India has recorded a significant surge in fish production and aquaculture productivity since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in 2020, with total fish production rising from around 141.6 lakh tonnes in 2019–20 to an estimated 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, marking a 38% growth.
The increase has been driven by inland aquaculture expansion, marine fisheries development, strengthened value-chain infrastructure, and policy interventions under PMMSY. Bihar, among the top five inland fish-producing states, produced 959.76 thousand tonnes of fish in 2024–25, with Darbhanga district contributing 88.28 thousand tonnes. India’s average aquaculture productivity also improved to 4.7 tonnes per hectare in 2025, up from 3 tonnes per hectare before the scheme.
The fisheries sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) reached Rs. 3,68,124 crore in 2023–24, compared with Rs. 2,12,087 crore in 2018–19, with its share in agriculture rising from 7% to 7.55%. Fish and fishery product exports grew 33.7%, from Rs. 46,662.85 crore in 2019–20 to Rs. 62,408.45 crore in 2024–25.
The Department of Fisheries has also promoted allied activities such as cultivation of fox nut (makhana) and water chestnut (singhara), along with technological interventions to boost production and value addition. Over 52,000 reservoir cages, 22,000 RAS & Biofloc units, raceways, and 1,525 sea cages have been set up under PMMSY, with an investment of Rs. 3,040.87 crore. Collaborations with ICAR institutes and private incubators have strengthened fisheries start-ups, business incubation, and capacity building.
Maharashtra has emerged as a key beneficiary of the scheme. Fish production in the state increased 40.27%, from 5.24 lakh tonnes in 2020–21 to 7.43 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. Palghar district witnessed a remarkable 546% rise, from 21.45 tonnes to 138.54 tonnes, supported by infrastructure projects including fishing harbours, fish landing centres, post-harvest facilities, and dredging works.
The information was provided by Rajeev Ranjan Singh (Lallan Singh), Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in response to a Lok Sabha question.
