FAO Report 2026: India Becomes World's Second-Largest Producer of Aquatic Animals

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization's 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026' (SOFIA 2026) report, India emerged as the world's second-largest producer of aquatic animals in 2024. Additionally, India secured the top global position in inland fisheries. This reflects India's growing capacity and global leadership in the thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector.Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in its State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 report, stated that India emerged as the world’s second-largest producer of aquatic animals in 2024 and ranked first globally in inland capture fisheries.

Key Findings of the Report

India’s Global Position

¨     India produced 9% of the world’s aquatic animals in 2024, making it the second-largest producer globally after China.

¨     India recorded 2.2 million tonnes of inland capture fisheries production from rivers, lakes and freshwater systems.

¨     It emerged as the world’s largest producer of inland water catches.

¨     Bangladesh ranked second with 1.4 million tonnes of inland catches.

India’s Performance in Aquaculture

¨     India ranked second globally in aquaculture (farmed aquatic animals).

¨     It contributed 12% of global aquaculture output.

Along with China, Indonesia, Viet Nam and Bangladesh, India forms a group of five countries that account for:

¨     82% of global farmed aquatic animal production

¨     84% of global aquaculture output

Global Fisheries and Aquaculture Production

¨     Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached an all-time high of 235 million tonnes in 2024.

This included:

¨     195 million tonnes of aquatic animals

¨     40 million tonnes of algae

¨     Production increased by 5.2% compared to 2022.

Aquaculture Driving Growth

¨     Global aquaculture production reached a record 142 million tonnes.

¨     Aquaculture has become the main driver of growth in aquatic animal production worldwide.

¨     The top producers were China, Indonesia, India, Viet Nam  & Bangladesh.

Sustainability Challenges

¨     The proportion of marine fish stocks harvested within biologically sustainable levels declined from 64.5% in 2021 to 62.4% in 2023. This indicates increasing pressure on marine ecosystems due to rising demand and overexploitation in some regions.

¨     Although 72.6% of total landings from assessed fish stocks originated from sustainably managed fisheries, FAO cautioned that long-term sustainability remains a major challenge.

Key Concerns

¨     Declining health of marine fish stocks

¨     Overexploitation of marine resources

¨     Rising global demand for aquatic foods

¨     Need for sustainable and equitable growth in fisheries and aquaculture

Significance for India

¨  India’s performance demonstrates its emergence as a global fisheries and aquaculture powerhouse and reflects the success of initiatives promoting inland fisheries, aquaculture expansion, and Blue Economy development.

¨ The sector contributes significantly to food and nutritional security, supports rural livelihoods, enhances export earnings, and reinforces India’s position as a key contributor to global aquatic food production.