SYLLABUS

GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. 

Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in its State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 report, stated that India emerged as the world’s second-largest producer of aquatic animals in 2024 and ranked first globally in inland capture fisheries.

Key Findings of the Report

India’s Global Position

• India produced 9% of the world’s aquatic animals in 2024, making it the second-largest producer globally after China.

• India recorded 2.2 million tonnes of inland capture fisheries production from rivers, lakes and freshwater systems.

• It emerged as the world’s largest producer of inland water catches.

• Bangladesh ranked second with 1.4 million tonnes of inland catches. 

India’s Performance in Aquaculture

• India ranked second globally in aquaculture (farmed aquatic animals).

• It contributed 12% of global aquaculture output.

• Along with China, Indonesia, Viet Nam and Bangladesh, India forms a group of five countries that account for: 

• 82% of global farmed aquatic animal production
• 84% of global aquaculture output

Global Fisheries and Aquaculture Production

• Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached an all-time high of 235 million tonnes in 2024.

• This included:

• 195 million tonnes of aquatic animals
• 40 million tonnes of algae

• Production increased by 5.2% compared to 2022.

Aquaculture Driving Growth

• Global aquaculture production reached a record 142 million tonnes.

• Aquaculture has become the main driver of growth in aquatic animal production worldwide.

• The top producers were China, Indonesia, India, Viet Nam  & Bangladesh.

Sustainability Challenges

• The proportion of marine fish stocks harvested within biologically sustainable levels declined from 64.5% in 2021 to 62.4% in 2023. This indicates increasing pressure on marine ecosystems due to rising demand and overexploitation in some regions.

• Although 72.6% of total landings from assessed fish stocks originated from sustainably managed fisheries, FAO cautioned that long-term sustainability remains a major challenge.

• Key Concerns

• Declining health of marine fish stocks 
• Overexploitation of marine resources 
• Rising global demand for aquatic foods 
• Need for sustainable and equitable growth in fisheries and aquaculture

Significance for India

• India's performance demonstrates its emergence as a global fisheries and aquaculture powerhouse and reflects the success of initiatives promoting inland fisheries, aquaculture expansion, and Blue Economy development. 

• The sector contributes significantly to food and nutritional security, supports rural livelihoods, enhances export earnings, and reinforces India's position as a key contributor to global aquatic food production.