Freshwater Aquaculture in India

Freshwater aquaculture refers to the cultivation of fish and other aquatic organisms in inland water bodies such as ponds, tanks, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. In India, freshwater aquaculture forms the backbone of inland fisheries, contributing the majority of the country’s total fish production. It plays a vital role in ensuring food security, nutritional improvement, rural employment, and export earnings.
India has achieved remarkable progress in freshwater aquaculture since the 1970s, transforming from a traditional, subsistence-level practice into a commercial and technology-driven industry. Today, the country ranks as the second-largest fish producer in the world, with inland aquaculture accounting for over 70% of total fish production.

Historical Background

The development of freshwater aquaculture in India can be traced through three major phases:

1. Traditional Phase (Pre-1950s):
   • Fish culture was practiced in confined water bodies, mainly in eastern states such as West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Bihar, using natural seed and low inputs.
   • Production levels were modest, and practices were largely traditional and unscientific.
2. Scientific Phase (1950s–1970s):
   • After Independence, the government promoted research in fisheries through the establishment of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in 1947 and the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in 1987.
   • The introduction of composite fish culture, hatchery technology, and induced breeding techniques during this period marked the scientific breakthrough in freshwater aquaculture.
3. Blue Revolution Phase (1980s–Present):
   • The Blue Revolution initiated during the 1980s underlined intensive aquaculture development.
   • National programmes such as the Fish Farmers’ Development Agency (FFDA) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) facilitated large-scale fish culture, infrastructure development, and dissemination of improved technologies.

Major Freshwater Aquaculture Systems in India

1. Pond and Tank Aquaculture

• The most common and productive form of freshwater aquaculture.
• Conducted in perennial or seasonal ponds, tanks, and village water bodies.
• Management practices include pond preparation, stocking, feeding, aeration, and harvesting.

2. Composite Fish Culture

• A system where multiple compatible species of fish are cultured together to utilise different ecological niches in the pond.
• Common combinations include:
  • Indian Major Carps: Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala).
  • Exotic Carps: Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
• This system maximises yield by optimally utilising the pond’s natural productivity.

3. Integrated Fish Farming

• Combines fish culture with agriculture, horticulture, or livestock rearing to recycle nutrients and enhance overall productivity.
• Examples include fish-cum-duck farming, fish-cum-paddy farming, and fish-cum-pig farming.
• Promotes resource efficiency and sustainable livelihood diversification.

4. Cage and Pen Culture

• Conducted in reservoirs, rivers, and lakes by confining fish within cages or pens.
• Offers high productivity with limited space and is gaining popularity in large inland water bodies.

5. Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS)

• A modern, high-tech system that filters and reuses water within a closed environment.
• Suitable for urban or resource-limited areas where water is scarce.
• Provides scope for intensive aquaculture of high-value species such as tilapia and pangasius.

Major Freshwater Fish Species Cultured

Indian Major Carps (IMCs):

• Rohu (Labeo rohita)
• Catla (Catla catla)
• Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala)

Exotic Carps:

• Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
• Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
• Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Air-breathing Fishes:

• Magur (Clarias batrachus)
• Singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis)
• Koi (Anabas testudineus)

Other Important Species:

• Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus, O. niloticus)
• Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
• Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

These species are chosen based on their growth rate, market demand, and adaptability to local ecological conditions.

Regional Distribution

• Eastern India (West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Bihar): Traditional stronghold of freshwater aquaculture, especially composite fish culture.
• Southern India (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala): Andhra Pradesh has emerged as India’s aquaculture hub, contributing nearly 25% of total national fish production.
• Northern and Western India: Rapidly expanding freshwater aquaculture through reservoir and cage culture in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Technological and Institutional Support

1. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar:
   • Conducts research on breeding, seed production, and feed management.
2. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB):
   • Coordinates and promotes fisheries development programmes nationwide.
3. Fish Farmers’ Development Agencies (FFDAs):
   • Provide financial, technical, and training support to small-scale farmers.
4. State Fisheries Departments:
   • Implement aquaculture schemes, distribute fingerlings, and manage water resources.
5. Blue Revolution and PMMSY:
   • The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, aims to enhance fish production, modernise infrastructure, and improve farmer incomes through sustainable aquaculture practices.

Economic Importance

1. Contribution to GDP:
   • The fisheries sector contributes about 1.2% to India’s GDP and nearly 7% to agricultural GDP.
2. Employment:
   • Provides direct and indirect employment to over 28 million people, particularly in rural and coastal areas.
3. Food and Nutrition Security:
   • Freshwater fish serves as a major source of affordable animal protein, vitamins, and minerals for millions of Indians.
4. Exports:
   • Though dominated by marine products, freshwater aquaculture (notably shrimp and pangasius) is increasingly contributing to export earnings.

Challenges in Freshwater Aquaculture

1. Seed and Feed Quality:
   • Lack of uniform seed quality and dependence on substandard feeds affect productivity.
2. Water Resource Management:
   • Pollution, water scarcity, and competing demands for irrigation and industry limit aquaculture expansion.
3. Disease and Biosecurity:
   • Outbreaks of fish diseases and poor management practices lead to economic losses.
4. Climate Change Impacts:
   • Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and droughts affect freshwater availability and fish health.
5. Infrastructure and Marketing:
   • Inadequate cold chain, transport, and storage facilities limit market access and profitability for small-scale farmers.
6. Financial Constraints:
   • Many smallholders lack access to institutional credit and insurance, restricting adoption of improved technologies.

Sustainable and Emerging Trends

• Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA): Combining species with different feeding habits to optimise resource use and reduce waste.
• Biofloc Technology: Utilises microbial communities to recycle nutrients and enhance productivity in limited water environments.
• Aquaponics: Integrates fish culture with hydroponic vegetable farming, creating a closed-loop system.
• Digital and Data-Driven Aquaculture: Use of sensors, drones, and artificial intelligence for monitoring water quality, growth, and disease management.
• Public–Private Partnerships (PPP): Increasing private investment and corporate involvement in hatchery development, processing, and marketing.

Future Prospects

India’s freshwater aquaculture has immense potential for further expansion due to favourable climatic conditions, abundant inland water resources, and strong domestic demand. The government aims to:

• Double fish production to 22 million tonnes by 2025 under PMMSY.
• Promote cluster-based development, scientific management, and value chain integration.
• Strengthen research–extension–industry linkages for innovation-driven aquaculture.

With sustainable practices, improved infrastructure, and market diversification, India can emerge as a global leader in freshwater aquaculture, enhancing livelihoods, nutrition, and rural prosperity.