Government says fisheries exports touched an all-time high of ₹73,890 crore while PMMSY creates 58 lakh jobs and receives a ₹2,500 crore allocation for FY 2026-27.

Key Highlights

• Fish production reaches a record 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, up from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20.
• ₹21,461 crore worth of fisheries projects approved under PMMSY across India.
• ₹6,205.78 crore released to states and implementing agencies.
• Seafood exports hit an all-time high of ₹73,890 crore in FY 2025-26.
• PMMSY has generated 58 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
• 2,195 Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs) approved with an investment of ₹544.86 crore.
• PMMSY extended till September 2026, with a ₹2,500 crore Budget allocation for FY 2026-27.

PMMSY Drives Record Fish Production and Seafood Exports, Says Government

New Delhi, July 28: India’s fisheries sector has achieved record growth under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with fish production touching an all-time high of 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 and seafood exports reaching ₹73,890 crore during FY 2025-26.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed Parliament that PMMSY has emerged as the flagship programme driving investments in fisheries infrastructure, aquaculture, exports and employment since its launch in 2020-21.

₹21,461 Crore Worth of Projects Approved

Over the last six years, the Department of Fisheries has approved fisheries development projects worth ₹21,461.03 crore across 34 States and Union Territories, along with other implementing agencies.

The approved projects include:

• Total project value: ₹21,461.03 crore
• Central share: ₹9,571.09 crore
• Central funds released: ₹6,205.78 crore

The investments support aquaculture, fishing infrastructure, cold-chain development, fish landing centres, hatcheries, value addition and modern fisheries technologies.

Fish Production and Exports Reach New Highs

According to the Ministry:

• Fish production increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, marking the highest level recorded in the country.
• Seafood exports grew from ₹46,663 crore in 2019-20 to ₹73,890 crore in FY 2025-26, reflecting stronger global demand and improved export infrastructure.

The government attributed the growth to sustained investments under PMMSY, improved aquaculture practices and strengthened fisheries value chains.

58 Lakh Employment Opportunities Created

The Ministry said PMMSY has generated around 58 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities across fisheries and aquaculture-related activities, benefiting fishers, fish farmers, processors, traders and allied industries.

NITI Aayog Recommends Continuation

The government also informed that NITI Aayog, after evaluating PMMSY along with other Centrally Sponsored Schemes, recognised its positive impact on the fisheries sector and recommended its continuation.

Following the evaluation, the scheme has been extended until September 2026 in its existing form.

For the current financial year 2026-27, the Centre has allocated ₹2,500 crore for PMMSY.

2,195 Fish Farmers Producer Organisations Approved

To strengthen collective marketing and improve incomes, the Department of Fisheries has approved projects worth ₹544.86 crore for the formation of 2,195 Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs) between FY 2021-22 and FY 2025-26.

The programme provides financial assistance towards:

• Incubation support.
• Management costs.
• Equity grants.

The government said FFPOs are expected to improve bargaining power, market access and financial sustainability for fishers and fish farmers.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact

The continued expansion of India’s fisheries sector is expected to have a significant positive impact on the hospitality, tourism and foodservice industries. Record fish production and improved cold-chain infrastructure can ensure a more stable supply of fresh and processed seafood for hotels, restaurants, resorts and cruise operators across the country.

Higher seafood exports also reinforce India’s position as a global seafood supplier while encouraging investments in premium seafood processing, culinary innovation and destination dining. Coastal tourism destinations such as Kerala, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are likely to benefit from stronger seafood supply chains, enabling hospitality businesses to promote regional seafood cuisine, seafood festivals and experiential culinary tourism. The growth of FFPOs and fisheries infrastructure is also expected to improve product traceability and quality, supporting the increasing demand for sustainable seafood among domestic and international travellers.