Government Pushes Advanced Fish Farming Systems to Boost Production, Seafood Exports and Sustainable Aquaculture

Key Highlights

• India’s fish production reached a record 198 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, more than double the 95.79 lakh tonnes recorded in 2013-14.
• Inland fisheries and aquaculture production grew 147%, from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 151.60 lakh tonnes during the same period.
• Seafood exports more than doubled to a record ₹73,890 crore in 2025-26.
• Under PMMSY, the government has approved 9,467 RAS units and 4,573 Biofloc units.
• Around ₹4,120 crore has been invested under PMMSY to promote these advanced aquaculture systems.
• RAS can recycle up to 90–95% of water, making fish farming more resource-efficient.
• The technologies are being used for trout, shrimp, ornamental fish and other high-value species.
• The government sees technology, digital monitoring, AI, drones and renewable energy as important to the next phase of India’s blue economy.

Advanced Aquaculture Emerges as a New Growth Engine

India is increasingly turning to technology-driven aquaculture to strengthen its fisheries sector, improve resource efficiency and meet rising domestic and international demand for fish and seafood.

The fisheries and aquaculture sector currently supports the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers and generates employment across production, processing, marketing and exports. India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing around 8% of global fish production, while also ranking among the leading countries in aquaculture and capture fisheries.

The government has highlighted Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc technology as key innovations supporting the next generation of intensive and commercially viable fish farming under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Fish Production More Than Doubles in a Decade

India’s fish production has more than doubled over the past decade, increasing from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 198 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.

Inland fisheries and aquaculture have been a major contributor to this growth. Production from these segments increased by 147%, rising from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 151.60 lakh tonnes during the same period.

The country’s seafood exports have also recorded significant growth. Export value increased from ₹30,213 crore in 2013-14 to ₹73,890 crore in 2025-26, reflecting the growing international demand for Indian seafood and the increasing importance of fisheries to India’s export economy.

Since 2015, cumulative government investments and approvals across major fisheries and aquaculture schemes have exceeded ₹39,272 crore, supporting production, infrastructure, technology adoption, market access and export competitiveness.

PMMSY Accelerates RAS and Biofloc Adoption

Technology adoption has become a central part of India’s aquaculture development strategy.

Under PMMSY, 9,467 Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems and 4,573 Biofloc units have been approved, backed by investments of around ₹4,120 crore.

These systems enable farmers to move beyond traditional aquaculture practices towards controlled, intensive and year-round fish production.

What is RAS?

A Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) uses filtration and water-treatment technologies to continuously recycle water within a fish farming facility.

The system can recycle up to 90–95% of water, significantly reducing water requirements compared with conventional systems. Because production takes place in controlled environments, RAS facilities can also be established closer to urban consumption centres, processing facilities and export hubs.

What is Biofloc Technology?

Biofloc technology uses beneficial microorganisms to improve water quality while helping support fish growth. The system allows farmers to raise fish at high stocking densities while making more efficient use of available water and space.

Together, RAS and Biofloc are helping expand aquaculture into locations where conventional farming may not always be feasible.

Technology Opens Opportunities for High-Value Aquaculture

The application of these technologies is not limited to conventional fish farming. RAS and Biofloc systems are increasingly supporting specialised aquaculture segments across different parts of India.

In Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, advanced systems are being used in cold-water fisheries clusters for premium species such as trout.

In saline and brackish-water regions, technology is supporting export-oriented shrimp production, while controlled systems are also being adopted for ornamental fish farming.

This diversification could create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and fish farmers seeking to enter high-value and specialised segments of the aquaculture market.

RAS and Biofloc Could Strengthen Seafood Export Competitiveness

Controlled production environments can provide greater consistency in production, quality management, biosecurity and traceability—factors that are becoming increasingly important in international seafood markets.

As India moves towards greater value addition and export-oriented aquaculture, technology-enabled production could help producers respond more effectively to international quality requirements while improving the competitiveness of Indian seafood.

The growth of these systems also aligns with India’s broader objective of developing a more resilient and sustainable blue economy.

Digital Technology Could Shape the Next Phase

The government has identified further integration of aquaculture with digital monitoring platforms, artificial intelligence, drone-enabled services and renewable energy as potential areas for future development.

The diversification of production towards high-value species such as shrimp, trout, seabass, tilapia, murrel and pangasius could also help farmers achieve greater value realisation and strengthen India’s access to international markets.

Skill development, industry partnerships and continued policy support are expected to remain important for scaling these technologies.

Impact on Hospitality, Food and Travel & Tourism

The expansion of technology-driven aquaculture has implications well beyond fisheries production and exports.

For the hospitality and food sector, increased domestic production of fish and seafood can strengthen supply chains for hotels, restaurants, resorts and catering businesses. Greater consistency in production and quality could also support more reliable sourcing of seafood for foodservice operators.

For seafood exports, improved traceability, biosecurity and controlled production can strengthen India’s position as a global seafood supplier, benefiting businesses involved in processing, cold-chain logistics and food exports.

For tourism, specialised aquaculture clusters—particularly trout farming in Himalayan and cold-water regions—could create opportunities for agri-tourism, fisheries tourism, local food experiences and destination-based seafood offerings. Ornamental fish production can similarly support niche visitor attractions and entrepreneurial ventures.

The emergence of modern aquaculture hubs could also generate new opportunities for local hospitality businesses, including accommodation, restaurants, transportation and tourism services around emerging fisheries clusters.

The Road Ahead

With fish production and seafood exports reaching record levels, technology is becoming increasingly important to India’s next phase of aquaculture development.

The expansion of RAS and Biofloc systems, combined with digital technologies, renewable energy and high-value species diversification, could help India increase production while using resources more efficiently.

For the broader hospitality, food and tourism ecosystem, the growth of a technology-enabled fisheries sector could mean stronger seafood supply chains, new culinary opportunities, specialised tourism experiences and greater economic activity in emerging aquaculture destinations.

The government’s focus on technology-driven aquaculture therefore positions fisheries not only as a source of food and exports, but also as an increasingly important component of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat vision and its expanding blue economy.