Fish production in India is a major part of its food economy, where fish feeds millions and supports the livelihood. All this is crucial in both the inland and marine sectors of India’s fish producers. Over the years, the government of India has promoted fish production through state-level policies to encourage farmers toward higher yields.
The aquaculture and fish output are steadily increasing through the use of various methods and strategies. According to reports and reliable media, there are many states that lead in the fish production sector, whether from ponds, rivers, reservoirs, or the sea. In this post, we will learn about the top 5 fish-producing states in India for 2025.
The numbers and metrics are taken from government data, news portals and recent studies. Let’s get started:
1. Andhra Pradesh – About 5 Million Metric Tonnes
Andhra Pradesh is a clear leader when it comes to fish production, as it has accounted for around 25-26% of India’s total fish production through marine and inland/aquaculture. Andhra Pradesh has become this undisputed leader through the balanced combination of marine fishing along its long coastline and extensive inland aquaculture.
The key production was of shrimps and freshwater fish, which led to such high numbers. Even though there are many incentives offered by the state government to promote pond management, seed distribution, and export-oriented shrimp farming. All this has helped Andhra Pradesh become a consistent leader in fish production.
2. West Bengal – About 2 Million Metric Tonnes
West Bengal holds the second position in this list with its 2 million metric tonnes of fish production in 2023-24. This state has consistently contributed to fish production for decades, with a 10% contribution to the total national output.
West Bengal is blessed with abundant rivers, floodplains, wetlands, and much more. All this built a strong tradition of inland and riverine fisheries, including the famed Hilsa. Another reason behind the massive production numbers is the network of small ponds and water bodies. There are hatchery programmes and training under the national fisheries mission to promote better production.
3. Karnataka – About 1 Million Metric Tonnes
Karnataka takes the third position in fish production numbers with its 1 million metric tonnes production annually. There are various things that help Karnataka, but this state mainly benefits from both marine fisheries along the Arabian Sea and the inland aquaculture in reservoirs and tanks.
Even though the contribution of 4% in total national output seems like a small number, this small percentage helps in fulfilling domestic demands. Besides all this, many state-level programmes promote fish seed production, modern landing centres, and cold-chain infrastructure, which will help boost the overall output of Karnataka.
4. Odisha – About 0.92 Million Metric Tonnes
Odisha takes the fourth position in this list with its 0.92 million metric tonnes of fish production in 2023-24. Odisha has around 480-kilometre coastline, rich estuaries, and brackish-water areas, which make it ideal for both marine fishing and brackish water aquaculture.
Alongside these key numbers, there is continuous support from the central and state governments through various schemes to promote and expand shrimp farming. Many other policies, like improved inland fish productivity, better seed, and new methods, are there to strengthen Odisha’s contribution to the national supply.
5. Gujarat – About 0.88 Million Metric Tonnes
Gujarat holds the fifth position with its nearly 0.88 million metric tonnes of fish production in 2023-24. Gujarat is a major hub for marine fisheries, where India’s longest coastline and well-developed fishing harbours help fishermen in increasing the state’s fish output.
Apart from these factors, there are investments in the deep-sea fishing vessels and cold storage facilities for long shelf life. With the harbour modernisation, there is a steady growth of income seen with fish farmers and marine fishermen. Meanwhile, the inland aquaculture is expanding in the reservoirs and ponds.
Bottom Line
These top five states, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, and Gujarat, contribute more than fifty percent of India’s total fish production. These states play a key role in food security, rural employment, and exports, which continue to support India’s economy. Due to this, there are many schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to grow India’s fisheries sector.