{"id":350450,"date":"2025-11-21T22:03:40","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T16:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=350450"},"modified":"2025-11-21T22:03:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T16:33:40","slug":"indias-fisheries-and-aquaculture-its-promising-course","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/indias-fisheries-and-aquaculture-its-promising-course\/","title":{"rendered":"India\u2019s Fisheries and Aquaculture: Its Promising Course"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>UPSC Syllabus Topic:<\/strong> <strong>GS Paper 3 &#8211; Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>India\u2019s fisheries and aquaculture sector is growing rapidly, supporting <strong>livelihoods, nutrition, exports and coastal development<\/strong>. India has become a <strong>global aquaculture leader<\/strong>, backed by technological change, institutional support and major schemes such as Blue Revolution, PMMSY and new digital initiatives. At the same time, <strong>environmental stress, climate risks, weak infrastructure and governance gaps<\/strong> show why a more sustainable and inclusive \u201cBlue Transformation\u201d is urgently needed.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Facts and Data Related to Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>India is the world\u2019s <strong>second-largest aquaculture producer<\/strong>, contributing <strong>10.23 million tonnes of aquatic animals<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The country\u2019s total aquatic food production rose from <strong>2.44 million tonnes in the 1980s to 17.54 million tonnes in 2022\u201323<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Marine Products exports increased <strong>by 11.08 % from US$ 0.81 Billion in October 2024 to US$ 0.90 Billio<\/strong>n in October 2025.<\/li>\n<li>Coastal states and Union Territories, produce <strong>72 percent<\/strong> of the country\u2019s total fish production and account for <strong>76 percent<\/strong> of India\u2019s total seafood exports.<\/li>\n<li>GST on key fish products has been reduced from <strong>12 percent to 5 percent<\/strong>, making value-added seafood more affordable at home and strengthening India\u2019s export competitiveness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Livelihoods:<\/strong> Supports approximately 28 million people through fishing, processing, and related activities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><strong>Challenges to Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Environmental and climate challenges<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Overfishing and resource depletion:<\/strong> Many fish stocks are overexploited, threatening their sustainability and disrupting marine ecosystems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Climate change:<\/strong> Rising sea levels can destroy coastal ecosystems like mangroves, which are vital nurseries for fish, and increasing storm intensity can damage infrastructure. Climate change also affects water temperature and quality.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pollution:<\/strong> Contamination of water from industrial and other sources threatens aquatic life and the health of the sector.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Habitat loss:<\/strong> Urban and industrial expansion reduces the wetland and other natural areas needed for both wild fish populations and aquaculture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> Infrastructure and technology challenges<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Inadequate infrastructure:<\/strong> Deficiencies in cold storage, processing facilities, and transportation lead to significant post-harvest losses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Slow technology adoption:<\/strong> The sector struggles to embrace innovative and sustainable techniques and equipment, from modern fishing technology to water-efficient aquaculture systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited extension services:<\/strong> There is a lack of sufficient support, such as soil and water testing, and real-time market information for fishers and farmers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong> Governance and management challenges<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing:<\/strong> IUU fishing is a major problem that can devastate fish stocks, particularly those of high economic value.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weak governance:<\/strong> Conflicting regulations across different regions make effective enforcement difficult.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Slow technology adoption:<\/strong> The industry needs to embrace modern practices and technologies, but adoption rates are slow, especially at the production level.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited extension services:<\/strong> There is a shortage of adequate support, such as soil and water testing facilities and real-time market information, for farmers and fishermen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong> Health and disease challenges<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Disease outbreaks:<\/strong> Disease can spread quickly in aquaculture environments, especially with poor biosecurity measures and limited awareness of emerging diseases.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unpredictable interactions:<\/strong> Unanticipated interactions between cultured and wild populations can also pose challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Incentives Taken for the development of India\u2019s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> India initiative<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>National Marine Fisheries Census 2025: <\/strong>This fully <strong>digital, geo-referenced census<\/strong> covers <strong>1.2 million fisher households<\/strong> across <strong>13 coastal states<\/strong>, integrating real-time monitoring and socio-economic data through mobile apps like <strong>VyAS\u2013BHARAT<\/strong> and <strong>VyAS\u2013SUTRA<\/strong>. It supports targeted policy planning and transparent welfare delivery.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)<\/strong> : The <strong>2025 EEZ Rules<\/strong> mark a shift to sustainable deep-sea fishing. They prioritize <strong>Fishermen Cooperatives and FFPOs <\/strong>for deep-sea ventures, regulate access through <strong>digital pass systems<\/strong>, and ban destructive practices.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): <\/strong>Established in 2018 with a corpus of \u20b97,522 crore, FIDF provides concessional finance and 3% interest subvention for infrastructure projects.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): It is flex scheme driving India\u2019s blue revolution which is launched in <\/strong>2020 with \u20b9<strong>20,312 crore<\/strong>, promotes sustainable fisheries through infrastructure, safety, and digital inclusion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Approved in <strong>2024<\/strong> with \u20b9<strong>6,000 crore<\/strong>, PM-MKSSY aims to formalize the fisheries sector and extend aquaculture insurance. It offers <strong>40% premium assistance<\/strong>, capped at \u20b925,000 per hectare.<\/li>\n<li>Integration with digital platforms like the <strong>ReALCraft portal<\/strong> and the <strong>National Fisheries Digital Platform<\/strong> ensures efficiency and traceability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><strong> Safety and Monitoring<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>To enhance safety and monitoring, the government is using <strong>digital safety technologies<\/strong>. Under the <strong>Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) Project<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>NABHMITRA app<\/strong> and these transponders help improve <strong>maritime safety<\/strong>, support <strong>real-time communication<\/strong>, and assist enforcement agencies in monitoring secure and legal fishing activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Institutional and Global Initiatives<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Bodies like <strong>ICAR fisheries institutes, MPEDA and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)<\/strong> have promoted innovation, better practices and value chain development across capture fisheries and aquaculture.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>FAO<\/strong> has supported India through the <strong>Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP)<\/strong>, the <strong>Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME)<\/strong> project and a <strong>GEF-funded aquaculture project in Andhra Pradesh<\/strong>, which focus on climate-resilient, sustainable and ecosystem-based aquaculture and fisheries management.<\/li>\n<li>Under a <strong>Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP)<\/strong>, FAO assists India in enhancing fishing port capacities to address environmental and social challenges. Two pilot ports\u2014<strong>Vanakbara (Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Diu)<\/strong> and <strong>Jakhau (Gujarat)<\/strong>\u2014will receive support to identify strategic investment projects that strengthen sustainability and value chains.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><strong>Way forward<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Strengthen science-based management <\/strong>by mapping fish stocks, setting catch limits, curbing IUU fishing, strictly enforcing coastal regulations, and aligning national practices with FAO responsible fisheries guidelines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Diversify production<\/strong> by promoting mariculture, deep-sea and offshore fisheries to reduce pressure on crowded coastal and inland waters and to unlock the underused potential of the EEZ.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Upgrade infrastructure<\/strong> by expanding harbours, landing centres, cold chains, testing laboratories and export hubs, and aligning these investments with PMMSY and broader Blue Economy investment plans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Support small-scale fishers:<\/strong> Support small-scale fishers by improving access to formal credit, insurance, cooperatives, safety at sea, housing and social protection, with a special focus on women workers across the value chain.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Invest in climate-resilient aquaculture <\/strong>by promoting better quality seed and feed, stronger disease control, regular water-quality monitoring, digital tools and low-impact systems such as cage culture and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improve data and institutions <\/strong>by modernising surveys, building robust digital databases and enhancing coordination among the Department of Fisheries, research institutes and coastal States for evidence-based policy and management.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Promote value addition and sustainability <\/strong>through eco-labelling, improved processing, better use of by-products and community-led co-management of resources and habitats, ensuring long-term resilient incomes and nutritional security.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>India\u2019s fisheries and aquaculture are on a <strong>promising but fragile<\/strong> path. Stronger science-based management, climate-resilient practices, better infrastructure and data, and focused support to <strong>small-scale fishers and women workers<\/strong> are essential. With sustained national reforms and FAO-backed cooperation, India can achieve a resilient Blue Revolution that secures incomes, nutrition and marine ecosystems.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Question for practice:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Examine how India\u2019s recent policy initiatives and international collaborations are shaping the <strong>sustainable development<\/strong>of its fisheries and aquaculture sector.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/indias-fisheries-and-aquaculture-its-promising-course\/article70303947.ece\"><strong>The Hindu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 &#8211; Agriculture Introduction India\u2019s fisheries and aquaculture sector is growing rapidly, supporting livelihoods, nutrition, exports and coastal development. India has become a global aquaculture leader, backed by technological change, institutional support and major schemes such as Blue Revolution, PMMSY and new digital initiatives. At the same time, environmental stress,&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/indias-fisheries-and-aquaculture-its-promising-course\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">India\u2019s Fisheries and Aquaculture: Its Promising Course<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10320,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1230],"tags":[218,216,10498],"class_list":["post-350450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-9-pm-daily-articles","tag-agriculture","tag-gs-paper-3","tag-the-hindu","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","views":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10320"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=350450"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350450\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=350450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=350450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=350450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}