Introduction to Fish Farming in India

 Learn how fish farming in India works, including key fish species, freshwater vs brackish water systems, and its growing potential in rural areas.

Introduction: The Rise of Fish Farming in Indian Agriculture

India is the second-largest fish-producing country in the world. With a vast network of rivers, lakes, ponds, and coastal regions, India has enormous potential in aquaculture or fish farming. As traditional agriculture faces climate and market challenges, fish farming offers an alternative source of sustainable income for rural farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

This blog explores:

• What is fish farming and how it works

• Difference between freshwater and brackish water systems

• Profitable fish species in India

• Economic and ecological potential of fish farming

• Real-life success story from a rural Indian farmer

                                                                            

1. What is Fish Farming?

Fish farming, or aquaculture, is the commercial breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish in controlled environments like ponds, tanks, cages, and water bodies.

A. Types of Fish Farming:

• Pond-based farming – traditional, widely used in villages

• Tank-based farming – popular for small-scale backyard setups

• Cage culture – used in reservoirs or lakes

• Biofloc technology – high-density farming using recycled water

B. Why Fish Farming is Growing:

• High demand for protein-rich food

• Faster income returns than crop farming

• Government schemes and subsidies (Blue Revolution, PMMSY)

• Dual farming with rice or vegetables

“Fish can be harvested in 6–8 months, giving faster returns than seasonal crops.”

                                                                       

 

2. Freshwater vs Brackish Water Farming

A. Freshwater Fish Farming

• Carried out in ponds, tanks, or rivers

• Most common in inland states like Bihar, UP, MP, Assam

• Requires good quality groundwater or canal supply

Common Freshwater Species:

• Rohu, Katla, Mrigal

• Tilapia, Pangasius

B. Brackish Water Fish Farming

• Involves slightly salty water from coastal estuaries

• Popular in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu

• Requires more technical know-how and salinity monitoring

Common Brackish Species:

• Milkfish, Sea bass, Mullets

• Tiger Prawns, Mud Crabs (for mixed aquaculture)

Key Differences:

FeatureFreshwaterBrackish Water

Water TypePonds, Rivers, BorewellsEstuaries, Backwaters

Cost & ComplexityLowerHigher (requires expertise)

Common SpeciesRohu, Katla, TilapiaSea bass, Prawns, Milkfish

RegionsInland statesCoastal states

“Coastal farmers can earn ₹5–10 lakhs/acre/year via brackish water aquaculture.”

                                                                       

 

3. Common Fish Species in Indian Aquaculture

A. Rohu (Labeo rohita)

• High consumer demand in North & East India

• Grows to 1–1.5 kg in 8–10 months

• Needs clean freshwater pond

B. Katla (Catla catla)

• Large head, fast-growing surface feeder

• Commonly stocked with Rohu & Mrigal in composite farming

C. Tilapia

• Called "aquatic chicken" for fast growth and low cost

• Can grow in tanks or ponds

• High protein content

D. Pangasius (Vietnamese Catfish)

• Popular in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

• Grows to market size in just 5–6 months

• Low feed cost, survives in poor water quality

Composite Fish Farming:

• Combining 3–6 fish species in the same pond

• Maximizes pond layers (top, middle, bottom feeders)

• Increases total yield per acre

Fish SpeciesGrowth RateCompatibilityProfit Margin

RohuMediumHighMedium

KatlaFastHighHigh

TilapiaVery FastMediumHigh

PangasiusVery FastMediumHigh

                                                                        

4. Fish Farming Potential in India

A. Economic Potential

• India produced over 17 million tonnes of fish in 2023

• Contributes 1.24% to national GDP (2022 data)

• Employment for 2.8 crore+ people

• Export earnings: $7 billion+ from marine + freshwater species

B. Farming Benefits for Rural Youth

• Requires less land than crop farming

• Ideal for marginal landowners and SHGs (Self Help Groups)

• Multiple income sources: fish sale, fish seed, feed, value-add

C. Government Support & Subsidies

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• NABARD refinancing for pond construction

• Free training via KVKs & Fisheries Departments

• Subsidy up to 60% for SC/ST/Women fish farmers

D. Environmental Benefits

• Can be integrated with rice farming (rice + fish model)

• Biofloc minimizes water usage and boosts sustainability

• Less greenhouse gas emissions than livestock

“1 acre fish pond can yield ₹2–4 lakh annually depending on stocking and species.”

                                                                       

 

5. Success Case Study: Fish Farming in Bihar

Farmer Name: Ramesh Singh, Begusarai District

Background:

• Small farmer with 1.5 acres of land

• Started fish farming in 2021 with ₹1.2 lakh investment

• Constructed pond and stocked Rohu, Katla, and Tilapia

Practices:

• Followed training from local KVK

• Fed with rice bran and mustard cake mix

• Used lime and probiotics to maintain water quality

Results (Year 1):

• Harvested 2,500 kg fish in 9 months

• Sold locally at ₹120–₹140/kg

• Gross income: ₹3.2 lakh

• Net profit: ₹1.7 lakh

Quote:

“Earlier I struggled with paddy losses. Now, I earn more with less land. Fish farming gave me a stable income and identity in the village.”

                                                                         

 

Conclusion: India’s Blue Revolution is Farmer-Driven

Fish farming is not just for coastal fishermen anymore—it is now a mainstream agribusiness across India’s inland and rural areas. With training, the right water resources, and species selection, even small and marginal farmers can earn well.

✅ Fast-growing sector with high income potential
✅ Supported by state and central government schemes
✅ Sustainable option with growing domestic and export demand

“Jal hi Jeevan hai—aur jal mein machhli bhi ek sona hai!”

suggested reading 

1. Free Bee Boxes Under Govt Scheme: A Sweet Deal for Tribal Farmers

2.National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)