According to the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, India's fish output has achieved an all-time high of 162.48 lakh tonne in fiscal year 2021-22. The minister emphasized the importance of fish in addressing the country's food security, nutrition, and socioeconomic development.
Minister Rupala highlighted that fish is an affordable and rich source of healthy animal protein and omega-3 fatty acids, offering immense potential to mitigate hunger and malnutrition. India is blessed with rich and diverse fisheries resources, and the fisheries sector has become an important pillar of socio-economic growth, providing livelihood, employment, and entrepreneurship to millions of fishers and fish farmers.
Over the past 75 years, India's fisheries sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a traditional activity to a commercial enterprise. The country's fish production has grown 22-fold since independence, skyrocketing from 7.5 lakh tonne in 1950-51 to an extraordinary 162.48 lakh tonne in 2021-22.
This remarkable achievement represents a growth rate of 10.34% compared to the previous year. With approximately 8% share in global fish production, India now holds the position of the world's third-largest fish-producing country.
Inland fish production, primarily driven by aquaculture, has experienced an unprecedented surge. In 2000-01, inland fish production stood at 28.23 lakh tonne, and it soared to an impressive 121.21 lakh tonne in 2021-22, marking a remarkable 400% increase. This outstanding growth can be attributed to the combined efforts of fisheries scientists, the central and state governments, as well as the dedication of fishers, fish farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Minister Rupala emphasized that the "Sagar Parikrama" program holds great significance as it symbolizes a journey along the coastal belt in solidarity with fisherfolk and other stakeholders. The minister further added that they are dedicated to resolving the issues faced by the fishing community and facilitating their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes and programs such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
As India continues to make strides in this sector, it is expected to strengthen its position as a global leader in fish production and contribute to the well-being of its citizens.
