SRINAGAR: India’s fisheries sector, a key source of food and livelihoods for coastal, inland, and rural communities, is receiving a major boost through government investment and the growth of start-ups.
Since 2015, authorities have invested Rs 39,272 crore in various schemes to promote sustainable growth in fisheries and aquaculture. This support has helped over 300 start-ups adopt technologies such as blockchain, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to improve productivity, traceability, and value chain efficiency.
Start-ups are addressing challenges including developing affordable and nutritious aquaculture feed, AI-powered precision farming, resilient seafood supply chains, waste reduction, and combining traditional practices with modern technology.
Technology is transforming the sector, with IoT solutions used for water-quality monitoring, pond health management, and real-time analytics. AI and machine learning tools help predict disease, estimate biomass, optimise feed, and support decision-making.
Other innovations include Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems, biofloc technology, and sensor-based farm management systems, which support high-density and resource-efficient farming.
At the post-harvest stage, the government is strengthening cold-chain logistics, solar-powered chilling units, smart ice production, and AI-based quality grading systems to reduce spoilage and meet export standards. Emerging areas such as seaweed farming, genetic improvement tools, low-impact fishing gear, and satellite advisory systems are expanding the sector’s technology landscape.
Drone technology is also being used for pond mapping, water-quality assessment, biomass estimation, and environmental monitoring. A pilot project has introduced drones capable of transporting live fish up to 100 kg over short distances to improve aquaculture logistics.
The Department of Fisheries has organised Fisheries Startup Conclaves to promote collaboration and showcase solutions. The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge identifies start-ups addressing productivity, sustainability, and market access, providing grants, mentorship, incubation, and pilot opportunities.
A knowledge-building lecture series, Matsya Manthan, has held multiple sessions to encourage dialogue among experts, researchers, and practitioners on emerging technologies and sustainable practices. Five fisheries business incubation centres provide mentorship and training to support viable business models.
Officials say these initiatives are creating a dynamic, future-ready fisheries ecosystem, where investment, technology, and innovation work together to drive sustainable growth across the sector.
