ecological sustainability. The sector’s shift toward species diversification, climate adaptation, and technological innovation is redefining rural employment and nutrition landscapes.
For Assam and the broader Northeast, aquaculture holds the promise of inclusive growth and food security, provided that environmental safeguards and scientific management remain central to policy planning. The future of India’s fishery sector lies not just in increasing production but in ensuring that every pond, river, and wetland contributes to a sustainable, resilient, and equitable blue revolution.
Mains Question
Discuss the role of species diversification in strengthening India’s aquaculture sector. How can technological innovation and climate resilience strategies make aquaculture a key pillar of India’s Blue Economy, with special reference to Assam?
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