Context
- India’s fisheries sector, supporting nearly 3 crore fishers and fish farmers, is embracing RAS and Biofloc technologies for efficient and sustainable aquaculture.
- These technologies are being promoted under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to modernise fish production and strengthen India’s Blue Economy.
Growth of India’s Fisheries Sector
- India is the second largest fish producing country with around 8% share in global fish production.
- Overall fish production has more than doubled over the past decade.
- Inland fisheries and aquaculture production increased by around 147% between 2013–14 and 2024–25.
- Seafood exports have also more than doubled, reflecting the growing global acceptance and competitiveness of Indian seafood.
What is RAS?
- Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) is an intensive fish-farming system in which water is continuously treated, filtered and recirculated within the production system.
- It enables fish farming in controlled environments.
- RAS can recycle up to 90–95% of water, significantly reducing water requirements.
- It allows fish farming to be undertaken in locations where traditional aquaculture may not be feasible.
What is Biofloc Technology?
- Biofloc technology is an aquaculture technique that uses beneficial microorganisms to improve water quality and support fish growth.
- Microorganisms convert organic waste and nutrients in the water into microbial biomass.
- This microbial biomass can serve as an additional food source for fish.
- It reduces the need for frequent water exchange.
- It supports intensive fish farming in relatively limited spaces.
Applications of RAS and Biofloc Technology
- Cold-water fisheries: Increasingly adopted in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh for high-value species such as trout.
- Shrimp aquaculture: Supports production of export-oriented shrimp in saline and brackish-water systems.
- Ornamental fish: Enables controlled rearing of ornamental fish and supports the development of niche markets.
- Urban and peri-urban farming: RAS allows production units to be located closer to major consumption centres.
- High-value aquaculture: Provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to diversify into commercially attractive species and production systems.
Conclusion
RAS and Biofloc technologies are modernising India’s aquaculture through efficient and sustainable fish farming, supporting employment, exports and the Blue Economy under PMMSY and the visions of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
| Important Terms from this Article- RAS and Biofloc Technology |