India’s Aquaculture Revolution: From Inland Ponds to Global Prominence
India’s aquaculture story is one of quiet transformation that has steadily reshaped the country’s food systems, rural economy, and global standing. From traditional pond-based fish farming practiced for centuries, India has evolved into one of the world’s most influential aquaculture producers. Today, aquaculture is no longer a subsidiary activity but the backbone of India’s fisheries sector, driving nutrition security at home and strengthening the country’s position in international seafood markets.
Blessed with vast inland water resources, long coastlines, diverse climatic zones, and a strong farming tradition, has leveraged natural advantages with scientific intervention. Over the past decade, the sector has witnessed unprecedented growth, with total fish production nearly doubling. Aquaculture alone now contributes the majority share of this output, clearly surpassing capture fisheries and placing India among the top aquaculture-producing nations in the world, second only to China.
Globally, aquaculture has become the fastest-growing food production system, supplying more aquatic food than wild capture fisheries. According to the , aquaculture now accounts for more than half of the world’s aquatic animal production. Within this global transition, India stands out as a major contributor, supplying a significant share of freshwater fish and farmed shrimp to international markets while also catering to one of the world’s largest domestic consumer bases.
The strength of Indian aquaculture lies predominantly in inland freshwater systems. Ponds, tanks, reservoirs, and floodplain wetlands across states such as Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh have become hubs of intensive and semi-intensive fish culture. Indian major carps like Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal continue to dominate production, supported by improved breeding techniques, quality seed availability, and composite fish culture practices. Alongside these, the expansion of shrimp farming—particularly Pacific white shrimp—has transformed India into a leading exporter of farmed shrimp, earning valuable foreign exchange and global recognition.
Beyond production figures, aquaculture has emerged as a powerful socio-economic engine. Millions of fish farmers, hatchery operators, feed manufacturers, processors, traders, and exporters depend on the sector for livelihoods. For many rural and coastal communities, aquaculture has provided a reliable source of income, employment, and resilience against agricultural uncertainty. Its contribution to national income and agricultural value has steadily increased, reinforcing its role as a critical pillar of the blue economy.
Government support has been central to this transformation. Initiatives such as the have focused on modernising infrastructure, improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting sustainable practices. Investments in hatcheries, cold chains, processing units, and market linkages have helped bridge gaps between production and consumption, while also encouraging private participation and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Despite its success, Indian aquaculture continues to face challenges. Disease outbreaks, climate variability, water quality concerns, rising input costs, and uneven access to technology pose ongoing risks. Addressing these issues requires stronger biosecurity measures, climate-resilient farming practices, better extension services, and increased research into nutrition, genetics, and sustainable feeds. Encouraging responsible intensification and environmentally sound systems will be key to maintaining long-term growth without compromising ecosystems.
Looking ahead, India’s aquaculture sector holds immense promise. With rising global demand for affordable and nutritious protein, expanding domestic consumption, and continuous technological innovation, India is well positioned to further strengthen its global standing. The journey from small inland ponds to global seafood markets reflects not just growth in numbers, but a broader narrative of adaptation, resilience, and opportunity—one that places aquaculture at the heart of India’s food security and economic future.