India's fisheries sector has experienced remarkable growth, with total fish production surging to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, a 104% increase from 96 lakh tonnes in 2013-14. This expansion is largely attributed to the growth in inland fisheries, which saw a 142% increase, reaching 147.37 lakh tonnes during the same period. This remarkable progress has positioned India as the world's second-largest fish producer, contributing approximately 8% to global fish output.

The fisheries sector plays a crucial role in India's economy, providing food, employment, and income for millions of people, especially in coastal and rural areas. The sector's transformation has been driven by modern aquaculture practices, improved infrastructure, and supportive government schemes.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, has been instrumental in this growth. The scheme addresses gaps in post-harvest handling, traceability and fisher welfare. With an outlay of Rs 20,050 crore over five years, extended to 2025-26, PMMSY has approved projects worth Rs 21,274.16 crore as of July 22, 2025, including a central share of Rs 9,189.79 crore. So far, Rs 5,587.57 crore has been released, generating direct and indirect jobs in fishing, aquaculture, processing, and marketing. As of July 29, 2025, the Department of Fisheries has supported infrastructure projects with a total outlay of Rs 17,210.46 crore under PMMSY.

The Union Budget for 2025-26 has proposed the highest-ever total annual budgetary support of Rs 2,703.67 crore for the fisheries sector. This commitment aims to sustain the sector's momentum and address both domestic needs and strengthen India's position in global markets.

Technological advancements and sustainable practices are also contributing to the sector's growth. Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc technologies are being promoted for water-efficient, high-density farming. By March 2025, 12,000 RAS units (Rs 902.97 crore total cost) and 4,205 Biofloc units (Rs 523.30 crore) have been approved. Furthermore, the modernization of fishing harbors is underway, with smart fishing harbors in Diu, Puducherry, and Gujarat developed at a cost of Rs 369.8 crore, equipped with AI, IoT, solar energy, and eco-friendly systems.

The fisheries sector is also focusing on inclusivity and empowerment. The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan integrates tribal upliftment by extending fish culture support to 10,000 groups and 1 lakh individuals with a Rs 375 crore allocation under PMMSY. As of June 2025, 4.76 lakh Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) have been issued to fishers and fish farmers across all States and Union Territories, with a total disbursement of Rs 3,214.32 crore, ensuring timely access to credit. As of August 2025, over 26 lakh stakeholders, including fishers, micro-enterprises, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations, and private companies, have registered on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), formalizing the fisheries ecosystem.

Innovation is another key pillar, with 39 startups receiving Rs 31.22 crore in subsidies for seed funding and incubation. In FY 2025-26, 163 new projects worth Rs 6,273.31 crore have been approved, including Rs 4,209.05 crore for interest subvention.

Andhra Pradesh leads in fish production, contributing 5.000 million tonnes, which is 25.64% of the total production in India. West Bengal is second with 2.000 million tonnes. India's fisheries sector is transitioning into a technologically advanced and sustainably managed industry that significantly contributes to the nation's economic growth and food security.