Tapping Fisheries in Reservoirs

UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 3- Indian economy

Introduction

Tapping fisheries in reservoirs has emerged as a key strategy in Budget 2026–27, which proposes integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars to increase fish farmers’ income. India is now the second-largest fish producer globally, with 197.75 lakh tonnes production, and 75% coming from inland fisheries, making reservoirs a critical resource for livelihood, food security, and economic growth.

Current Status of India’s Fisheries Sector

1. Production growth and global position: India has become the second-largest fish and aquaculture producer, with production rising by 106% since 2013–14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
2. Dominance of inland fisheries: About 75% of total production comes from inland fisheries including freshwater, brackish, and saline water resources.
3. Economic contribution and growth rate: The sector has recorded an average growth of 7.87% since 2014–15, with GVA increasing from ₹98,190 crore to ₹3.41 lakh crore.
4. Employment and livelihood support: Fisheries support nearly 3 crore livelihoods, including over 50 lakh coastal community members.
5. Export performance: Seafood exports have doubled from ₹30,213 crore to ₹62,408 crore, strengthening India’s global presence.

Significance of Reservoir Fisheries

1. Large resource base: Reservoirs cover 31.5 lakh hectares, producing around 18 lakh tonnes of fish, showing high untapped potential.
2. Regional importance: These reservoirs are mainly located in eastern, central, and peninsular regions, supporting local economies.
3. Livelihood support in vulnerable areas: Reservoir fisheries provide direct and indirect employment in economically backward and water-scarce regions.
4. State-wise distribution: Madhya Pradesh has the largest reservoir area (~6 lakh ha), while Tamil Nadu has over 8,000 reservoirs.
5. Food security and nutrition: These fisheries contribute to affordable protein supply and improve food availability.

Development of India’s Fisheries Sector

1. Improvement in productivity: Reservoir productivity increased from 50 kg/ha (2006) to 100 kg/ha, showing effective technological adoption.
2. Role of cage culture technology: Floating or stationary cages allow natural water flow, better oxygen exchange, and efficient feeding and monitoring.
3. Species diversification: Stocking includes Indian major carps (Catla, Rohu, Mrigal) along with Tilapia and Pangasius based on need.
4. Design and efficiency of cages: Cages made of synthetic mesh are anchored or buoyed, ensuring stability and ease of disease management.
5. Potential for higher productivity: Studies show productivity can increase up to 300 kg/ha, indicating scope for further growth.

Government Initiatives

1. Budgetary support and schemes: Budget 2026–27 provides ₹2,761.80 crore, with ₹2,530 crore for schemes, and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana receiving ₹2,500 crore.
2. Integrated reservoir development: Focus on 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars to improve income and strengthen the fisheries value chain.
3. Mission Amrit Sarovar expansion: 68,827 ponds developed, including 1,222 used for fisheries, each with minimum 1 acre area and 10,000 m³ capacity.
4. Cluster-based approach: National Fisheries Development Board is implementing clusters like Halalai and Indra Sagar dams to improve efficiency and scale.
5. Value chain strengthening: Development includes hatcheries, feed mills, storage, ice plants, auction centres, and transport systems.
6. Support to institutions and startups: Around 200 start-ups supported and 34 clusters developed, benefiting nearly 50 lakh people.
7. Export promotion measures: Duty-free fish catch in EEZ and high seas, and increase in duty-free import limit from 1% to 3% for processing inputs.

Challenges Remains

1. Fragmented governance: Multiple agencies control fishing rights, creating data and management challenges.
2. Infrastructure gaps: Lack of cold storage, transport, and processing facilities affects value addition.
3. Limited market access: Weak linkages reduce price realisation for fish farmers.
4. Need for skill and technology adoption: Capacity-building and training are required for efficient use of modern technologies.
5. Underutilised productivity potential: Current productivity is 100 kg/ha, while potential is 300 kg/ha, showing a large gap.

Conclusion

Tapping reservoir fisheries offers strong potential for income generation, food security, and export growth. With higher budget allocation, value chain development, and cluster-based strategies, the sector can achieve higher productivity and efficiency. Strengthening infrastructure, institutions, and market linkages will be key to ensuring sustainable growth and livelihood security in line with Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the integrated development of reservoir fisheries, supported by Budget 2026–27 initiatives, can enhance productivity, livelihoods, and value chain efficiency in India’s fisheries sector.

Source: The Hindu