New Delhi: India’s fisheries sector has emerged as a key driver of food security, employment, exports and sustainable livelihoods, supported by a record Rs 39,272 crore investment by the Centre since 2015.
The sector provides primary livelihoods to nearly 30 million fishers and fish farmers, with almost twice as many engaged across the value chain. Now the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer, India contributes about 8 per cent to global fish output. Over the past decade, the sector has transitioned from traditional practices to a commercially significant activity, while retaining an inclusive focus on small-scale fishers. This shift is reflected in rising output, with fish production increasing from 141.64 lakh tonnes in FY20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY25, clocking an average annual growth of around 7 per cent.
Seafood exports have also posted sustained growth, expanding at about 7 per cent annually over the past 11 years. Marine product exports more than doubled from Rs 30,213 crore in FY14 to Rs 62,408 crore in FY25, led by shrimp exports worth Rs 43,334 crore.
India exports over 350 seafood varieties to nearly 130 markets. The US remains the largest destination, accounting for 36.42 per cent of export value in FY25, followed by China, the EU, Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East. Frozen shrimp continues to dominate the export basket, alongside frozen fish, squid and value-added products, whose share has risen from 2.5 per cent to 11 per cent.
To diversify exports & cut dependence on a few commodities, the government is promoting high-value species such as tuna, seabass & tilapia under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Investments are being made in cold-chain infrastructure, fishing harbours and post-harvest facilities. India is also aligning with global sustainability standards to retain access to key markets. It secured a US comparability finding in 2025 under marine mammal protection norms, ensuring continued exports. Measures such as Turtle Excluder Devices, enhanced traceability and a national digital tracking framework are being rolled out.
Regulatory processes have been simplified, with import approvals now processed within 72 hours via a digital system. Going forward, India aims to boost value-added exports, expand into new markets and strengthen quality standards, positioning itself as a reliable global seafood supplier.