Gujarat has made significant strides in fish production, securing the second position in India. The state has a coastline of 2,340.62 km, making it crucial for the development of the blue economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of the blue economy for sustainable growth. The Gujarat government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has implemented various policies to boost fish production and improve the livelihoods of fishermen.
In the past four years, Gujarat has maintained an average fish production of 856,000 metric tons per year. In the 2023-24 fishing season, the total marine fish production reached 704,828 metric tons, with inland fish production at 203,073 metric tons. This brought the total fish production for the state to approximately 907,901 metric tons.
Looking ahead, the state anticipates an increase in marine fish production to 764,343 metric tons and inland fish production to 272,430 metric tons, projecting a total of 1,036,773 metric tons for the 2024-25 season.
The Prime Minister’s Fishery Development Scheme (PMMSY) aims to enhance fish production and improve the living conditions of fishermen. The central government has released a grant of ₹50 crore for Gujarat for the year 2025-26, which will further boost activities in the fishing industry.
Gujarat has received approvals for various projects worth ₹897.54 crore under PMMSY from 2020-21 to 2024-25. These initiatives focus on developing necessary infrastructure and addressing key challenges in the fisheries value chain, such as technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing.
To promote the fishing sector, the Gujarat government has introduced incentives such as reduced diesel tax, subsidies for kerosene and petrol purchases, and increased infrastructure at fishing ports. New fishing ports are also being constructed in Madhavpur, Nawabandar, Veraval-2, and Sutrapada.
The state government is also keen on adopting modern aquaculture systems, such as biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), to enhance fish farming. Additional support includes subsidies for purchasing probiotics, establishing cold storage facilities, and providing fishing gear to traditional fishermen.
Furthermore, the government aims to increase fish production by an additional 700,000 metric tons by 2024-25, with a target of boosting fish export earnings to ₹1 lakh crore. Gujarat’s fishermen have seen their earnings grow significantly, with average annual income per family increasing from ₹6.56 lakh in 2018 to ₹10.89 lakh in 2022. This growth reflects the state’s commitment to developing its fishery sector and ensuring the prosperity of its fishing communities.
In summary, Gujarat’s fish production is on an upward trajectory, supported by government initiatives aimed at enhancing the blue economy and improving the livelihoods of fishermen. With a focus on sustainable practices and modern technologies, the state is positioning itself as a leader in the fishing industry in India.