Thursday, 09 Apr, 2026
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India exported 16.98 lakh tonnes of seafood valued at ₹62,408 crore in 2023–24, and this upward trajectory continued into 2024–25, when export earnings reached a record high of ₹62,408 crore.
India now ranks second globally in aquaculture output and capture fisheries, while maintaining its position as the largest exporter of shrimp, a high-value commodity that dominates its seafood export basket.
India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic segments of the country’s rural and blue economy, underpinning livelihoods for nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers while supporting millions more through ancillary activities such as processing, transportation, marketing, and export logistics. Over the past decade, the sector has undergone a structural transformation, driven by policy support, technological adoption, and increased investments. This progress is reflected in a sharp rise in fish production, which has more than doubled from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, registering an increase of over 106 percent. This sustained growth has enabled India to consolidate its position as the world’s second-largest fish producer with an 8 percent share in global output.
Source: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
The country’s leadership in aquaculture and shrimp production has been particularly notable. India now ranks second globally in aquaculture output and capture fisheries, while maintaining its position as the largest exporter of shrimp, a high-value commodity that dominates its seafood export basket. This rapid expansion is reflected in production figures, with total fish production more than doubling from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, representing a robust growth of over 106 percent. This surge has been accompanied by a steady increase in productivity, with average aquaculture yields rising to 4.77 tonnes per hectare, indicating improved farming practices, better inputs, and enhanced infrastructure.
The sector’s export performance has mirrored this domestic growth. India exported 16.98 lakh tonnes of seafood valued at ₹62,408 crore in 2023–24, and this upward trajectory continued into 2024–25, when export earnings reached a record high of ₹62,408 crore (US$ 7.45 billion), marking a 3.11 percent increase year-on-year. This growth has been supported by diversification into new markets and products, with India now exporting more than 350 varieties of seafood to around 130 countries. Aquaculture accounts for a dominant 62 percent share of export value, underlining the shift toward farmed, high-value products.
A key feature of this expansion has been the rising contribution of value-added and processed seafood. These products, which command higher margins and cater to evolving consumer preferences in international markets, now constitute nearly 11 percent of India’s export basket. Over the last five years, exports of value-added seafood have surged by 56 percent, increasing from ₹4,863.40 crore to ₹7,589.93 crore. This trend signals a gradual transition from bulk commodity exports to a more sophisticated, processing-driven industry.
Central to this transformation has been sustained government intervention and investment. Since 2015, cumulative investments worth ₹38,572 crore have been approved or announced through major flagship initiatives such as the Blue Revolution, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY). Of these, projects worth ₹32,723 crore have already been approved since 2014–15, reflecting a strong commitment to expanding infrastructure, improving cold chains, enhancing broodstock quality, and modernizing fishing fleets.
The Blue Revolution scheme, launched in 2015–16 with an outlay of ₹3,000 crore, laid the foundation for this growth by adopting a holistic approach to fisheries development. It focused on increasing production and productivity across inland and marine sectors, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening institutional capacities. Building on this, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, introduced in 2020 with a significantly higher investment of ₹20,050 crore, sought to address persistent gaps in the value chain. The scheme emphasizes end-to-end development, from fish production and harvesting to processing, branding, and export—while also prioritizing the welfare and income enhancement of fishers and fish farmers.
Despite these gains, the sector has had to navigate emerging global challenges. A major disruption came in April 2025, when the United States imposed steep tariff increases on Indian seafood, particularly shrimp, with cumulative duties rising to 58.26 percent. Given that shrimp accounts for nearly 90 percent of India’s seafood exports to the US, this development posed a serious threat to export earnings and market access.
However, the sector’s response has underscored its resilience and adaptability. Comparative data for April–October 2024 (pre-tariff) and April–October 2025 (post-tariff) reveals that overall seafood exports not only withstood the shock but continued to grow. Export value rose by 21 percent, from ₹35,107.6 crore to ₹42,322.3 crore, while export volumes increased by 12 percent, from 9.62 lakh metric tonnes to 10.73 lakh metric tonnes. Frozen shrimp exports, despite being directly affected by the tariff hikes, recorded a 17 percent increase in value and a 6 percent rise in volume, suggesting successful market diversification and improved value realization.
Industry experts attribute this resilience to a combination of factors, including the exploration of alternative markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, improvements in quality standards, and increased emphasis on value addition. Government-backed initiatives to enhance traceability, certification, and infrastructure have also played a crucial role in maintaining global competitiveness.
Looking ahead, the fisheries and aquaculture sector is poised to play an even more significant role in India’s economic growth, food security, and export strategy. With continued policy support, technological innovation, and a focus on sustainability, the sector is not only strengthening its domestic base but also positioning itself as a global hub for high-quality, value-added seafood.
