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Key Points

Gujarat has emerged as India’s second-largest marine fish producer, with projections hitting 10.37 lakh MT next year. The state benefits from PMMSY’s ₹897cr funding and harbor modernization schemes. Initiatives like RAS aquaculture and cold storage subsidies are empowering fishermen. With a 2,340 km coastline, Gujarat is pivotal to India’s blue economy growth.

Key Points: Gujarat Ranks 2nd in Marine Fish Production with 10.37 Lakh MT Target

  • Gujarat targets 10.37 lakh MT fish production in 2024-25
  • State govt offers subsidies on fuel and harbor upgrades
  • PMMSY allocates ₹897cr to Gujarat for fisheries projects
  • Four new fishing harbors under construction at Madhavad and Veraval
3 min read

Gujarat ranks 2nd in marine fish production, estimated to be 10.37 lakh MT in 2024-25

Gujarat secures 2nd spot in India's marine fish output, eyeing 10.37 lakh MT in 2024-25 with PMMSY and state govt initiatives boosting fisheries.

"PMMSY is addressing critical gaps in the fisheries value chain from production to marketing – Government Report"

Ahmedabad, Aug 3

With the longest coastline of 2,340 kilometers, Gujarat is making significant contribution to development of blue economy in the country.

Gujarat has ranked second in the country in the marine fish production and is expected to consolidate its position further, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The average annual fish production figure in Gujarat in the last 4 years has been 8.56 lakh metric tonnes. In 2023-24, the total fish production in the state stood at around 9,07,901 metric tonnes.

It is estimated to be around 10,36,773 metric tonnes in the year 2024-25 (October-September) with an estimated 7,64,343 metric tonnes of marine fish production and 2,72,430 metric tonnes of inland fish production in the state.

The Gujarat government has implemented various promotional initiatives and policies to increase fish production in the state and make the fishermen more economically prosperous.

The Centre-run Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has already laid out elaborate plans on enhancing productivity while addressing challenges of the fishing industry.

PMMSY is addressing critical gaps in the fisheries value chain ranging from fish production, productivity and quality to technology, post-harvest infrastructure and marketing.

The scheme aims to modernise and strengthen the value chain, enhance traceability and establish a robust fisheries management framework as well as ensure social and economic well-being of fishermen.

Under the PMMSY, an outlay of Rs 897.54 crore has already been sanctioned by the Centre for various component projects in Gujarat from the year 2020-21 to 2024-25.

A grant of Rs 50 crore has been allocated to Gujarat under PMMSY for the year 2025-26.

This is giving an impetus to fisheries activities in the state.

Further, to harness the potential of Gujarat’s 2,340 km long coastline, the state government has kicked off several initiatives including providing subsidy on purchase of kerosene and petrol, road and electricity facilities and upgradation of infrastructure of small fishermen’s harbours.

Along with this, four new fishing harbours are being constructed at Madhavad, Navabandar, Veraval-2 and Sutrapada.

Several initiatives including assistance in setting up of Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) for fish farming and production, assistance for purchase of medicines, minerals and probiotics given in the form of feed for pre-preparation of shrimp pond, assistance for cage culture are being taken up.

Apart from this, assistance is also being provided on setting up of modern boat building yards and installation of blast freezers and cold storage for boat owners, fisheries co-operative societies and fish traders as well as providing nets to fishermen.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the numbers look impressive, I hope the government is also focusing on sustainable fishing practices. We don't want to deplete our marine resources like some other states have done. Need balance between production and conservation.
A
Arjun K
Gujarat's coastline is truly our treasure! The new fishing harbors will create so many jobs. My cousin works in Veraval fisheries - says the cold storage facilities have been a game changer for preserving catch quality.
S
Sarah B
As someone who studied marine biology, I'm impressed by the Recirculating Aquaculture System initiative. This modern approach can really boost production without harming the ecosystem. Hope other coastal states learn from Gujarat's model.
V
Vikram M
The subsidies on fuel and infrastructure are good, but what about insurance for fishermen? Many still risk their lives daily. Government should include accident coverage in these schemes.
K
Kavya N
Amazing progress! Gujarat's fish production is not just feeding our state but contributing to national food security. The export potential is huge too - our Surat seafood processing units are working overtime to meet international demand.

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