India has recorded one of the world’s fastest inland aquaculture expansions, with output rising 167% from 1.5 million tonnes in 2014 to nearly 4 million tonnes in 2023, according to a regional study by BOBP-IGO and FAO
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India has recorded one of the fastest expansions in inland aquaculture, with production rising 167 per cent—from 1.5 million tonnes in 2014 to nearly 4 million tonnes in 2023.
Asia continues to contribute over 70 per cent of global fish production, driven increasingly by farmed fish, says a preliminary finding of a regional study by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO).
The emerging situation assumes greater significance, especially as marine capture fisheries are stagnating across Asia and countries are rapidly shifting towards aquaculture. ,
The study was presented at a three-day high-level regional workshop attended by delegations from 12 countries. The meeting is organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and BOBP-IGO.
India leads shift
P.Krishnan, Director, BOBP, who presented the findings before policymakers and experts from 12 Asian nations, said India is “a leading driver of Asia’s shift from wild-caught to farmed fish”. Aquaculture’s share in India’s fisheries employment has risen from 17 per cent in 1995 to around 40 per cent in 2020.
The report highlighted that mounting pressure on wild stocks led to a steady decline in marine capture fisheries in several countries. China’s marine landings fell by 15–20 per cent since 2015, while Sri Lanka and Malaysia also showed multi-year downturns.
Despite a strong export sector led by frozen shrimp, the study notes that India consumes about 82 per cent of its total fish production domestically, underlining its importance for national nutrition.
High waste levels
However, the study raises serious concerns over fish loss and waste (FLW). India’s marine fish losses have risen from 2.78 per cent to over 10 per cent, while dry fish losses are as high as 37 per cent, driven by inadequate cold-chain capacity, poor handling practices, and unhygienic landing and drying sites. The report warns that such losses translate into reduced food availability, financial setbacks for small-scale fishers, and a significant drain on nutrients vital to low-income households.
Need for Infrastructure push
To address current challenges, the study recommends targeted investments in decentralised cold-chain infrastructure, insulated boxes and chilled seawater systems, improved landing centres, and the scaling of modern drying and processing technologies.
At the inaugural function, D.V.Swamy, chairman, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), said: “While India’s $7.5 billion seafood export industry is driving unprecedented quality control, the domestic supply chain faces numerous vulnerabilities, posing significant food safety risks to local consumers”.
Published on December 2, 2025
