India’s Fisheries Sector | 10 Apr 2026

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

India has emerged as the world’s 2nd-largest fish-producing nation (after China), accounting for approximately 8% of global output and establishing the fisheries sector as the fastest-growing segment within agriculture and allied activities. 

What are the Key Facts Regarding India's Fisheries Sector? 

• Economic Contribution: Fisheries account for 7.43% of Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA), with total production doubling to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024–25. 
  • Export Performance: Seafood exports reached Rs 62,408 crore in FY 2024–25, dominated by frozen shrimp, with the US and China as primary markets. 
• Budgetary Support: The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated a record Rs 2,761 crore to the sector, with Rs 2,500 crore specifically earmarked for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). 
• Infrastructure & Credit: The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and the extension of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC)—with limits raised to Rs 5 lakh—have institutionalized credit and boosted processing capabilities. 
• Technological Shift: Rapid adoption of high-efficiency models like Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Bio-floc technology is driving sustainable, high-density farming. 
  • RAS is a high-density fish farming technology that uses a closed-loop filtration system to treat and continuously reuse water, minimizing environmental impact and land requirements. 
  • Bio-floc Technology is a sustainable aquaculture method where a carbon source is added to the water to grow beneficial microbial protein (floc), which simultaneously treats waste and serves as a direct food source for the fish. 
• Digital Governance: The National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), launched in 2024, provides digital identities to over 30 lakh stakeholders, streamlining access to insurance and subsidies. 
• Formalization: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore, focuses on formalizing the unorganized fisheries value chain and enhancing traceability. 
• Resource Management: The Marine Fisheries Census 2025 and new rules for the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ensure data-driven governance and alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). 

• Inland Potential: Integration of 500 reservoirs and 1,222 Amrit Sarovars into the fisheries value chain is targeting rural livelihood diversification. 
  • Fisheries-related schemes since 2014–15 have generated an estimated 74.66 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. 
• Regulatory Framework: The 2025 Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ and High Seas ensure international compliance and long-term resource security for India's 24 lakh sq. km EEZ. 

What is Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana? 

• About: PMMSY is a flagship scheme launched in September 2020 to bring about a "Blue Revolution" through the sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India. 
  • It is implemented by the Department of Fisheries (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying) and was originally designed for a five-year period (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25). It is extended up to 2025-26. 
  • The government has further introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY). This is a sub-scheme of PMMSY focused specifically on formalizing the unorganized fisheries sector and supporting micro-enterprises with an additional investment of over Rs. 6,000 crore.  
    • It is being implemented for 4 years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 across all the States and UTs. 

• Financial Allocation: PMMSY has a total estimated investment of Rs 20,050 crore. It operates as an umbrella scheme with two main components: 
  • Central Sector Scheme (CS): Fully funded by the Central Government. 
  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): Jointly funded by the Centre and States/UTs, further divided into beneficiary-oriented and non-beneficiary-oriented activities. 
    • General Category: 40% subsidy for individuals/groups. 
    • SC/ST/Women Category: 60% subsidy to encourage inclusive growth. 
• Core Components: The PMMSY focuses on several "activity clusters" to modernize the sector: 
  • Inland & Marine Fisheries: Promoting cage culture, seaweed farming, and ornamental fisheries. 
  • Technology Infusion: Support for modern systems like RAS and Bio-floc technology. 
  • Infrastructure: Building "Fishing Harbours," "Landing Centers," and "Cold Chain" facilities to improve market links. 
  • Fisher Welfare: Providing insurance coverage for fishing vessels and fishers, as well as support during "lean periods" (fishing bans). 
• Key Objectives & Targets: