Sub-headline: The state unveiled its Fisheries Investment and Export Guidelines 2026 and secured approval for ₹88.25 crore to develop 49 reservoirs and five Amrit Sarovars.
Highlights
- Madhya Pradesh aims to increase fish production to 10–11 lakh tonnes within 2–3 years.
- Fisheries expansion could generate ₹5,000 crore in additional annual income.
- Government approved ₹88.25 crore for developing 49 reservoirs and five Amrit Sarovars.
- India’s seafood exports reached ₹73,890 crore in FY2025–26.
Madhya Pradesh Targets ₹5,000 Crore Additional Income from Fisheries Expansion
New Delhi, October 24, 2026: Madhya Pradesh is planning a major expansion of its fisheries sector, targeting an increase in annual fish production from around 4.5 lakh tonnes to 10–11 lakh tonnes over the next two to three years. The initiative could generate an additional ₹5,000 crore in annual income and benefit at least 50,000 people.
The announcement was made during the Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave 2026, organised in Bhopal on October 23 by the Madhya Pradesh government in collaboration with the Union Department of Fisheries and the National Fisheries Development Board.
The event was attended by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, senior government officials, investors, exporters and more than 1,000 fish farmers.
₹88.25 Crore Approved for Fisheries Development
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Centre approved projects worth approximately ₹88.25 crore for the integrated development of 49 reservoirs and five Amrit Sarovars in Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative aims to increase fish production, improve infrastructure and generate employment opportunities for fishing communities.
The government also virtually inaugurated integrated cage culture units and released the Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Investment and Export Guidelines 2026.
The guidelines aim to attract investments in hatcheries, fish processing, cold-chain infrastructure, logistics and export-oriented businesses.
India’s Seafood Exports Reach ₹73,890 Crore
India’s total fish production reached 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY2024–25, with inland fisheries contributing 151.60 lakh tonnes.
Meanwhile, India’s seafood exports were valued at ₹73,890 crore during FY2025–26.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted that India exports fish to 130 countries, but inland states account for only 2% of total fisheries exports.
The government aims to increase the export share of freshwater fish species such as Pangasius and Tilapia from 2% to 10% over the next five years.
MP Fish Production More Than Doubles
Madhya Pradesh’s fish production increased from 2 lakh tonnes in FY2019–20 to 4.45 lakh tonnes in FY2024–25, registering growth of approximately 123%.
Under PMMSY, projects worth ₹910.81 crore have been approved for the state, including hatcheries, aquaculture units and pond development.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also announced measures to integrate fisheries with food processing, provide MSME-related incentives and strengthen infrastructure for fisheries enterprises.
The initiatives aim to transform Madhya Pradesh into a major inland fisheries production and export hub while improving incomes and employment opportunities for fish farmers.
