India Ranks Second Globally in Fish Production

India has once again affirmed its strong position in the global fisheries sector, securing the second rank in fish production worldwide, according to Union Minister of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The announcement was made during a meeting in Kolkata, where the minister chaired discussions with representatives from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh to explore ways of further boosting fish production.

A Sharp Rise in Fish Production

Highlighting the country’s progress, the Union Minister revealed that India’s fish production has increased by 103% in 2024–25 compared to 2013–14. This remarkable growth reflects the impact of government schemes and the increasing participation of rural communities in fisheries and aquaculture. The minister stressed that West Bengal, with its abundant ponds and water resources, especially in rural areas, holds immense potential to further contribute to the nation’s fish output.

Role of Government Schemes

The meeting also covered the implementation of key initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), designed to enhance productivity, sustainability, and employment in the fisheries sector. Discussions extended to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which provides financial support to fish farmers, enabling them to improve infrastructure, buy feed, and adopt modern technology for aquaculture.

Focus on Regional Development

The presence of representatives from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh underlined the government’s commitment to strengthening fisheries across diverse states. The Union Minister urged local bodies and farmers to make optimum use of the available ponds, rivers, and reservoirs, thereby ensuring sustainable growth in fish production and supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.