With the longest coastline in India—stretching 2,340.62 km—Gujarat holds significant potential in advancing the country’s blue economy. The state currently ranks second in India for marine fish production.
Impressive Growth in Fish Production
Over the past four years, Gujarat has recorded an average annual fish production of approximately 8.56 lakh metric tonnes.
In the 2023–24 season (October–September):
- Marine fish production stood at 7,04,828 metric tonnes
- Inland fish production was 2,03,073 metric tonnes
- Total production reached 9,07,901 metric tonnes
Projections for 2024–25 (October–September) estimate:
- Marine fish output at 7,64,343 metric tonnes
- Inland fish production at 2,72,430 metric tonnes
- Total fish production of about 10,36,773 metric tonnes
Government Support and Investments
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Gujarat has received project approvals worth ₹897.54 crore between 2020–21 and 2024–25. For 2025–26, the central government has allocated a grant of ₹50 crore to further strengthen the state’s fisheries infrastructure.
To fully harness the potential of its vast coastal resources, the Gujarat government is implementing several strategic measures, including:
- VAT reduction on diesel
- Subsidies on kerosene and petrol for marine use
- Allocation of land for shrimp farming
- Expansion of road and electricity infrastructure
- Development of port facilities for small fishermen
- Construction of four new fishing ports at Madhwad, Nawabandar, Veraval-2, and Sutrapada
Fisheries Development Initiatives for 2025–26
The state has outlined key initiatives for the current fiscal year to enhance fishery productivity and support fisherfolk, including:
- Support for Biofloc and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
- Financial aid for shrimp pond preparation, including purchase of medicines, minerals, and probiotics
- Assistance for cage culture (Bhambharapani)
- Help in establishing modern boat-building yards, cold storage, and blast freezers
- Provision of replacement boats and nets for traditional fishermen
- Incentives for setting up fish by-product processing units, seaweed seed banks, and shrimp/fish/crab hatcheries
- Support for seaweed cultivation
Through these comprehensive initiatives, Gujarat is not only solidifying its position as a fisheries powerhouse but also contributing significantly to sustainable marine resource development and rural livelihoods.