FAO Report 2026: India ranks second in the world in fish production

Why in the news ?

According to the "The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 (SOFIA 2026)" report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, India is projected to become the world's second-largest producer of aquatic animals in 2024. India contributed 9 percent of global production, while China remained in first place.

Key Points

• According to the report, India has ranked first in the world in inland fish production and second in aquaculture production.
• This achievement reflects India's growing fisheries sector, food security, and strengthening rural economy.

What is FAO's SOFIA 2026 report ?

• The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) is the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) flagship global report assessing the state of fisheries, aquaculture, food security, nutrition, and marine resources worldwide.
• The report provides guidance to governments and policymakers for sustainable fisheries management and the development of aquatic food systems.

India's Key Achievements

1. World's Second Largest Fish Producer

• In 2024, India contributed approximately 9 percent to global aquaculture production, ranking second after China.
• This achievement reflects the continued investment, technological advancements, and success of government schemes in India's fisheries sector.

2. World's First in Inland Fisheries Production

• India produced 2.2 million tons (2.2 million tonnes) of fish from rivers, lakes, ponds, and other freshwater sources.
• Thus, India surpassed Bangladesh (1.4 million tonnes) to rank first in the world in inland fisheries production.
• Importance of Inland Fisheries Production
  • Major source of rural employment
  • Contributes to nutritional security
  • Increases farmers' incomes
  • Better utilization of water resources

3. Second in Aquaculture

• India ranked second in global aquaculture production, contributing 12 percent to global aquaculture production.
• India, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh together contribute 82 percent of the world's farm-based aquaculture production.
• This indicates that Asia has become the center of the global aquaculture sector.

Status of Global Fish Production

• According to the report, global fish and aquaculture production is projected to reach a record 235 million tons in 2024.
• This includes :
  • 195 million tons of aquatic animals
  • 40 million tons of algae
  • This represents an increase of approximately 5.2 percent compared to 2022.

Aquaculture Becomes a Key Driver for Growth

• Global aquaculture production is projected to reach a record 142 million tons in 2024.
• This is not the first time aquaculture has driven growth in the fisheries sector, but it is now clear that aquaculture will play an even more important role in meeting global food demand in the future.

Growing Crisis on Marine Resources

• While production has increased, pressure on marine ecosystems is also increasing.
• According to the report :
  • The share of biologically sustainable marine fish stocks was 64.5 percent in 2021.
  • This will decline to 62.4 percent in 2023.
  • This indicates that long-term sustainability is becoming a serious challenge due to overfishing and increasing pressure on marine resources.

 Who's eating the most fish ?

• According to the report, more than 90 percent of the world's aquatic food products are used directly for human consumption.

Per Capita Availability (2024)

• The availability of fish and other aquatic foods is highest in Asia, while it is lowest in Africa.

Significance for India

• India's achievements are not limited to increased production, but have wide-ranging economic and social impacts.

Economic Significance

• Increase in fish exports
• Foreign exchange earnings
• Strengthening the Blue Economy
• Development of rural and coastal economies

Social Significance

• Improved nutritional security
• Employment generation
• Increased incomes of farmers and fishermen
• Strengthening food security

Strategic Significance

• Accelerating the Blue Economy Mission
• Promoting sustainable marine resource management
• Strengthening India's position in the global fisheries market

Challenges

• Although India has achieved remarkable success, some challenges still remain -
  • Increasing pressure on marine fishery resources
  • Impact of climate change
  • Overfishing
  • Water pollution
  • Lack of cold chain and storage infrastructure
  • Income security of small fishermen

Conclusion

FAO's SOFIA 2026 report highlights remarkable progress in India's fisheries sector. It is a great achievement for India to be the world's second largest fish producer and first place in inland fish production. However, to maintain this success long-term, it will be necessary to further strengthen sustainable fisheries management, conservation of marine resources, expansion of modern aquaculture technologies and blue economy based development strategies.