India's fisheries, driven by PMMSY and modern technology, have increased 104% in ten years to 195 lakh tonnes.

Based on the most recent data from the Department of Fisheries, the fisheries sector in India has experienced remarkable development over the past ten years, with total fish production rising by 104% from 96 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25.  This growth highlights the nation's rise to the position of the world's second-largest fish producer, accounting for almost 8% of worldwide production, especially in inland fisheries, which increased by 142% to 147.37 lakh tonnes.

Modern aquaculture techniques, better infrastructure, and government initiatives have revolutionized the industry, which provides millions of people in rural and coastal areas with an important source of food, jobs, and cash.  One notable example is Navkishar Gope, a displaced villager from Gangudih Punarwas, Jharkhand, who began with nothing and used cage culture under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to change his life.  He increased his output, decreased fish mortality, and now has a house and a moped with plans to grow even more thanks to training and financial assistance.

This growth is a result of investments in hatcheries, pond systems, cold chains, and market networks, which support the move toward high-yield, environmentally friendly methods.  To maintain this momentum, the Union Budget for 2025–2026 has set a record of Rs 2,703.67 crore for the sector, the biggest amount ever.

The Blue Revolution in 2015 marked the start of the trip, which intended to improve infrastructure and productivity in both inland and marine fisheries.  Nonetheless, deficiencies in fisher welfare, traceability, and post-harvest management continued, which prompted the establishment of PMMSY in 2020.  The initiative has authorized projects totaling Rs 21,274.16 crore as of July 22, 2025, with a central share of Rs 9,189.79 crore, and a total investment of Rs 20,050 crore over five years (extended to 2025-26).  Jobs in fishing, aquaculture, processing, and marketing have been created directly and indirectly as a result of the Rs 5,587.57 crore that has been released thus far.

The government has also approved the creation of 195 new fisheries cooperatives as of July 29, 2025, and 200 already-existing ones as Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) under PMMSY.  The Center has contributed Rs 6,761.80 crore of the Rs 17,210.46 crore in infrastructure projects.  Notable developments include 11 integrated aquaparks that cost Rs 682.60 crore and 34 approved fisheries clusters, including organic ones in Meghalaya and Sikkim.  These hubs lower losses and increase farmer earnings by offering end-to-end support from seed and feed to processing and markets.

With 39 businesses receiving Rs 31.22 crore in subsidies for seed investment and incubation, innovation is a crucial pillar.  Rs 4,209.05 crore for interest subvention is one of 163 new projects totaling Rs 6,273.31 crore that have been approved in FY 2025–2026.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a Rs 6,000 crore sub-scheme that was introduced in February 2024 and will run till 2026–2027, is a complementary program to PMMSY.  By April 2025, Rs 11.84 crore had already been approved, with a focus on formalization, insurance, financial access, and quality assurance.

Launched under PM-MKSSY in September 2024, the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) has enrolled over 26 lakh stakeholders by August 2025. Through a single site (nfdp.dof.gov.in), the platform provides digital identities, credit access, insurance, and training.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), which has a capital of Rs 7,522.48 crore and is extended till March 2026, has increased financial inclusion.  It offers 3% interest subvention and credit guarantees up to Rs 12.50 crore.  By June 2025, the Kisan Credit Card initiative had issued 4.76 lakh cards and disbursed Rs 3,214.32 crore, with the ceiling for fisheries having been upped to Rs 5 lakh.

With an allocation of Rs 375 crore under PMMSY, the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan integrates tribal upliftment by providing fish culture support to 10,000 groups and 1 lakh individuals.

Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc are examples of technological improvements; by March 2025, 12,000 RAS units (costing a total of Rs 902.97 crore) and 4,205 Biofloc units (costing Rs 523.30 crore) will have been approved.  These encourage high-density, water-efficient cultivation.

In line with the FAO's Blue Port Initiative, infrastructure modernization includes three smart fishing harbors in Diu, Puducherry, and Gujarat (Rs 369.8 crore) that are outfitted with AI, IoT, solar power, and environmentally friendly equipment.  FAO workshops and engagements with the French Development Bank are examples of international relations.

Higher aid for women, Tribes, and Scheduled Castes demonstrates inclusivity; Rs 3,973.14 crore in projects pertaining to women have been granted.  Additionally, PM-MKSSY provides World Bank and AFD funding to microenterprises.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare SMS 3.8 Crore Farmers in 13 States AI-Based Monsoon Forecasts

This year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare (MoAFW) notified about 3.8 crore farmers in 13 states by SMS (m-Kisan) with AI-based monsoon forecasts. Up to four weeks before the rain, this forecast was more accessible than ever before. AI-based models enabled the creation of projections tailored to farmers' requirements, providing them with an essential tool for organizing their Kharif farming choices.

MoAFW is a global leader in using AI weather forecasting to directly assist farmers with this, the first-of-its-kind targeted distribution of AI weather forecasts to date. Rainfall is essential to Kharif farming, which is the primary source of income and livelihood for millions of farmers throughout India. Farmers can make better decisions about what to plant, how much to grow, and when if they are given prior monsoon projections.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized weather forecasting, making this possible. During a September 8 program review meeting at Krishi Bhavan, Nobel Laureate and University of Chicago Professor Michael Kremer met with Additional Secretary Pramod Kumar Meherda and Joint Secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal to talk about the Ministry's ground-breaking initiative and the program's expansion.

Meherda, an additional secretary, said, “This programme harnesses the revolution in AI-based weather forecasting to predict the arrival of continuous rains, empowering farmers to plan agricultural activities with greater confidence and manage risks. We look forward to continuing to improve this effort in future years.” The monsoon arrived early this year, but the northward progression was halted for 20 days, delaying precipitation.

The MoAFW's AI-based forecasts accurately predicted this pause in the monsoon's advance. “As climate change increases weather variability, forecasts are a useful tool to help farmers adapt to the situation,” said Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary.