India’s marine fish production rose sharply from 34.76 lakh tonnes (2020-21) to 44.95 lakh tonnes (2023-24), recording an annual average growth rate of 8.9%. The ICAR – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reported that 91.1% of 135 fish stocks assessed in 2022 were found sustainable, reflecting good health of India’s marine fish resources.
Climate Resilient Fisheries & Research
- Conducted under National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA).
- Focus areas:
- Wetland fisheries: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Kerala.
- Climate trend analysis: Major river basins.
- Marine studies: Climate change modelling, fish catch projections, mariculture, ocean acidification, blue carbon studies, adaptive management.
- Awareness & capacity building: Ongoing in Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala for fisher communities.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Implemented by: Department of Fisheries, GoI, with States/UTs.
- Goals:
- Promote sustainable fishing, eco-friendly aquaculture, resilient infrastructure.
- Enhance marine biodiversity conservation.
- Boost exports & fish value chain.
Major Interventions under PMMSY
Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV)
- 100 villages identified across coastal States/UTs.
- Unit cost: ₹200 lakh per village (100% funded by GoI).
- Tailored interventions for economic vibrancy & climate resilience.
Post-harvest & Infrastructure Development
- 58 fishing harbours & landing centres approved (₹3281.31 crore).
- 734 ice plants/cold storages, 192 retail markets, 21 wholesale markets, 6410 fish kiosks, 134 value-added units (₹1568.11 crore).
- 27,297 post-harvest transport units sanctioned – refrigerated/insulated trucks, vending centres, motorized vehicles, bicycles with ice boxes (₹835.27 crore).
Hygiene, Training & Awareness
- Promotion of quality fish handling on-board vessels & farms.
- Sagar Mitras deployed in coastal villages for awareness.
- MPEDA (NETFISH): Since 2007, 45,500+ awareness programmes conducted, reaching 15 lakh stakeholders.
- Outcomes: Reduced post-harvest losses, improved seafood quality, higher fisher incomes, stronger export competitiveness.
Key Facts
- India’s Fisheries Sector Contribution:
- Provides livelihoods to 2.8 crore people.
- Contributes ~1.1% of GDP and ~7% of agricultural GDP.
- Top Fish-Producing States (Marine + Inland):
- Andhra Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Gujarat
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- India in Global Context:
- 2nd largest fish producer in the world (after China).
- Largest producer of inland fish.
- Marine exports: ~$8 billion (2022-23), key markets being USA, China, EU, Japan.
- ICAR-CMFRI:
- HQ: Kochi, Kerala.
- Established: 1947.
- Role: Stock assessment, mariculture research, ecosystem management.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
- Launched: 2020 (as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
- Duration: 2020-21 to 2024-25.
- Outlay: ₹20,050 crore.
- Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA):
- HQ: Kochi, Kerala.
- Established: 1972.
- Works under: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Function: Promotes seafood exports, sustainability, and quality certification.