India’s fish production has more than doubled in the past decade, reaching 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14. This growth has positioned India as the world’s second-largest producer of marine products. Fisheries-related schemes since 2014-15 have created around 74.66 lakh direct and indirect job opportunities, showcasing the sector’s role in sustainable economic growth.
Seafood exports from India have seen a significant rise, hitting Rs 62,408 crore in FY 2024-25. Frozen shrimp stands out as a top export commodity, with the US and China being key markets. India now contributes approximately 8% to the global fish output. The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated a record annual support of Rs 2,761.80 crore for the sector, indicating further growth prospects in fish production.
The budget allocation includes Rs 2,530 crore for targeted government schemes focusing on financial aid, capital subsidies, insurance coverage, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure development. PMMSY, initiated in 2020, remains central to fisheries development, with an allocation of Rs 2,500 crore in 2026-27. The scheme emphasizes production enhancement, infrastructure, and value chain development.
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for fisheries has enhanced access to institutional credit, benefiting 4.39 lakh fishers. Insurance coverage has been extended to 3.3 million beneficiaries, while livelihood support has reached about 7.44 lakh fisher families. The fisheries sector plays a vital role in India’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of nearly three crore people, especially in marginalized coastal and inland communities.
Fisheries contribute around 7.43% to Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA), the highest share among agriculture and allied sectors. Since the launch of the Blue Revolution in 2015, the sector has shifted towards a more organized, technology-driven, and value-chain-oriented approach aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Investments in fishing infrastructure, cold-chain logistics, processing facilities, and aquaculture systems have boosted export competitiveness.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights the strengthening of collective institutions through 2,195 Fisheries Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), backed by an investment of Rs 544 crore. Efforts like nutritional and livelihood support during lean periods have benefited approximately 4.33 lakh fisher families, enhancing income stability and social protection.
