India’s fisheries sector has traditionally been closely linked with rural livelihoods, food security and coastal economies. Millions of people depend directly or indirectly on fishing, fish farming, processing, transportation and related activities.
Over the past six years, however, the government has attempted to take the sector beyond its traditional role by investing in infrastructure, technology, aquaculture, post-harvest management and market connectivity.
A major part of this effort has been the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Launched in 2020, the scheme completes six years on September 10, 2026. With a total outlay of Rs 20,750 crore, PMMSY was designed to address gaps across the fisheries value chain. Its interventions cover production, aquaculture, fishing infrastructure, cold chains, transportation, marketing, post-harvest management and the welfare of fishers.
The government has continued to increase its financial support for the sector. In the Budget Estimates for 2026-27, a record Rs 2,500 crore was allocated under PMMSY.
As of August 11, 2026, the Department of Fisheries had approved fisheries and aquaculture projects worth Rs 21,394.88 crore. This included a Central share of ₹9,510.89 crore, based on proposals submitted by States, Union Territories and implementing agencies.
The scale of these investments indicates that the focus is no longer limited to producing more fish. The broader objective is to create an integrated fisheries economy where production is connected with storage, processing, transportation, markets, finance and technology.
Fish production reaches record levels
One of the clearest indicators of the sector’s growth is the increase in fish production.
India’s fish production increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, reaching a record level.
The rise has been supported by investments in both marine and inland fisheries, along with the expansion of aquaculture.
Aquaculture has become particularly important as demand for fish increases and pressure on natural fisheries resources remains a concern. Technologies such as Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems, Biofloc systems, reservoir cages and improved pond-based farming are being promoted to increase productivity while using resources more efficiently.
The expansion of production is also creating economic opportunities beyond the fishing community. Processing, cold storage, logistics, retail and export-related activities are becoming increasingly important parts of the fisheries value chain.
The sector currently supports nearly three crore livelihoods, particularly among coastal and marginalised communities.
PMMSY has also created direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 58 lakh people in fisheries and aquaculture-related activities.
Fisheries exports see major expansion
The growth in production has coincided with an increase in fisheries exports.
India’s fisheries exports increased from Rs 46,663 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 73,890 crore in 2025-26.
Exports provide an important source of income for fish farmers, fishermen, processors, exporters and businesses operating across the supply chain.
However, increasing production alone is not enough to build a competitive export sector. Fish is a highly perishable commodity and requires proper handling from the time it is harvested until it reaches consumers.
This is where investments in cold storage, ice plants, transportation, landing centres and markets become important.
Strengthening the fisheries value chain
PMMSY has placed considerable emphasis on building infrastructure that connects fishermen and fish farmers with markets.
The government has approved Rs 2,797 crore for cold-chain and marketing infrastructure.
The approved projects include: 28,489 fish transportation units, 775 cold storage and ice plants, 1,394 live fish vending units, 6,018 fish kiosks, 117 retail fish markets and 24 wholesale fish markets.
These facilities are aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving the quality and shelf life of fish.
For fishermen, the availability of ice and cold storage can make a direct difference. Without adequate cold-chain facilities, fish can deteriorate quickly, particularly when boats remain at sea for several days or when produce has to travel long distances before reaching a market.
Similarly, better transportation and organised markets can help connect producers with consumers and reduce inefficiencies in the supply chain.
The government has also approved Rs 3,741.89 crore over the last five years for 28 fishing harbour development or modernisation projects, 25 fish landing centres and 23 dredging projects.
Fishing harbours and landing centres provide critical infrastructure for marine fishermen. Modern facilities can improve landing operations, handling, storage and movement of fish, while also supporting safer and more efficient fishing activities.
Technology changing aquaculture
Technology is becoming another major component of India’s fisheries strategy.
Traditional aquaculture can require considerable land and water resources. Newer systems are being promoted to improve productivity and make better use of available resources.
Under PMMSY, support has been provided for 12,081 Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and 4,205 Biofloc units.
The scheme has also supported 52,058 reservoir cages and 23,285.06 hectares of pond area for inland aquaculture.
RAS allows water to be treated and reused within the farming system, while Biofloc technology can help fish farmers make more efficient use of water and nutrients.
Cage culture, meanwhile, provides an opportunity to use reservoirs and other suitable water bodies for fish production.
The government has also approved 12 Integrated Aquaparks at a cost of Rs 713.80 crore.
These parks are intended to bring different parts of the aquaculture ecosystem together, including production, processing and other supporting activities.
During 2020-25, projects worth Rs 198.17 crore were also approved for seaweed cultivation and allied activities.
Another area receiving support is ornamental fisheries. As many as 2,672 ornamental fish rearing and integrated ornamental fish units have been supported under the scheme.
Together, these interventions indicate a wider shift towards technology-based and diversified aquaculture.
Strengthening fish farmers through collective organisations
Small fish farmers and fishermen often face challenges related to market access, bargaining power, finance and access to technology.
To address some of these issues, PMMSY has supported the creation of Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs).
Between FY 2021-22 and FY 2025-26, projects worth Rs 544.86 crore were approved for establishing 2,195 FFPOs.
The assistance includes support for incubation, management costs and equity grants.
The basic idea is to help producers work collectively. Instead of operating entirely as individual producers, fish farmers can use collective organisations to improve access to markets, inputs, finance and other services.
The scheme has also identified 100 Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages.
Each village is eligible for Rs 200 lakh in government-funded support. The assistance is intended for resilient infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and post-harvest facilities.
The focus on climate resilience is particularly relevant for coastal communities, which can face risks from extreme weather events and changing marine conditions.
A small enterprise showing the impact
The effect of government support can also be seen through individual enterprises.
In Porbandar, Gujarat, fishing entrepreneur Pravinbhai Babulal Masani used a Rs 48 lakh PMMSY subsidy received in 2021-22 to establish a 30 MT-per-day ice plant.
Ice is an essential requirement for fishing boats because it helps preserve the catch during fishing operations.
For an entrepreneur operating in the fishing sector, an ice plant can therefore become an important part of the local fishing ecosystem. It helps boats carry adequate ice, reduces spoilage and can improve the efficiency of fishing operations.
The enterprise has also contributed to improving the livelihood of Masani’s family.
Such examples show how fisheries infrastructure can have an impact beyond large projects. Smaller units such as ice plants, transportation vehicles, kiosks and vending facilities are also part of the larger value chain.
Taking fisheries into the digital era
The transformation of the fisheries sector is also moving into the digital space.
The National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) was launched in September 2024 under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
The platform aims to formalise the fisheries sector by creating digital identities and maintaining a comprehensive database of stakeholders.
It is intended to function as a single-window platform through which beneficiaries can access services such as institutional credit, aquaculture insurance, traceability mechanisms and performance-linked incentives.
As of September 8, 2026, more than 37.01 lakh individual registrations had been recorded on the platform, while total registrations had crossed 37.23 lakh.
PM-MKSSY operates as a Central Sector sub-scheme under PMMSY from 2023-24 to 2026-27, with an estimated financial outlay of Rs 6,000 crore.
Its focus includes formalisation of the sector, improving access to insurance and institutional finance, quality assurance and traceability.
Digital registration and traceability can also become increasingly important as Indian fisheries seek greater access to domestic and international markets.
Balancing growth with sustainability
The expansion of fisheries and aquaculture also brings a question of sustainability.
India’s fisheries strategy is increasingly attempting to balance higher production with more efficient use of natural resources.
Technologies such as RAS, Biofloc, cage culture and mariculture are being promoted as part of this approach. At the same time, investments in infrastructure and formalisation are intended to make the sector more resilient.
The broader fisheries push is also linked with Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and aquatic resources.
For India, this balance is particularly important because the fisheries sector supports millions of livelihoods while also contributing to food security and exports.
Six years of PMMSY
Six years after its launch, PMMSY has expanded into a broad programme covering almost every major part of the fisheries ecosystem.
The focus has moved from simply increasing fish production to building an interconnected system involving boats, harbours, landing centres, cold chains, aquaculture technology, markets, producer organisations, digital platforms and financial support.
The numbers underline the scale of the transformation. Fish production has reached 197.75 lakh tonnes, fisheries exports have risen to Rs 73,890 crore, and infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores have been approved.
At the same time, millions of people continue to depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
The next phase will involve sustaining production growth, improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening exports and ensuring that technological expansion does not come at the cost of aquatic ecosystems.
With continued investment, fisheries are increasingly being positioned as more than a traditional livelihood sector. They are becoming an important component of India’s Blue Economy, with a role in employment, food security, rural development, exports and sustainable economic growth.
