India’s Fisheries Sector – Key Statistics

Context: India’s fish production has more than doubled in 11 years—from 95.79 lakh tonnes to 195 lakh tonnes, reflecting the success of the country’s ‘blue revolution’ launched by the Centre.

About India’s Fisheries Sector – Key Statistics:

• Total Fish Production (2023–24): 195 lakh tonnes (up from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14).

• Inland and Aquaculture Production (2014–24): Increased by 77.71 lakh tonnes, compared to 26.78 lakh tonnes from 2004–14.

• Marine Fish Production: Doubled from 5.02 lakh tonnes (2004–14) to 10.52 lakh tonnes (2014–24).

• Seafood Exports (2023–24): 17.8 lakh MT worth ₹60,524 crore, up from ₹610 crore in 2003–04 (MPEDA).

• Budgetary Support (2025–26): Highest ever allocation of ₹2,703.67 crore to fisheries sector.

• Kisan Credit Cards for Fishers: 4.5 lakh cards sanctioned; limit increased from ₹3L to ₹5L.

• PMMSY Allocation: Total outlay of ₹20,050 crore for 2020–25.

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): ₹7,522 crore fund; 136 projects worth ₹5,801 crore approved.

• Integrated Aqua Parks: 11 approved at a cost of ₹682.6 crore.

• Artificial Reefs Installed: 937 reefs approved in 12 states at ₹291.37 crore.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper 3: Economy – Agriculture and Allied Sectors

• Fisheries as a Sunrise Sector: role in rural livelihoods, food security, and blue economy. Government schemes: PMMSY, FIDF, PMMKSSY, and Blue Revolution.

• Fisheries as a Sunrise Sector: role in rural livelihoods, food security, and blue economy.

• Government schemes: PMMSY, FIDF, PMMKSSY, and Blue Revolution.

• GS Paper 2: Welfare Schemes

• Financial inclusion through Kisan Credit Cards, FFPOs, and cooperative empowerment.

• GS Paper 1: Geography

• Utilization of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and marine resources in coastal India.