India’s fisheries sector is transforming, emerging as a major driver of livelihoods, food security, and economic growth. Between 2013–14 and 2024–25, the country’s total fish production surged by an astounding 104%, rising from 96 lakh tonnes to 195 lakh tonnes. Much of this growth is propelled by inland fisheries, which expanded by 142% in the same period, increasing from 61 lakh tonnes to 147.37 lakh tonnes. Today, India stands as the second-largest fish-producing nation globally, accounting for around 8% of global output.
This growth is being carefully shepherded by schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), through which, as of 22 July 2025, fisheries development projects worth ₹21,274.16 crore have been approved, including a central share of ₹9,189.79 crore, of which ₹5,587.57 crore has already been released. Alongside, as of 29 July 2025, infrastructure projects under the PMMSY account for an outlay of ₹17,210.46 crore.
Technology and inclusivity are central to this transformation. By June 2025, 4.76 lakh Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) had been issued to fishers and fish farmers across India, with ₹3,214.32 crore disbursed, a vital step toward ensuring timely access to credit. Efforts to formalise the fisheries ecosystem are also paying off. By August 2025, over 26 lakh stakeholders, including fishers, micro-enterprises, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations, and private firms, had registered on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP).
Budget support for the sector has reached unprecedented levels. The Union Budget 2025–26 proposed the highest-ever annual allocation of ₹2,703.67 crore for the fisheries sector. Meanwhile, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme under PMMSY, saw its early implementation seeded with ₹11.84 crore as of April 2025.
Beyond numbers and infrastructure, the human impact is tangible. Take the case of Navkishar Gope, a displaced fisherman from Jharkhand who, with a modest cage culture project and training under PMMSY, transformed his life, going from owning nothing to having a home, a moped, and the dream of expanding his enterprise.
Fisheries is more than an industry in India. From boosting inland aquaculture to formalising the sector through digital platforms, the systemic support is now translating into scalable livelihoods, enhanced productivity, and inclusive growth.
