Odisha sets ambitious target of producing 2 Million MT fish by 20230
Odisha aims to further enhance its fisheries sector by increasing annual fish production to over 2 million metric tons by 2030-2031, boosting the annual sale value of fish, and generating additional employment opportunities. The state organised a massive Matsya-Pranee Samavesh in February this year to showcase its resources. Aqua Post spoke to Md. Sadique Alam, IAS, Director-Fisheries, Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Odisha, on the opportunity ahead.
Q. What are the key objectives of the recently organized Matsya–Pranee Samavesh Odisha event?
Ans: The Matsya-Pranee Samavesh Odisha-2025 event, organized by the Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development of Odisha, focused on several key objectives: promoting sustainable practices, enhancing dairy entrepreneurship, integrating renewable energy in aquaculture, and increasing seafood exports.
The event aimed to showcase scientific methods and emerging technologies in livestock and fisheries farming, emphasizing sustainability and knowledge dissemination among farming communities. The event highlighted integrated solutions for sustainable aquaculture, focusing on building the capacity of fisher folks to practice sustainable methods for fish farming and integrating renewable energy to meet energy requirements. A significant goal discussed was to boost seafood exports from Odisha, targeting a value of ₹10,000 crores by 2030, marking a substantial milestone for the state’s seafood industry.
During this year’s event, discussions were also centered on empowering fish farmers and fishermen communities and supporting their income through value addition, and marketing. Overall, the event aimed to revolutionize the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors in Odisha by promoting sustainable practices, enhancing farmer incomes, and expanding the state’s presence in national and international markets
Q. What is the current status of fish production in Odisha?
Ans: Odisha has experienced significant growth in fish production over the past decade, solidifying its position as one of India’s leading fish-producing states. In the fiscal year 2022–23, Odisha’s total fish production reached 10.52 lakh metric tons (1.052 million metric tons). This marks a substantial increase from previous years, with production figures of 8.16 lakh metric tons in 2019–20 and 9.90 lakh metric tons in 2021–22. In the 2023-24 fiscal, the total fish production is expected to cross 11.23 lakh metric tons.
Odisha consistently ranks among the top fish-producing states in India. In 2021–22, it was the fourth-largest producer, contributing 9.90 lakh metric tons to the nation’s fish output.
In 2023-24 fresh water fisheries and aquaculture had a production of 7.34 lakh metric tons while brackish water resources received 1.49 lakh metric tons production. In the marine fisheries segment, we had a production of 2.26 lakh metric tons. These figures highlight the state’s diverse and robust fisheries sector, encompassing freshwater, brackish water, and marine fisheries. The per capita annual fish consumption in Odisha was 18.33 kg during 2023–24, reflecting the importance of fish in the local diet.
Overall, Odisha’s fisheries sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, driven by strategic investments and effective resource management.
Q. What initiatives has the government undertaken to enhance marine fisheries production?
Ans: The Odisha government has implemented several initiatives to enhance marine fisheries production. It includes efforts like the motorization of traditional crafts; financial assistance for new boats, engines, and nets; promotion of fisheries machinery and equipment; livelihood support during fishing ban periods; exploration of deep-sea fishing; development of fishing harbors; and implementation of the Odisha Fisheries Policy, 2015.
To improve efficiency and safety, traditional fishing crafts have been equipped with motors, aiding fishers in expanding their reach and reducing manual effort. Financial assistance has been provided to marine fishers for acquiring new boats, engines, and nets, modernizing the fishing fleet and enhancing productivity. The government has promoted the use of advanced fisheries machinery and equipment, introducing modern technology to traditional fishing practices. Financial assistance has been provided to marine fishers during fishing ban periods, such as those implemented for sea turtle conservation, ensuring economic stability for fishing communities during these times.
Efforts are underway to explore deep-sea fishing opportunities, including the modification of existing fishing vessels to meet deep-sea fishing vessel criteria, aiming to tap into underutilized marine resources. The Dhamara Fishing Harbour has been developed to international standards, providing infrastructure that supports hygienic fish landing and handling, thereby improving the quality and marketability of marine produce.
The government has implemented the Odisha Fisheries Policy, 2015. This policy provides a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management and development of fisheries, including marine fisheries, to ensure long-term productivity and ecological balance.
These initiatives collectively aim to modernize marine fishing practices, support fishers’ livelihoods, and promote sustainable exploitation of marine resources in Odisha.
Q. What measures has the government implemented to boost fisheries exports in Odisha?
Ans: In 2022–23, Odisha exported 85,308 metric tons of seafood, valued at INR 4,546 crores. The Odisha government has implemented several measures to boost fisheries exports. A new scheme has been introduced to promote processing units for value addition of fish within the state, enhancing the export competency of marine fish exporters. The state has opened cage culture zones in reservoirs like Hirakud and Indravati for leasing to the private sector, promoting entrepreneurship in aquaculture and creating job opportunities for local youth.
This technology has been introduced to enhance fish production up to 30 times more than traditional pond aquaculture, with 12,035 Bio-floc tanks established so far. In collaboration with NITTE University, Mangalore, the state has prepared a comprehensive plan to increase seafood exports, which is currently being implemented.
Q. What is the present state of the domestic fish market in Odisha?
Ans: The domestic fish market in Odisha has experienced significant growth in recent years, reflecting the state’s rich aquatic resources and the population’s high fish consumption. The per capita annual fish consumption in Odisha was 18.33 kg during 2023–24. In the financial year 2022-2023, Odisha’s fish production exceeded one million metric tons, marking a substantial increase from previous years.
Approximately 94.75% of Odisha’s population consumes fish, with an annual per capita consumption of 18.33 kg in 2023-2024. The state has invested in modernizing fish retail markets and establishing new infrastructure to support the growing demand. Traditional fish processing methods remain integral, especially in coastal regions, supporting local economies and preserving cultural practices.
Overall, the domestic fish market in Odisha is robust and continues to grow, driven by high consumer demand, strategic investments, and sustainable development initiatives.
