The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying released data on January 12, 2026, highlighting India's remarkable transformation into a global fisheries powerhouse over the last decade.
India's total fish production reached 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY2024-25, representing a 106% increase from approximately 95 lakh tonnes in FY2013-14. This extraordinary growth translates to a 7.87% average annual growth rate, far exceeding the global fisheries growth average. India is now the world's second largest fish producer, contributing approximately 8% to global fish production, behind only China.
The fisheries sector has generated employment for over 74 lakh (7.4 million) new workers during this decade, making it one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in rural India. Total employment in the sector now exceeds 2.8 crore persons, predominantly from coastal and inland fishing communities.
Export performance has been equally impressive: India's seafood exports reached ₹62,408 crore in FY2024-25, making it one of India's top agricultural export commodities. Frozen shrimp remains the top export product, with the US, China, and Southeast Asia as primary markets.
The PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020 with a ₹20,050 crore outlay, has been the transformative policy driver. Its key interventions include modernization of fishing vessels, cold chain infrastructure development, creation of fish processing zones, aquaculture expansion (particularly seaweed and pearl oyster), and digital traceability systems.
Rajasthan, though landlocked, has seen growth in inland fisheries through its rivers, reservoirs, and ponds, contributing to rural livelihoods in districts like Bharatpur, Kota, and Dungarpur.