Fish output has risen to 197.75 lakh tonnes, Fisheries Minister tells NFDB board

India's fish production has risen from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes, Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh told the governing body of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad on 5 November.

Singh, who is also Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Panchayati Raj, chaired the board's 13th Governing Body meeting. Telangana's Minister Vakiti Srihari, Arunachal Pradesh's Gabriel Denwang Wangsu and Tripura's Sudhangshu Das attended, along with state fisheries officials and 13 non-official members.

What the minister asked for

Singh asked the NFDB to become a more proactive development institution with greater last-mile reach to fish farmers and closer coordination with states. He stressed completing projects on time and using funds effectively, and directed focused support to the North-Eastern and inland states to bridge gaps in production, supply and consumption.

Exports and enterprise

Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi said seafood exports are now worth around ₹70,000 crore. He called for stronger digital services, simpler stakeholder support and more private investment through cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations, start-ups and entrepreneurs.

What the states want

State ministers asked for continued Central support for fish markets and Integrated Aqua Parks. They also urged greater convergence between fisheries and rural development schemes to use Amrit Sarovars, reservoirs and other water bodies, and more training for fishers, women and self-help groups under PMMSY.

The release does not announce new funding or decisions from the meeting.

---

Source: official release by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (06 NOV 2026 8:26AM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Hon’ble Union Minister chaired the 13th Governing Body Meeting of NFDB.