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.
Sources :
Down to Earth
FAO