Gujarat's big catch: Fish production hits 8.97L MT

Gandhinagar: Fish production in Gujrat reached close to the 9 lakh metric tonnes mark with 8,97,422 metric tonnes recorded in 2022-23. According to official numbers, marine fish production was 7,03,000 metric tonnes, while inland fish production amounted to 1,94,422 metric tonnes.

An official statement said projections for 2023-24 show that marine fish production is expected to touch 7,02,050 metric tonnes, while inland catch could reach 2,13,140 metric tonnes, taking the total projected production to 9,15,190 metric tonnes.

Gujarat has 30,000 fishing boats registered and while the state’s fisherfolk benefit from the country’s longest coastline, they are also driving revenue growth via inland production as well. Approximately 3,000 fish farmers have adopted inland fishing in estuarine areas, ponds, reservoirs and brackish water areas. Production has almost doubled from 1.02 lakh metric tonnes in 2013-14 to 1.94 lakh metric tonnes in 2022-23, a 94% rise.

In terms of value, the revenue generated from inland fishing has grown to Rs 3,844.75 crore from Rs 940.15 crore in 2013-14, a more than threefold increase.

State govt officials say that many fish farmers export the produce – mainly prawns, shrimps and lobsters.