Why in the News

India reiterated its commitment to sustainable fisheries management, value chain strengthening, deep sea resource development, regulatory cooperation and scientific collaboration during interactions involving FAO, MPEDA and NFDB, aligned with India’s Blue Economy vision.

Key Institutions

• Food and Agriculture Organization
• Marine Products Export Development Authority
• National Fisheries Development Board

India Fisheries Sector Data Snapshot

• Total fish production: Increased from about 95 lakh tonnes in 2013 to nearly 195 lakh tonnes in 2024
• Share of inland fisheries and aquaculture: Over 75 percent of total fish production
• Global rank: India among top three fish producing nations. Second largest aquaculture producer globally
• Employment: Fisheries and aquaculture support livelihoods of over 28 million people

Seafood Export Performance

• FY 2023 to 24: Export volume 17.81 lakh metric tonnes. Export value about ₹60,500 crore or US$7.3 billion
• FY 2024 to 25: Export volume about 17 lakh metric tonnes. Export value about ₹62,400 crore or US$7.45 billion
• Top export item: Frozen shrimp. About 40 percent of export volume.Nearly 65 percent of export earnings
• Major markets: USA, China, European Union, Japan, Southeast Asia, Middle East

Prelims Pointers

• MPEDA works under Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• NFDB works under Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying
• Digital traceability is mandatory for exports to EU markets
• Frozen shrimp dominates India’s seafood exports
• Fisheries sector contributes to nutrition security and export earnings
• Sustainable fisheries are central to India’s Blue Economy policy

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