Fish plays a significant role in the food, culture, and economy of India. From the spicy fish curries of West Bengal to the grilled seafood found in Kerala, it serves as a staple for millions of people.
The fish production industry in India is experiencing remarkable growth, positioning the country as a global leader in this field.
In this article, we will analyze fish production in India on a state-by-state basis for the year 2025, utilizing the most recent data from 2023-24.
We will also investigate why certain states are performing better, the challenges they encounter, and how India compares to the rest of the world in terms of fish production.
Let us delve into this topic with straightforward and accessible insights!
Fish Production in every Indian State in 2025
| Rank | State/Union Territory | Fish Production (Million Metric Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 5.000 |
| 2 | West Bengal | 2.000 |
| 3 | Karnataka | 1.000 |
| 4 | Odisha | 0.921 |
| 5 | Gujarat | 0.883 |
| 6 | Tamil Nadu | 0.883 |
| 7 | Chhattisgarh | 0.700 |
| 8 | Kerala | 0.685 |
| 9 | Uttar Pradesh | 0.550 |
| 10 | Assam | 0.450 |
| 11 | Bihar | 0.400 |
| 12 | Maharashtra | 0.350 |
| 13 | Jharkhand | 0.250 |
| 14 | Telangana | 0.200 |
| 15 | Tripura | 0.150 |
| 16 | Arunachal Pradesh | 0.050 |
| 17 | Manipur | 0.040 |
| 18 | Meghalaya | 0.030 |
| 19 | Nagaland | 0.020 |
| 20 | Puducherry | 0.005 |
| 21 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 0.004 |
| 22 | Goa | 0.003 |
| 23 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD) | 0.002 |
| 24 | Mizoram | 0.001 |
| 25 | Chandigarh | 0.000 |
| 25 | Delhi | 0.000 |
| 25 | Haryana | 0.000 |
| 25 | Himachal Pradesh | 0.000 |
| 25 | Jammu and Kashmir | 0.000 |
| 25 | Ladakh | 0.000 |
| 25 | Lakshadweep | 0.000 |
| 25 | Punjab | 0.000 |
| 25 | Rajasthan | 0.000 |
| 25 | Sikkim | 0.000 |
| 25 | Uttarakhand | 0.000 |
Percentage share of every Indian State in Fish Production
| Rank | State/Union Territory | % Share of Total Production |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 25.64 |
| 2 | West Bengal | 10.26 |
| 3 | Karnataka | 5.13 |
| 4 | Odisha | 4.72 |
| 5 | Gujarat | 4.53 |
| 6 | Tamil Nadu | 4.53 |
| 7 | Chhattisgarh | 3.59 |
| 8 | Kerala | 3.51 |
| 9 | Uttar Pradesh | 2.82 |
| 10 | Assam | 2.31 |
| 11 | Bihar | 2.05 |
| 12 | Maharashtra | 1.79 |
| 13 | Jharkhand | 1.28 |
| 14 | Telangana | 1.03 |
| 15 | Tripura | 0.77 |
| 16 | Arunachal Pradesh | 0.26 |
| 17 | Manipur | 0.21 |
| 18 | Meghalaya | 0.15 |
| 19 | Nagaland | 0.10 |
| 20 | Puducherry | 0.03 |
| 21 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 0.02 |
| 22 | Goa | 0.02 |
| 23 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD) | 0.01 |
| 24 | Mizoram | 0.01 |
| 25 | Chandigarh | 0.00 |
| 25 | Delhi | 0.00 |
| 25 | Haryana | 0.00 |
| 25 | Himachal Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 25 | Jammu and Kashmir | 0.00 |
| 25 | Ladakh | 0.00 |
| 25 | Lakshadweep | 0.00 |
| 25 | Punjab | 0.00 |
| 25 | Rajasthan | 0.00 |
| 25 | Sikkim | 0.00 |
| 25 | Uttarakhand | 0.00 |
Fish Production in India 2025: The Key Figures
During the 2023-24 period, India’s total fish production reached 19.5 million metric tonnes (equivalent to 195 lakh tonnes).
This achievement makes India the second-largest fish producer in the world, trailing only China, and accounts for approximately 8% of global fish production.
Inland fisheries, which include ponds, rivers, and lakes, constitute over 75% of this total, while marine fisheries contribute the remaining portion.
This growth is substantial – compared to 2013-14, when India produced only 9.57 million tonnes, the production has more than doubled in a span of ten years.
Top Fish-Producing States in India
Here’s how India’s states and Union Territories rank for fish production in 2023-24, based on million metric tonnes:
Andhra Pradesh: 5.000 million tonnes (25.64% of total)
Andhra Pradesh stands out as the leading state in fish production within India. Its extensive coastline and numerous freshwater ponds create an ideal environment for both marine and inland fishing. The state cultivates fish such as Catla, Tilapia, and shrimp, which are significant for local markets as well as exports. Furthermore, it is a global frontrunner in shrimp production, accounting for 70% of India’s shrimp exports.
West Bengal: 2.000 million tonnes (10.26%)
West Bengal has a deep-rooted affinity for fish, which is evident in its practices! The presence of rivers, ponds, and wetlands establishes it as a prime location for fish farming, particularly for Hilsa and Catla. Fish is a staple in the local diet, and the state also exports to various regions. The fisheries sector employs over 1.7 million individuals.
Karnataka: 1.000 million tonnes (5.13%)
Karnataka’s combination of marine (66%) and inland (34%) fishing positions it as a significant contributor. Its coastal waters yield fish such as pomfret and bangude, while inland aquaculture focuses on carp. The fisheries sector significantly boosts India’s economy.
Odisha: 0.921 million tonnes (4.72%)
With a coastline stretching 485 km and numerous rivers, Odisha is advancing in the rankings. It produces Hilsa, Rohu, and prawns, contributing approximately 6% to India’s total fish production. Government initiatives are aimed at doubling its inland production.
Gujarat: 0.883 million tonnes (4.53%)
Gujarat excels in marine fishing, providing 20% of India’s sea catch. Its lengthy coastline supports species such as pomfret and shrimp, and it has received accolades for its open-sea cage farming practices.
Tamil Nadu: 0.883 million tonnes (4.53%)
Tamil Nadu’s coastal fisheries are robust, yielding 0.775 million tonnes of marine fish alone in 2019. It plays a crucial role in both domestic and export markets, featuring fish such as sardines and mackerel.
Chhattisgarh: 0.700 million tonnes (3.59%)
This landlocked state depends on inland fisheries, with its ponds and reservoirs yielding carp and various freshwater fish. It is emerging as a significant player in aquaculture.
Kerala: 0.685 million tonnes (3.51%)
The coastline and backwaters of Kerala establish it as a seafood hub. Although there has been a decline in marine catches such as sardines, it remains a leading producer, with fish valued at ₹12,387 crore at landing centers.
Uttar Pradesh: 0.550 million tonnes (2.82%)
The rivers and ponds of Uttar Pradesh facilitate inland fishing, generating over 0.699 million tonnes in 2020. It plays a substantial role for a landlocked state.
Assam: 0.450 million tonnes (2.31%)
Assam’s rivers and wetlands are ideal for fish species like Rohu and Catla. It is a crucial contributor in the Northeast, with its aquaculture sector expanding.
Others States
States such as Bihar (0.400 million tonnes), Maharashtra (0.350 million tonnes), Jharkhand (0.250 million tonnes), Telangana (0.200 million tonnes), and Tripura (0.150 million tonnes) provide lesser quantities.
Northeastern states including Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram yield even smaller amounts, ranging from 0.001 to 0.050 million tonnes.
Union Territories like Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, and DNHDD have negligible production (0.002–0.005 million tonnes).
Eleven states/UTs, such as Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, do not produce any fish due to limited water resources or a focus on alternative agricultural practices.
Why Certain States Excel in Fish Production
So, what accounts for the dominance of states such as Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal in fish production across India? Here’s an analysis:
Geography: States that feature extensive coastlines (such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu) or abundant rivers, ponds, and wetlands (like West Bengal and Odisha) possess a natural advantage for both marine and inland fishing.
Aquaculture Expansion: The growth of inland fish farming, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, has surged due to modern practices such as pond management and the use of high-yield species like Catla and Rohu.
Government Initiatives: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) offer financial support, training, and technology to enhance production. For instance, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha gain from initiatives aimed at improving fish farming and export capabilities.
Cultural Demand: In regions such as West Bengal and Kerala, fish constitutes a staple part of the diet, which stimulates local demand and promotes increased production.
India’s Position in Global Fish Production
India’s standing in fish production is noteworthy: it ranks as the second-largest fish producer globally, following China, and holds the third position in capture fisheries.
The country contributes approximately 8% to the global fish production and is a leader in shrimp production. The fisheries sector sustains 28 million individuals and contributes 1.1% to India’s GDP, with exports generating ₹334.41 billion.
The Union Budget for 2025-26 has earmarked ₹2,703.67 crore for fisheries, designating it as a “sunrise sector” due to its potential for growth.
Challenges Confronting Fish Production
Despite the progress, fish production in India by 2025 encounters several obstacles:
- Overfishing: Unsustainable methods in marine fisheries, particularly in Kerala, have resulted in declines in catches such as oil sardines.
- Climate Change: Increasing sea levels and water contamination are impacting fish populations.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Numerous regions are without cold storage or processing facilities, resulting in spoilage.
- Small-Scale Farmers: The majority of fish farmers yield only 2 tonnes annually, in contrast to 172 tonnes in Norway.
Opportunities for Advancement
The outlook for fish production in India appears promising. Here are the reasons:
- Technology and Innovation: Emerging tools such as cage farming and digital monitoring are enhancing yields, particularly in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
- Government Initiatives: PMMSY and the newly introduced Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) provide financial support and insurance to fish farmers, with a goal of achieving ₹1 lakh crore in exports by 2025.
- Sustainable Approaches: Initiatives like the Palk Bay Scheme advocate for environmentally friendly fishing practices to safeguard marine ecosystems.
- Export Opportunities: With India positioned as the fourth largest in global fish exports, states like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are poised to benefit from demand from nations such as the US and China.
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