The Indian fisheries sector has evolved from a production-focused activity into a dynamic, technology-driven and value-oriented pillar of the national economy. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said that the fisheries ecosystem has witnessed significant transformation through value addition, cold-chain development, modern processing, mobile fish marketing and start-up-led innovation. With the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, drone technology, smart cold-chain systems and precision aquaculture, enterprises are increasingly improving traceability, productivity, quality assurance and post-harvest management.

The ministry highlighted that value addition is emerging as a critical lever in reshaping India’s fisheries sector from a primary production activity into a diversified and market-oriented enterprise. It also noted this shift towards value-addition has been supported by a series of public investments and targeted policy interventions aimed at strengthening the sector from production to markets. The Ministry of Fisheries underscored that the government of India has stepped up public investment in the fisheries sector, committing 39,272 crore rupees since 2015.

This was made possible through key schemes and programmes such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samridhi Sah Yojana and Kisan Credit Card. It noted that these interventions are aimed at expanding infrastructure, strengthening production and post-harvest systems, and creating employment and livelihood opportunities for around 75 lakh fishers and fish farmers across the country.