Indian Economy News

Next-Gen Aquaculture in India: Harnessing RAS and Bio-floc Technology in the Blue Economy for the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat Vision

The fisheries and aquaculture sector has emerged as a vital pillar of India's economic growth, supporting the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers, with India now the world's second-largest fish producer, contributing around 8% of global fish production, and the largest producer and exporter of shrimp. Since 2015, the Government of India has approved or announced cumulative investments exceeding Rs. 39,272 crore (US$ 5.21 billion) across flagship fisheries and aquaculture schemes. Annual fish production has more than doubled, from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to a record 198 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while inland fisheries and aquaculture production rose 147% over the same period. India's seafood exports more than doubled from Rs. 30,213 crore (US$ 4.99 billion) in 2013-14 to a record Rs. 73,890 crore (US$ 8.36 billion) in 2025-26.

Technology infusion, particularly Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc technology under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), has enabled more intensive and resource-efficient fish farming. RAS recycles up to 90-95% of water, supporting resource-efficient production closer to urban and export hubs. Under PMMSY, 9,467 RAS units and 4,573 Biofloc units have been approved, backed by investments of Rs. 4,120 crore (US$ 466.22 million). These systems are also being adopted in cold-water fisheries clusters across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh for trout culture, alongside export-oriented shrimp farming, strengthening India's position in high-value seafood markets.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.