Relevance: GS-3 (Agriculture, Economy, Blue Economy) | Source: FAO, The Hindu
India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector—one of the fastest-growing food-producing systems—plays a central role in nutrition, coastal livelihoods, exports and rural incomes. On World Fisheries Day 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reaffirmed support to India’s Blue Revolution, emphasising sustainability and climate resilience.
Overview of India’s Growth Trajectory
India is today among the top 3 fish-producing nations and the second-largest aquaculture producer.
Key facts
- Aquaculture output (2022): 13.09 million tonnes, worth $31 billion
- Sector growth: From 2.4 million tonnes in 1980s → 17.5 million tonnes (2022-23)
- Livelihoods: Supports ~3 crore people
- Global share: ~8% of global fish production
- Drivers of growth:
– Technological upgrades
– Hatcheries & feed innovation
– Private investment in value chains
– Government schemes & FAO support
Small-scale fishers remain the backbone but face market, credit, safety and climate-related vulnerabilities.
FAO Support & Government Schemes
FAO has been instrumental in India’s transition to sustainable and science-based fisheries management.
Major FAO contributions
- Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP): Early support for small-scale fishers, safety, and post-harvest management
- BOBLME Project: Strengthened ecosystem-based fisheries management & anti-IUU frameworks
- Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP): Upgrading fishing ports & helping implement sustainable aquaculture standards
Key Government schemes
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): ₹20,050 crore mission—value chains, cold chains, inland fisheries, ornamental fish
- Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): ₹7,522 crore
- Matsya Setu: Digital training for fishers
- Coastal Aquaculture Authority reforms: Improving environmental norms
- KCC to fishers: Formal credit access
Together, these interventions are pushing India towards a resilient and globally competitive Blue Economy.
Challenges Facing the Sector & Way Forward
Table: Key Challenges and Required Interventions
Challenges | Way Forward |
| Climate change impacts (cyclones, coastal erosion, salinity shifts) | Climate-resilient aquaculture, mangrove restoration, early-warning systems |
| Overfishing & IUU fishing | Strengthen Monitoring, Control & Surveillance (MCS); adopt FAO’s ecosystem-based approaches |
| Habitat degradation & water pollution | Integrated coastal zone management, stricter effluent regulation |
| Weak post-harvest & cold-chain systems | Expand cold storage, processing parks, and transport infrastructure |
| Small-scale fishers face credit & market barriers | Micro-financing, cooperatives, digital platforms, better insurance coverage |
| Low traceability affecting exports | Blockchain-based traceability, quality certification, hygiene standards |
| Regulatory gaps between States | Uniform national aquaculture norms; better coordination between Centre–State agencies |
Why the Sector Matters for India
- Enhances food security and protein access
- High export potential (over ₹60,000 crore annually)
- Generates large rural and coastal employment
- Supports the Blue Economy, a priority under G20 and national policies
- Essential for achieving SDG-14: Life Below Water & SDG-2: Zero Hunger
One-Line Wrap
India’s fisheries sector is expanding rapidly, but sustaining this growth depends on climate resilience, innovation, and inclusive support for small fishers.
UPSC Mains Question
“Discuss the significance of the fisheries and aquaculture sector for India’s economy. Evaluate the key challenges and suggest policy measures to ensure a sustainable Blue Economy.”
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