Aquaculture in Reservoirs & Amrit Sarovars: Budget 2026 Push for Fisheries and Blue Economy

Context

• The Union Budget 2026–27 has announced a major initiative for the integrated development of fisheries in 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars.

• The initiative aims to:
  • Harness India’s vast inland water resources
  • Enhance farmer incomes
  • Strengthen the Blue Economy
  • Contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047

Aquaculture: Concept and Types

Definition

• Aquaculture refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as:
  • Fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Molluscs
  • Aquatic plants

• It is carried out in controlled environments, including:
  • Freshwater
  • Brackish water
  • Marine ecosystems

Types of Aquaculture

1. Mariculture – Farming in marine (sea) environments
2. Inland Aquaculture – Farming in freshwater bodies like ponds, tanks, and reservoirs
3. Integrated Fish Farming – Combining aquaculture with agriculture/livestock for resource efficiency

Status of Fisheries Sector in India

Global Standing

• India is the 2nd largest fish producer globally
• Also ranks 2nd in aquaculture production, making it a key global player

Production Trends

• Fish production has increased by 106% since 2013–14
• Reached 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25

Dominance of Inland Fisheries

• Around 75% of total fish production comes from inland sources:
  • Freshwater
  • Brackish water
  • Saline inland resources

This marks a structural shift from marine to inland dominance

Role of Reservoirs in Fisheries

Extent and Importance

• Reservoirs cover over 31.5 lakh hectares
• Include dams and large water bodies

Significance

• Provide affordable protein source
• Generate employment, especially in:
  • Backward regions
  • Tribal belts
  • Water-scarce areas

Geographical Distribution

• Madhya Pradesh – Largest reservoir area
• Tamil Nadu – Highest number of reservoirs (>8000)

Technological Advancement: Cage Culture Technology

Concept

• Fish are cultured in synthetic cages (nets) placed in reservoirs or large water bodies

Key Features

• Floating or anchored cage systems
• Continuous water exchange ensures oxygen and nutrient flow
• Enables:
  • Easy feeding
  • Health monitoring
  • Disease control

Productivity Gains

• Increased yield from:
  • 50 kg/ha → 100 kg/ha (since 2006)
• Potential to reach 300 kg/ha

Innovation Trends

• Shift from rectangular cages → circular cages
• Promotes species diversification

Species Cultivated

• Indian major carps:
  • Catla
  • Rohu
  • Mrigal
• High-value species:
  • Tilapia
  • Pangasius

Government Support

• Subsidies for:
  • Fish seed
  • Feed
  • Infrastructure

Strategic Governance: Cluster-Based & Value Chain Approach

Need

• Multiple agencies involved:
  • Irrigation Department
  • Forest Department
  • Fisheries Department
    Leads to coordination issues

Cluster-Based Strategy

• Adopted by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
• Groups reservoirs into clusters for efficient management

Integrated Value Chain Approach

Focuses on end-to-end ecosystem development:

1. Production Infrastructure

• Hatcheries
• Feed mills

2. Post-Harvest Infrastructure

• Cold storage
• Ice plants
• Refrigerated transport
• Auction centers

3. Institutional Mechanism

• Formation of:
  • Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
  • Cooperatives

Ensures economies of scale and better market access

Case Study: Success Story

• Bimal Chandra Oran (Jharkhand, Chandil Reservoir)
  • Adopted cooperative model
  • Utilized government subsidies
• Achievements:
  • Production: 3 tonnes
  • Annual income: ₹3 lakh

Demonstrates viability of cluster + subsidy model

Mission Amrit Sarovar: Community-based Innovation

Key Features

• Target: 75 water bodies per district
• Minimum size: 1 acre per pond

Innovations

• Community participation through user-group mapping
• Local ownership and management

Diversification Example

• In Arunachal Pradesh:
  • Focus on ornamental fish farming
  • Access to high-value niche markets

Challenges in Reservoir-Based Fisheries

1. Institutional Challenges

• Multiple ownership and overlapping rights
• Poor coordination among departments

2. Infrastructure Gaps

• Lack of:
  • Processing facilities
  • Cold chain systems
• Especially in remote inland areas

3. Governance Issues

• Conflict over fishing rights
• Trust deficit between:
  • Local communities
  • State authorities

Way Forward

1. Value Chain Integration

• Adopt ICAR-CIFRI model
• Develop:
  • Hatcheries
  • Berthing platforms
    Aim: Triple productivity

2. Scaling Cluster Model

• Replicate success of:
  • MP Reservoir Clusters (Halali, Indra Sagar)
• Expand across all States/UTs

3. Strengthening Cooperatives

• Make FPOs central to:
  • Production
  • Marketing
• Ensure inclusive growth

4. Focus on Nutritional Security

• Promote reservoirs as:
  • Affordable protein hubs
• Target:
  • Tribal areas
  • Water-scarce regions

Conclusion

• The Budget 2026 initiative marks a paradigm shift from traditional fishing to a technology-driven, value-chain-based aquaculture model.
• By leveraging reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars:
  • Farmer incomes can be enhanced
  • Employment can be generated
  • Nutritional security can be strengthened

This aligns with the broader goal of making India a global leader in the Blue Economy under Viksit Bharat @2047.