Fish Farming in India is rapidly growing because fishes are a good source of nutrition, they are affordable, and thus have a huge supply in Indian counterparts. Furthermore, due to massive demand, fish farming provides great employment opportunities and livelihood to economically backward societies.
On average, India is the 3rd largest fish-producing country in the world that accounts for a 7.56% share of global food production. Apart from this, India is the 2nd largest fish producer after China, through aquaculture.
Fish is a staple dietary source in most Indian states. Almost 60% of Indians consume fish in their diet. The increase in consumption of fish is resulting in an increase in India fishing industry. There are 10 states that outwit the rest of the states. Let’s talk about the top 10 states for fish farming in India, where there is high demand for fish or marine resources and the opportunity to cultivate these resources is optimum.
Fish Farming in India – Top 10 Fish Producing States in India
Following, we are going to present state-wise information on the best fish farming in India. Please have a look.
Largest Fish Producing States in India
- Andhra Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Gujarat
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Goa, Daman, Dieu
- Puducherry
- Odisha
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
1. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has the highest demand for Pulasa fish. The state produced over four million metric tons of fish in 2020.
Andhra Pradesh’s total fish production accounted for over four million metric tons in 2020. Furthermore, Pulasa fish (also known as hilsa, Ilish, and hilsa shad) is in high demand as it is found in great quantities in the Godavari river. Moreover, the state is also known for marine exportation globally. Andhra Pradesh fish production provides around Rs. 150,000 per acre per year from Catla fish farms only. On the other hand, Pulasa fish is considered the best fish in Andhra Pradesh.
A single pond in Andhra Pradesh can help produce 20 tonnes of fish. Here are the top species used for fishing in Andhra Pradesh:
- Bocha (Katla/Catla)
- Tilapia
- Koramenu (Murrel/Snakehead/Chana Marulias)
- Tella Chanuva (Pomfret)
- Pandu Goppa
- Rohu
- Jella
- Vanjaram (Kingfish/Mackerel)
2. West Bengal
Hilsa is the in-demand fish in West Bengal. The state accounts for approx. 17.42 lakh tonnes of fish production annually.
Fish production in West Bengal is the second largest in India. Fish farming in West Bengal accounts for 17.42 lakh tonnes of fish production. Furthermore, the state is a popular inland for Catla species production and export, which is found in its freshwater. West Bengal fish farming has a significant contribution to the state economy.
Fish in Bengal that Bengalis can’t live without
- Hilsa
- Rohu
- Koi
- Tilapia
3. Gujarat
Gujarat contributes to India’s 20% marine fish production with approx. 8.35 lakh tonnes of fish per year.
As one of the leading producers and exporters of fish, Gujarat fish farming production accounts for 8.35 lakh tonnes of fish production. Moreover, the state was even facilitated with the award of open sea cage fish farming. The state alone contributes 20% to India’s marine fish production. Furthermore, Fish production in Gujarat is the 3rd largest marine production in India. Furthermore, freshwater fish farming in Gujarat has also been observed in some parts of the state.
Gujarat includes and contributes the following resources of fisheries in India:
- Shrimps
- Seer Fishes
- Tunas
- Bombay Ducks
- Sciaenids
- Catfishes
- Lizard Fishes
- Pomfrets
- Carangids
- Ribbon Fishes
- Lobsters
- Prawns
4. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu produces approx. 6.82 lakh tonnes of fish/year and is famous for Rohu, Snakehead, Catla, and Tilapia species.
Furthermore, Fish farming in Tamil Nadu involves cultivations of a variety of fishes, such as Rohu, Snakehead, Catla, and Tilapia. Moreover, the state is popularly known for producing 6.82 lakh tonnes of fish. Fish farming Tamil Nadu is a lucrative business as fish products and fishes are high in demand all over the world.
Till today, almost 2086 shrimp farms are functioning in all the 12 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, excluding Chennai.
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5. Kerala
Almost 905 species of fish are found in the inland & marine waters of Kerala. The state produces approx. 6.85 lakh tonnes of fish annually.
Fish production in Kerala is around 6.85 lakh tonnes annually. Karimeen is a very in-demand fish in Kerala. In addition, to increase the production and marketability of inland aquaculture, the fisheries department in Kerala is planning to open state-of-the-art outlets in the districts of Wayanad, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram. Moreover, there are many of the biggest fish farm in Kerala.
The Kerala fish farming department is highly working on projects for:
- Freshwater aquaculture
- Integrated paddy-fish culture
- Carp culture in private and public ponds
- Oyster Farming
- Brackish water culture
- Scientific shrimp farming, oyster farming and backyard seed production.
6. Puducherry
Puducherry’s fish production has increase by 40 thousand metric tons since 2009. In 2020, the state produced approx. 51 thousand metric tonnes of fish.
Puducherry, which is an Indian union territory, is another name on the list of top fish-producing states. Also, the state has witnessed a 40 thousand metric tonnes increase in fish production since 2009. During the fiscal year 2020, the state territory bounded by Tamil Nadu produced 51 thousand metric tonnes of fish.
7. Goa, Daman, and Dieu
Kingfish is the most eaten fish in Goa. Goa has a contribution of 2% of the country’s total fish production. In 2020, the state produced 105 thousand metric tons of fish.
Furthermore, the fisheries industry is the second largest industry in Goa. Around 5-10% Goan population is invested in fishing and allied activities. Moreover, Goa has a share of 2% of the country’s total fish production. During the fiscal year 2020, Goa produced 105 thousand metric tons of fish.
8. Odisha
Odisha fish production during 2020-21accounted for 8.73 metric tons, contributing 2.33% of the state economy.
During 2020-2021, fish production in Odisha accounted for 8.73 lakh metric tons, contributing a share of 2.33% of the state economy. As a result, the fisheries sector is growing at an annual rate of 13%. The government also introduced in 2017 ‘Fish Pond Yojana’ to promote fishery farming in Odisha. Hence, fish culture in Odisha is too popular in the state.
9. Karnataka
The Bangude, Boothayi, and Kane are popular fish found in Karnataka’s Arabian sea. During 2020-21, the state produces 5.99 lakh metric tons of fish.
During FY 2020-2021, Karnataka fish farming contributed to a total fish production of 5.99 lakh metric tons (which includes 3.47 lakh metric tons for marine fish production & 2.52 lakh metric tons for inland fish production). Moreover, fish production in Karnataka plays a vital role in the state economy.
10. Maharashtra
Maharashtra is famous for producing fish species like oriya chromis, grass carp. Apart from this, in 2020, the state experienced 561 thousand metric tons of fish production.
Maharashtra is also one of the leading states for fish culture and deep fishing culture. Apart from this, the state is famous for producing and farming fish species like grass carp, Oriya Chromis, common carp, magur, silver carp, etc.
Government Schemes for Fish Farming in India
The Government of India supports fisheries in India. Thus, have launched various schemes and initiatives that could aid the fisheries of India.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – As a part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme, PMMSY focuses on increasing farmers’ employment & income opportunities and increasing the quality of fisheries resources and techniques.
- Fish Pond Yojna – It is a state-sponsored scheme that provides subsidies to Indian farmers for creating more water bodies for freshwater aquaculture.
Also Read – पीएम मत्स्य संपदा योजना
Contribution of Indian Fish Culture
Conclusion
Fishing production in India is the largest globally. These were the top 10 states with the highest production of fish in India. Moreover, these top states are known for their highest fish production and cultivation of the maximum or variety of fish species. Hence, Fish farming in India has a huge scope in the near future. The income opportunities and profitability are quite huge in India. For further information about the best fish farming method in India, stay with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Que. Which Indian state has the highest production of fish in India?
Ans. The production and farming of fish in Andhra Pradesh are the highest in India. Moreover, the state produces 34.50 lakh tonnes of fish per year.
Que. Is fish farming in Maharashtra profitable?
Ans. As almost 60% of Indians eat fish in their diet and Maharashtra has a population of 11.42 crores. Therefore, Maharashtra fish farming is quite profitable.
Que. How to get loans under Odisha fish farming?
Ans. Odisha has implemented Fish Pond Scheme. The scheme provides freshwater fish in the state and subsidies on loans. The scheme allows farmers to perform freshwater aquaculture across 2200 hectares of land.
Que. Is fish farming in Bihar profitable?
Ans. The minimum profit per acre from a fish farming business in Bihar is Rs 2 lakh.
Que. Which type of fish farming in Karnataka is most practised?
Ans. Carnatic carp is the most traded species in Karnataka.
Que. Which is the largest fish farm in India?
Ans. Deoli fish farm is the largest fish farm in India. Besides, it is located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh and has an area of 4.4 hectares, which includes 14 nursery ponds and 2 big brood stock tanks.
Que. Is fish production in Uttar Pradesh good?
Ans. Uttar Pradesh holds the fourth position in fishing production in India. Also, Fish farming in Uttar Pradesh during the fiscal year 2020 accounted for over 699 thousand metric tons.
Que. How much is fish production in Bihar?
Ans. The annual fish production in Bihar is Rs. 2.8 lakh tones.
Que. Which fish farming is highly profitable in India?
Ans. Tilapia fish is farmed highly in India as it has growing demand and supply.
Que. Andhra Pradesh fisheries cultivate which fish the most?
Ans. Andhra Pradesh fisheries produce Pulasa fish the most, which is quite expensive. Moreover, the Pulasa fish has huge demand as it is one of the tastiest of all.
Que. How much is India fisheries production?
Ans. India fisheries production was recorded at 14.16 million metric tons during 2019-2020.
Que. How much do fish farmers in India earn?
Ans. Fish farmers in India can earn up to Rs 1.75- 2 lakh on average with a minimum investment of Rs. 25,000.
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