India second in fish production globally, driven by PMMSY and inland aquaculture. Learn key facts for UPSC, SSC, Railway, and Banking exams with schemes, stats, and export data.
India Ranks Second Globally in Fish Production
Overview
India has officially claimed the second position in the world for fish production, contributing approximately 8% of the global output, according to statements by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh during a meeting in KolkataThis announcement highlights a remarkable 103 % increase in production between FY 2013–14 and FY 2024–25, rising from ~95.8 lakh tonnes to about 195 lakh tonnes
Government Initiatives Driving Growth
Key programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and extension of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility played a vital role. The PMMSY, launched in 2020 with a budget of nearly ₹20,050 crore, focuses on modernizing aquaculture infrastructure and boosting productivity Meanwhile, the KCC facility has been extended to fish farmers, with the lending limit raised to ₹5 lakh to support working capital needs
Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Dominate
Inland fisheries and aquaculture now contribute over 75% of India’s total fish output, showing the sector’s strong inland base and significant growth from reservoir, pond, and canal cultivation
Economic, Social and Export Impact
India’s fisheries sector has doubled its seafood export value over the decade, reaching approximately ₹60,000 crore in FY 2023‑24 from ₹30,000 crore earlier Over 3 crore people are involved in fish production, making it a crucial rural livelihood and nutrition source
Regional Cooperation & Future Potentials
During the Kolkata meeting, the minister encouraged states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh to fully tap their inland water resources by integrating fish production into formal sector frameworks through schemes like PMMSY and NFDB training programmes
Why This News Is Important
Economic Significance
This announcement underscores the exponential growth of the fisheries sector as a major sunrise sector in India’s economy. With 103 % growth in a decade and a significant role in employment and rural livelihoods, the fisheries sector is vital to achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat goals and enhancing food and nutritional security
Policy & Governance Relevance
Understanding schemes like PMMSY and KCC availability is critical for aspirants of government exams, especially in sections on economic development, public policy, and government programmes. It demonstrates how targeted interventions can elevate the sector and generate socio-economic benefits.
Historical Context
The Evolution of India’s Blue Revolution
India launched the Blue Revolution scheme in 2015–16 to boost fisheries production through infrastructure development, capacity building, and modern aquaculture methods Building on this, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was introduced in 2020 to further modernize the sector through subsidies, infrastructure, export promotion, and welfare of fishers
Long-Term Growth Trajectory
Fish production in India has grown from 7.52 lakh tonnes in 1950–51 to 14.73 million tonnes by 2021, showing an extraordinary transformation supported by sustainable aquaculture practices and policy support
Key Takeaways from “India Ranks Second Globally in Fish Production”
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | India ranks 2nd in global fish production, contributing ~8% of global output. |
| 2 | Fish production nearly doubled (103 %) between FY 2013–14 and FY 2024–25. |
| 3 | Flagship schemes like PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and KCC extension played a pivotal role. |
| 4 | Inland fisheries & aquaculture account for over 75% of national production. |
| 5 | Fisheries sector supports over 3 crore livelihoods and export value reached ₹60,000 crore. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is India’s current rank in global fish production?
India ranks second globally in fish production.
Q2. What is India’s contribution to global fish production?
India contributes approximately 8% of the total global fish production.
Q3. Which flagship scheme has significantly boosted India’s fisheries sector?
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has played a major role.
Q4. When was PMMSY launched, and what is its total budget?
PMMSY was launched in 2020 with a budget of ₹20,050 crore.
Q5. What percentage of India’s total fish production comes from inland fisheries and aquaculture?
More than 75% of India’s fish production is from inland sources.
Q6. How many people are employed in the fisheries sector in India?
Over 3 crore individuals are engaged in fish-related activities.
Q7. Which credit facility was extended to fish farmers?
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was extended to fishers with enhanced loan limits.
Q8. What is the new working capital limit under KCC for fishers?
The working capital limit was increased to ₹5 lakh.
Q9. What was India’s fish production in FY 2013–14 and 2024–25?
It rose from 95.8 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to around 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
Q10. How has seafood export value changed over the last decade?
It doubled from ₹30,000 crore to ₹60,000 crore.
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