Top 10 Fish Farming States in India - Largest Fish Producing States!

The growth of fish farming in India is mainly due to fish being nutritious, reasonably priced, and in high demand. Furthermore, due to massive demand, fish farming provides great employment opportunities and livelihood to economically backward societies. 

As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India is the 3rd largest fish-producing country in the world. Therefore, it accounts for a 7.56% share of global food production. Apart from this, India is the 2nd largest fish producing state in india after China, through aquaculture.

Almost 60% of Indians consume fish in their diet. Though, the consumption of fish is increasing in the Indian fishing industry. Let’s talk about the top 10 states for fish farming in India, where there is high demand for fish or marine resources.

Fish Farming in India - Top 10 Fish Producing States in India 

Following, we are going to present state-wise information on the best fish farming in India. Please have a look. 

Largest Fish Producing States in India

• Andhra Pradesh
• West Bengal
• Gujarat
• Kerala
• Tamil Nadu
• Goa, Daman, Dieu
• Puducherry
• Odisha
• Karnataka
• Maharashtra

1. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is the major fish producing state in India. It ranks first in fish production. The state has a long coastline and many freshwater ponds and tanks. This makes it easy to do both marine and inland fish farming.

Fish like Rohu, Catla, and shrimp are commonly farmed here. The government also supports farmers with better farming methods and cold storage facilities. Andhra Pradesh is truly a top fish producing state in India.

2. West Bengal

West Bengal is the second highest fish producing state in India. The state contributes 17.42 lakh tonnes to India’s total fish production through fish farming. Moreover, its many rivers, ponds, and lakes support easy fish farming, with Hilsa being the most popular fish.

People in West Bengal love to eat fish, so the demand is always high. The state also exports fish to other states and countries. This makes West Bengal one of the most popular fish-producing states.

3. Gujarat

As one of the leading producers and exporters of fish, Gujarat fish farming produces 8.35 lakh tonnes of fish production. Moreover, the state was even facilitated with the award of open sea cage fish farming.

According to the state government of Gujarat, it contributes 20% to India’s marine fish production. Furthermore, Fish production in Gujarat is the 3rd largest marine production in India. The fish producing state, Gujarat is also known for processing and exporting fish products.

4. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is famous for its marine fish production. It has a big coastline and many fishing villages. People here find fish from the sea and also grow fish in tanks.

In the fiscal year 2023–24, the state achieved a total fish production of approximately 8.83 lakh metric tonnes. Comprising 6.37 lakh tonnes from marine sources and 2.46 lakh tonnes from inland fisheries. With this level of contribution, it is also considered a strong contender among the top contenders for the largest fish producing state in India.

Fishermen use boats and nets to catch fish like sardines, mackerel, and tuna. Fish farming in Tamil Nadu helps the local economy and provides income to thousands of families.

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5. Kerala

Kerala is one of the top fish producing states in India. Almost 905 species of fish are found in the inland & marine waters of Kerala. The state produces approx. 6.85 lakh tonnes of fish annually. According to recent data from the Department of Fisheries, Kerala's fish production reached 921 thousand metric tons in 2023.

Karimeen is a very in-demand fish in Kerala. In addition, to increase the production, the fisheries department in Kerala is planning to open state-of-the-art outlets in the districts. Moreover, there are many of the biggest fish farms in Kerala.

6. Puducherry

Puducherry’s fish production has increased by 40 thousand metric tons since 2009. In 2020, the state produced approx. 51 thousand metric tonnes of fish.

Puducherry, which is an Indian union territory, is another name on the list of top fish producing states. Also, the state has witnessed a 40 thousand metric tonnes increase in fish production since 2009. During the fiscal year 2020, the state territory bounded by Tamil Nadu produced 51 thousand metric tonnes of fish.

7. Goa, Daman, and Dieu

Kingfish is the most eaten fish in Goa. Moreover, it contributes around 2% of the country’s total fish production. In 2020, the state produced 105 thousand metric tons of fish.

Furthermore, the fisheries industry is the second largest industry in Goa. Around 5-10% Goan population is invested in fishing and allied activities.

8. Odisha

Odisha fish production during 2020-21 accounted for 8.73 metric tons, contributing 2.33% of the state economy.

During 2020-2021, fish production in Odisha accounted for 8.73 lakh metric tons, contributing a share of 2.33% of the state economy. As a result, the fisheries sector is growing at an annual rate of 13%. The government also introduced in 2017 ‘Fish Pond Yojana’ to promote fishery farming in Odisha. Hence, fish production in India is too popular in the state Odisha.

9. Karnataka

The Bangude, Boothayi, and Kane are popular fish found in Karnataka’s Arabian sea. During 2020-21, the state produced 5.99 lakh metric tons of fish.

As of 2023, Karnataka's total fish production in India reached approximately 12.25 lakh metric tons, marking a significant increase from previous years. This includes both marine and inland fish production, reflecting the state's strong fisheries sector. Moreover, fish production in Karnataka plays a vital role in the state economy.

10. Maharashtra

Maharashtra is one of the top fish producing states in India, known for both marine and inland fish farming. According to the Press Information Bureau, the state produces around 86,027 tonnes of marine fish and 3,669 tonnes of inland fish annually.

It is famous for marine species like pomfret, bombil, and prawns, as well as farmed species such as grass carp, Oriya Chromis, and silver carp. The state is also trying to improve inland fish farming.

Government Schemes for Fish Farming in India

The Government of India supports fisheries in India. Thus, have launched various schemes and initiatives that could aid the fisheries of India.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – This scheme was launched by the Department of Fisheries to increase fish production in India. It supports key areas like brood banks, hatcheries, quality seed units, and advanced methods such as high-density aquaculture. Additionally ,it also focuses on training fishers and farmers.

Kisan Credit Card (Fisheries): This scheme gives fish farmers loans through the Kisan Credit Card at low interest rates. Also, it gives extra help, like interest discounts and rewards, if they pay the loan on time. It makes it easy for farmers to handle their fish farming costs and manage their work better.

Also Read – पीएम मत्स्य संपदा योजना

Contribution of Indian Fish Culture 

Conclusion

In India, several states are making significant progress in fish farming by adopting modern techniques. States like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha have emerged as leaders in this sector.

Among them, Andhra Pradesh stands out as the largest fish producing state in India, thanks to its high production capacity. As more states continue to enhance their aquaculture efforts, the future of fish farming in India appears promising and full of potential.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Que. Which state is the largest fish producer in India?

Ans. Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish producing state in india, followed by West Bengal and Gujarat.

Que. Is fish farming in Maharashtra profitable?

Ans. Yes, fish farming in Maharashtra can yield good profits because the demand for fish in India is high.

Que. How to get loans under Odisha fish farming?

Ans. Fish farming loans in Odisha can be taken through the SAFAL portal or by contacting the District Fisheries Officer.

Que. Which type of fish farming in Karnataka is most practised?

Ans. Carnatic carp is the most traded species in Karnataka.

Que. Which is the largest fish farm in India?

Ans. Deoli fish farm is the largest fish farm in India.

Que. Is fish production in Uttar Pradesh good?

Ans. Uttar Pradesh holds the fourth position in fishing production in India. Also, Fish farming in Uttar Pradesh during the fiscal year 2020 accounted for over 699 thousand metric tons.

Que. How much is fish production in Bihar?

Ans. In 2023–24, Bihar produced 873,000 metric tonnes of fish, up from 846,000 tonnes in 2022–23.

Que. Which is the most profitable fish to farm in India?

Ans. In India, Catla and Rohu are good for farming because they sell well and are always in demand.

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