Marine fish production in India has increased from 34.76 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 to 44.95 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, recording an average annual growth rate of 8.9 per cent, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian, informed the Rajya Sabha on August 20, 2025.
According to the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), 91.1 per cent of the 135 marine fish stocks assessed across various regions in 2022 were found to be sustainable. Research institutes under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are actively studying the impacts of climate change on fisheries, including vulnerability assessments of wetland fisheries in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Kerala.
Their work also includes climate change modelling, fish catch and mariculture production projections, studies on ocean acidification, carbon footprint and blue carbon potential assessments, and species response analysis. In addition, adaptive management measures are being developed. To support fisher communities, ICAR is conducting awareness campaigns and capacity-building programmes in states such as Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala to enhance climate resilience.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is playing a pivotal role in modernising the fisheries sector. The scheme promotes sustainable fishing practices, hygienic fish handling, species diversification, post-harvest infrastructure, seamless cold chain development, and the upgradation of fishing harbours and landing centres.
Under PMMSY, 58 fishing harbours and landing centres have been approved with a total investment of Rs 3,281.31 crore. Additionally, projects worth Rs 1,568.11 crore have been sanctioned for building 734 ice plants and cold storages, 192 fish retail markets, 21 modern wholesale fish markets, 6,410 fish kiosks, and 134 value-added enterprise units.
To boost post-harvest logistics, 27,297 transport facilities have been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 835.27 crore. These include refrigerated and insulated trucks, live fish vending centres, auto rickshaws, motorcycles, and bicycles equipped with ice boxes.
A major initiative under PMMSY is the development of 100 Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages across coastal states and union territories. With a funding of Rs 200 lakh per village, fully supported by the Central Government, these projects are designed to address local needs, enhance climate resilience, and promote economic vibrancy in fishing communities.
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), through its NETFISH programme, has been conducting extensive awareness and training initiatives to improve fish quality and encourage sustainable practices. Since 2007, more than 45,500 programmes have been held, benefiting nearly 15 lakh stakeholders across maritime states. These efforts have helped reduce post-harvest losses, improve seafood quality, and boost the global competitiveness of Indian marine exports
