Why In the News?
Recently, in January 2026, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying advised State governments to “diversify their fish basket” to counter recent export challenges. This advisory follows the imposition of high retaliatory tariffs by the USA (up to 58.26% total duty on shrimp) and the growing threat of climate-led diseases.
The Ministry is pushing for a transition from traditional species like Rohu and Catla to export-oriented varieties such as Tilapia, Pangasius, and Scampi, while also exploring “waste-to-wealth” projects in saline-affected lands of Northern India.
1. Fish Export and Production in India
I. Global Standing and Production Trends
- Rankings: India is the second-largest fish-producing nation in the world, contributing nearly 8% of global fish production. It also holds the rank of the second-largest aquaculture producer globally.
- Decadal Growth: Total fish production in India has doubled over the last decade, rising from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to nearly 198 lakh tonnes in 2024–25.
- Inland vs. Marine: A significant shift has occurred where Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture now contribute more than 75% of the total fish production, while Marine Fisheries account for the remaining 25%.
II. Seafood Export Performance
- Export Value: India’s seafood exports reached a record high of ₹62,408 crore in FY 2024–25.
- Leading Commodity: Frozen Shrimp remains the flagship export item, accounting for approximately 66% of the total export earnings.
- Major Markets: The USA is the largest importer of Indian seafood, followed by China, the European Union, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
- Trade Agreements: The recent India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in 2025 provides duty-free access for Indian seafood to the UK market, which is expected to boost exports by 70%.
2. Leading Fish Producing States
- Andhra Pradesh: This state is the top producer in India, contributing over 25% of the national output and dominating shrimp exports.
- West Bengal: It ranks second, driven primarily by freshwater aquaculture and a strong domestic cultural demand.
- Gujarat: It is the leading state in Marine Fish production, benefiting from the longest coastline in the country.
3. Major Government Initiatives
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Launched in 2020 with an outlay of ₹20,050 crore, it aims to enhance production to 22 million tonnes and double export earnings by 2025.
- PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY): A sub-scheme under PMMSY focusing on formalizing the unorganized fisheries sector and providing digital identities to fishers.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Established to provide concessional finance for the creation of infrastructure like fishing harbors, cold storages, and ice plants.
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC): The government has extended KCC facilities to fishers, recently increasing the credit limit for the sector to ₹5 lakh.
Consider the following statements regarding Thiruvalluvar and Tirukkural:
1. Tirukkural is written in Kural Venba metre and consists of 1,330 couplets.
2. Tirukkural is divided into four parts dealing with ethics, wealth, love, and liberation.
3. Thiruvalluvar’s philosophy is secular in nature and avoids explicit religious references.
4. Tirukkural primarily focuses on devotional themes and religious rituals.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer: A
Solution
Statement 1 – Correct
Tirukkural consists of 1,330 couplets written in the Kural Venba metre.
Statement 2 – Incorrect
Tirukkural has three parts (Aram, Porul, Inbam), not four; it does not explicitly deal with Moksha.
Statement 3 – Correct
Thiruvalluvar’s work is secular and universal, avoiding explicit religious or sectarian references.
Statement 4 – Incorrect
Tirukkural focuses on ethics, governance, and love, not devotional rituals.
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