India’s Ornamental Fisheries Exports Reach INR 41 Crore, PMMSY Driving Growth and Global Opportunities

New Delhi, May 9 (BNP): India’s ornamental fisheries sector is witnessing rapid growth, supported by increasing global demand, rich aquatic biodiversity, and focused government initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). With ornamental fish exports estimated at nearly ₹41 crore, the sector is steadily emerging as a promising contributor to rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and India’s fisheries economy.

As part of efforts to strengthen the sector, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, visited the Ornamental Fisheries Brood Bank at Mangrul village in Raigad district, Maharashtra. The facility was established by Mrs. Yashodhara Sanjay Khandagale under the PMMSY scheme and has become a notable example of innovation and sustainable growth in ornamental aquaculture.

During the visit, the Union Secretary interacted with PMMSY beneficiaries and local stakeholders to understand on-ground challenges, identify operational gaps, and assess opportunities for further strengthening the sector. The interaction highlighted the growing role of small entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises in transforming ornamental fisheries into a sustainable livelihood model.

The Raigad-based brood bank is regarded as one of the first initiatives of its kind in India and currently conserves and breeds more than 25 varieties of ornamental fish. Through her brand “Sam Discus,” Mrs. Yashodhara Sanjay Khandagale has successfully established a strong presence in the domestic ornamental fish market, particularly in premium discus fish production.

The facility has produced nearly 7.7 lakh ornamental fish across 20 species, generating an estimated revenue of ₹1.93 crore while creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for approximately 25–30 people. Equipped with more than 700 tanks, the brood bank also serves as a centre for skill development, best-practice training, and entrepreneurship promotion in ornamental aquaculture.

The unit exports ornamental fish to several international markets, including the United States, Italy, France, Mauritius, South Korea, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, China, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, and Israel, showcasing India’s growing global footprint in the ornamental fisheries trade. The brood bank is also covered under government support schemes such as the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) and the National Fisheries Development Programme (NFDP), ensuring regulatory compliance and institutional backing.

India possesses immense potential in ornamental fisheries, with nearly 700 indigenous freshwater species and over 300 marine ornamental species available domestically. Leveraging this biodiversity, the government has significantly expanded infrastructure support under PMMSY. So far, 1,986 backyard ornamental fish rearing units, 6,018 fish kiosks and aquariums, and 117 retail markets — including dedicated ornamental fish and aquarium markets — have been supported across the country.

In addition, five freshwater ornamental fish brood banks and 199 integrated ornamental fish units have been established to strengthen breeding, production, marketing, and value-chain development. The Department of Fisheries has also identified 34 fisheries production and processing clusters nationwide, including a dedicated ornamental fisheries cluster in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Maharashtra continues to play a vital role in India’s fisheries sector due to its strong marine and inland fishery resources. The state has a coastline of nearly 878 km, 173 fish landing centres, and 526 fishing villages, supporting over 15 lakh fisherfolk. Fish production in Maharashtra reached approximately 5.9 lakh tonnes during 2022–23. Inland fisheries resources in the state span reservoirs, rivers, ponds, and brackish water areas, offering substantial scope for aquaculture expansion.

Officials noted that initiatives such as PMMSY and the Blue Revolution scheme have helped improve hatcheries, aquaculture infrastructure, cage farming, and fisher welfare in the state. However, continued investment, technology adoption, and stronger market linkages will be essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.

The visit by the Union Secretary is expected to further strengthen the ornamental fisheries ecosystem by encouraging stakeholder participation, enabling policy-level interventions, and promoting sustainable growth and export opportunities in the sector.