Lok Sabha Question No. 2654 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2654 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH  December, 2025

## Fisheries and Aquaculture

## 2654.  Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy:

Will  the  Minister  of FISHERIES,  ANIMAL  HUSBANDRY  AND  DAIRYING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  country's  fisheries  and  aquaculture  is  giving  profits  who  are  engaged  in  its promising course, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is committed to guiding India's Blue Revolution toward a resilient and inclusive future, if so, the results achieved and funds invested by the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether fisheries and aquaculture are among country's fastest growing food producing sectors, playing a vital role in livelihoods, nutrition and trade and over the decades;
- (d) whether  there  is  remarkable  growth  in  aquatic  food  production  that  is  driven  by technological innovation, institutional support and proactive policy measures, yet, the sector faces critical challenges including overfishing, habitat degradation, water pollution and climate change are straining aquatic ecosystems, small-scale fishers and farmers often lack access to finance, technology  and  markets,  while  poor  traceability  and  inadequate  post-harvest  measures  limit taping of the best export and domestic market potential and compromise food security, if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (e) the details of fund spent by the Government and the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for Telangana?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRYAND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

(a) to (d): India's fisheries sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past seven decades, shifting from a predominantly marine-based activity to an inland and aquaculture-driven powerhouse. Total  fish  production  surged  from  7.52  lakh  tonnes  in  1950-51  to  an  estimated 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 (provisional) recording a 26-fold increase. Over the last decade, the  Government of India has significantly scaled up investments in the sector, channeling Rs 39,272 crore through major initiatives such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, FIDF, Pradhan Mantri Matsya  Sampada  Yojana,  and  PM  Matsya  Kisan  Samridhi  Sah-Yojana  (PMMKSSY).  These interventions have propelled fish production from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 (provisional), an impressive growth of over 100%. Shrimp production, India's flagship aquaculture commodity, expanded by 267%, rising from 3.22 lakh tonnes (2013-14) to a record 11.84 lakh tonnes (2023-24). India's seafood exports have more than doubled during the same period, increasing from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25, marking a 111.73% rise despite pandemic disruptions and persistent non-tariff barriers in global markets.

The fisheries sector is a vital pillar of India's economy and social fabric, supporting nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers and several lakh workers across the value chain. As an affordable, nutrient-rich  source  of  animal  protein,  fish  significantly  contributes  to  national  food  and nutritional  security.  India's  rapid  growth  in  fish  production  and  exports  has  been  driven  by technological innovation, strong institutional support, and proactive policy measures. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries has modernized infrastructure  and  introduced  advanced  technologies  through  interventions  such  as  genetic improvement of key species; establishment of brood banks, brood stock multiplication centres, hatcheries,  and  seed-rearing  units;  construction  of  diverse  grow-out  ponds;  development  of raceways and reservoir cage culture; promotion of RAS and biofloc systems; expansion of sea cages;  species  diversification;  and  modernization  of  the  fishing  fleet.  To  further  accelerate growth,  34  Production  and  Processing  Clusters  have  been  notified  across  States  and  Union Territories to enhance production, productivity, and value addition.

India's marine fisheries have long been anchored in sustainability, guided by the National Policy on  Marine Fisheries, 2017, which  promotes  an  ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.  Government  schemes  have  consistently  advanced  sustainable  practices,  with  a strong focus on expanding deep-sea fishing and enabling traditional fishers to access distant areas of the EEZ. Under PMMSY, support has been extended for 480 deep-sea fishing vessels and the upgradation of 1,338 vessels for traditional fishermen. A recent, major milestone in this regard is the notification of the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025, empowering traditional and small-scale fishers, cooperatives, and FFPOs to tap untapped offshore resources, enhance processing and export opportunities, and strengthen national self-reliance in deep-sea fisheries. Science-based measures such as fishing bans during spawning seasons, minimum legal sizes, bycatch reduction, improved onboard handling, sea ranching, artificial reefs development, and protection of Essential Fish Habitats such as spawning and feeding grounds are taken for ensuring sustainability of the marine fisheries. Mariculture is being promoted alongside capture fisheries through the schemes and policies. The Department on 21 November 2025 brought out the Standard Operating Procedure for Mariculture (2025) to foster responsible, inclusive coastal development. To build climate resilience, PMMSY is developing 100 Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages, making coastal villages more resilient and economically vibrant.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in March 2025 for 'Strengthening of Blue Ports in India,' fully funded by FAO with an allocation of USD 100,000. The TCP supports two pilot Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour projects at Vanakbara (Diu) and Jakhau (Gujarat), aimed at modernizing fishing infrastructure with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and safety. By integrating smart technologies, these harbours are expected to streamline operations, enhance safety standards, and promote eco-friendly practices.

In  addition,  the  Department  of  Fisheries,  in  collaboration  with  FAO  and  the  Government  of Andhra  Pradesh,  is  implementing  a  Global  Environment  Facility  (GEF-8)  project  titled 'Transforming Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture to a Sustainable, Reduced Footprint and Climate-Resilient Food System.' The initiative focuses on advancing sustainable aquaculture in the  State.  The  GEF  Secretariat  has  approved  the  project  with  a  grant  of  USD  13,155,657 (approximately Rs 18 crore), marking a significant step toward climate-resilient and environmentally responsible aquaculture development.

(e): Under PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries has approved Andhra Pradesh's proposals for 39 activities at a total cost of Rs 2,398.72 crore, with a central share of Rs 559.10 crore, of which Rs  482.55  crore  has  been  released  during  2020-21  to  2024-25.  For  Telangana,  proposals amounting to Rs 347.20 crore have been approved, with a central share of Rs 109.92 crore and Rs 85.54 crore released for fisheries and aquaculture development.

*******