George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, shared the progress and initiatives in ornamental fisheries in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on April 1, 2025. The Government of India (GoI), through the Department of Fisheries (DoF), has taken significant steps to promote ornamental fisheries across the country, with a focus on the North East and Southern States.
PMMSY Supports Growth in Ornamental Fisheries
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a total of 2,465 ornamental fish rearing units, 207 integrated ornamental fish breeding and rearing units, 5 freshwater ornamental fish brood bank units, and 144 recreational fisheries promotion units have been approved at a total investment of Rs. 230.45 crore over the past four financial years (2020-2024) and the ongoing 2024-25 financial year.
To foster entrepreneurship, expand infrastructure, and increase market access in the ornamental fisheries sector, the DoF has designated Madurai District in Tamil Nadu as an official Ornamental Fisheries Cluster under PMMSY in 2024-25. Additionally, the Government of Assam has received approval for the construction of an aquarium in Amingaon, Kamrup, to showcase indigenous ornamental fish from North India.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) has also been granted approval to develop a strategic roadmap for the growth and value chain upgradation of ornamental fisheries in India.
In Madhya Pradesh, a project costing Rs. 2.60 crore has been approved for the establishment of 11 ornamental fish breeding and rearing units. Furthermore, under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Tamil Nadu has received an approval of Rs. 5.00 crore for setting up a public aquarium and ornamental fish retail unit in Tirunelveli District.
The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has provided financial support for tropical aquaculture and farming systems in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and is also assisting the Rajasthan Government in organizing skill development and training programs for 1,000 individuals to promote ornamental fisheries in the state.
Growing Impact of Ornamental Fisheries on Employment
The ornamental fish industry in India is currently valued at approximately Rs. 3,000 crore, as reported by ICAR-CIFA. This sector includes ornamental fish breeding, rearing, trading, and the sale of aquarium accessories, aquatic plants, and decorative items. It plays a vital role in generating employment and fostering entrepreneurship. According to CIFA, there are about 1,300 aquarium shops operating in Madhya Pradesh and 700 in Rajasthan.
