The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India (GoI), under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is actively promoting coastal aquaculture across all coastal States and Union Territories (UTs). The government has approved projects worth Rs. 179.50 crore under PMMSY, which includes a genetic improvement programme for Penaeus indicus, the establishment of Broodstock Multiplication Centres (BMC) for P. monodon, the construction of brackish water ponds over 1381 hectares, and the development of 20 shrimp hatcheries. Additionally, the DoF has sanctioned five BMC projects to develop shrimp broodstocks, further enhancing coastal aquaculture.
According to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), 5544 coastal aquaculture farms have been established in the last three years across various coastal States and UTs. The state-wise breakdown of these farms is detailed in the provided annexure.
The shrimp production from brackish water aquaculture has significantly increased, from 8.42 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 to 11.84 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. This rise in shrimp production has substantially impacted the seafood industry, with seafood exports increasing from Rs. 43,721 crores in 2020-21 to Rs. 63,969 crores in 2022-23. Notably, shrimp alone contributed Rs. 40,013 crores to the total seafood export value.
State-wise Number of Coastal Aquaculture Farms Established in the Last Three Years
- Andhra Pradesh: 2181
- Goa: 6
- Karnataka: 2
- Gujarat: 149
- Kerala: 81
- Maharashtra: 14
- Odisha: 1913
- Puducherry: 19
- Tamil Nadu: 407
- West Bengal: 772
Total: 5544
The PMMSY initiative’s focus on coastal aquaculture is a testament to the government’s commitment to boosting the seafood industry and supporting sustainable aquaculture practices. The establishment of these coastal aquaculture farms and the increase in shrimp production and exports highlight the positive impact of these efforts on the industry and the nation’s economy.