NEW DELHI, May 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting on the fisheries and aquaculture sector, with a sharp focus on deep sea fishing and seafood exports, calling it vital to India’s USD 5 trillion economy roadmap.
The meeting was attended by Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, PM’s Principal Secretary Shaktikanta Das, and other top officials. A detailed presentation was made by Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi, highlighting India’s global standing and recent initiatives.
Currently, India ranks second in global fish production, second in aquaculture, and leads in shrimp exports, contributing 8% to global output. The sector supports around 3 crore livelihoods across the country.
India’s vast 11,099 km coastline and 2.2 million sq km exclusive economic zone make it the sixth-largest marine fish producer, with huge untapped potential.
Since 2015, the Centre has pumped in over ₹38,572 crore through major schemes including the Blue Revolution, FIDF, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and PM-MKSSY. These have attracted over USD 4.4 billion in investment so far.
In a boost to infrastructure and production, 17 Fisheries Production and Processing Clusters have been notified under PMMSY, spread across states and UTs—ranging from coldwater fisheries in Anantnag (J&K) to tuna clusters in Andaman, and seaweed farming in Lakshadweep.
The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) will handhold these clusters by engaging SHGs, JLGs, FFPOs, and other stakeholders to ensure holistic development across the value chain, from production to exports.
The creation of a dedicated Ministry and Department of Fisheries in 2019 has further strengthened focus on sector-specific governance and support.
