Comparative Analysis of Fisheries Production:
Freshwater and Seawater Fisheries in Odisha vs
India
This comprehensive analysis examines the fisheries sector performance of Odisha state in
comparison with India's national fisheries production, with a clear distinction between freshwater
(inland) and seawater (marine) fisheries. The study reveals significant growth trends, resource
utilization patterns, and comparative advantages that position Odisha as a major contributor to
India's aquaculture and fisheries development.
Executive Summary
Odisha has emerged as a significant player in India's fisheries sector, ranking 4th nationally in
total fish production with 10.52 lakh metric tonnes in 2022-23. The state demonstrates
exceptional growth in freshwater fisheries with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of
12.1% from 2014-22, significantly outpacing India's national average of 8.8%. Despite
occupying only 5.91% of India's coastline, Odisha contributes 6.0% to India's total fish
production and 6.4% to inland fisheries production, highlighting its efficient resource
utilization and productive aquaculture practices.
Fish Production Trends: India vs Odisha (2014-2023)
Freshwater Fisheries: Production and Resources
Resource Endowments
Odisha possesses substantial freshwater resources totaling 6.85 lakh hectares, comprising
diverse water bodies that support intensive aquaculture operations. The state's freshwater
resources include 2.00 lakh hectares of reservoirs (representing 6.35% of India's reservoir
resources), 1.34 lakh hectares of tanks and ponds, 1.80 lakh hectares of lakes and swamps,
and 1.71 lakh hectares of rivers and canals. [1] [2]
India's freshwater resources are extensively distributed across the country with 31.5 lakh
hectares of reservoirs, 235.0 lakh hectares of ponds and tanks, and 1,970.24 thousand
kilometers of rivers and canals. The comparative scale demonstrates India's vast freshwater
infrastructure, yet Odisha's concentration and intensive utilization yield impressive productivity
ratios. [3]
Fisheries Resources Comparison: Odisha vs India
Production Trends and Growth Analysis
Freshwater fish production in Odisha has demonstrated remarkable consistency and growth:
Year Odisha Production (Lakh MT) India Production (Lakh MT) Odisha's Share (%)
2014-15 3.36 66.87 5.03%
Year Odisha Production (Lakh MT) India Production (Lakh MT) Odisha's Share (%)
2017-18 5.34 89.48 5.97%
2019-20 6.60 104.37 6.32%
2021-22 7.89 121.21 6.51%
2022-23 8.39 131.13 6.40%
The data reveals Odisha's freshwater production increased by 149.7% from 2014-15 to 2022-
23, while India's production grew by 96.1% during the same period. This superior growth rate of
12.1% CAGR positions Odisha among the fastest-growing aquaculture states in India. [3]
Key Growth Drivers for Odisha's Freshwater Sector:
1. Policy Implementation: The Odisha Fisheries Policy 2015 targeted doubling fish production
through systematic resource utilization and technology adoption [1]
2. Technology Integration: Introduction of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT), biofloc
systems, and recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS) [4] [1]
3. Women's Participation: Over 8,300 Women Self-Help Groups engaged in aquaculture
through Mission Shakti program, managing Gram Panchayat tanks [5] [1]
4. Species Diversification: Cultivation includes Indian Major Carps (Rohu, Catla, Mrigal),
exotic carps, and nutritionally enhanced varieties like Mola fish for addressing
malnutrition [6] [1]
Species Composition and Diversity
Odisha's freshwater fish diversity encompasses 71 species under 46 genera, 27 families, and 9
orders in districts like Puri. The major cultured species include: [7]
Indian Major Carps: Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala)
Exotic Species: Silver carp, Grass carp, Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Value-added Species: GIFT Tilapia, Pangasius, and nutritionally dense small fish like Mola
Regional Preferences: Air-breathing catfish (Magur) and other locally preferred species [6]
[8]
The Cyprinidae family dominates with 28.7% species diversity, followed by Bagridae (12.1%).
Notably, 51 species have ornamental value, 48 species support capture fisheries, and 19
species are suitable for culture operations. [7]
Marine Fisheries: Coastal Resources and Production
Marine Resource Assessment
Odisha's marine fisheries operate along a 480-kilometer coastline with substantial resource
potential. The state possesses 24,000 square kilometers of continental shelf area and an
estimated Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) potential of 2.92 lakh metric tonnes. [9] [10]
Coastal Infrastructure includes:
4 fishing harbors (Paradeep, Dhamra, Gopalpur, Astaranga)
25 fishing jetties and 44 other landing centers
1,741 mechanized crafts, 12,246 motorized crafts, and 8,167 non-motorized crafts [2]
Marine Production Performance
Odisha's marine fish production trends:
Year Production (Lakh MT) India Marine Production (Lakh MT) Odisha's Share (%)
2018-19 1.58 - -
2021-22 2.01 41.28 4.87%
2022-23 2.13 44.32 4.81%
2023 1.30 ~35.3* 3.68%
*2023 marine production estimated from CMFRI data [11]
Current utilization rate of marine resources stands at 72.9% (2.13 lakh MT actual vs 2.92 lakh
MT MSY potential), indicating scope for sustainable expansion. Odisha ranks 7th nationally in
marine fish production, with significant contributions from Balasore (0.52 lakh tonnes) and
Jagatsinghpur (0.24 lakh tonnes) districts. [12] [9] [10]
Freshwater vs Marine Fish Production Comparison: India vs Odisha (2022-23)
Marine Species and Export Potential
Odisha's marine waters host diverse commercial species including:
Major Pelagic Species: Indian mackerel, oil sardine, ribbonfishes
Demersal Varieties: Croakers, pomfrets, catfishes, threadfin breams
High-Value Crustaceans: Penaeid prawns, non-penaeid prawns, crabs
Export-Oriented Species: Shrimp varieties, fish for international markets [9] [13]
Marine exports from Odisha reached Rs. 4,560 crores (81,823.57 tonnes) in 2023-24,
representing approximately 4.5% of India's total marine exports. The state government
targets increasing marine food exports to Rs. 20,000 crores by 2030. [14] [15] [16]
Comparative Resource Utilization and Productivity Analysis
Resource Efficiency Metrics
Freshwater Productivity Comparison:
Odisha: 8.39 lakh MT from 6.85 lakh hectares = 1.22 MT/hectare
India Average: Estimated 1.07 MT/hectare nationally [4]
Odisha's productivity advantage: 14% higher than national average
Marine Resource Utilization:
Odisha: 72.9% MSY utilization (2.13 lakh MT from 2.92 lakh MT potential)
India: Estimated 83.5% MSY utilization (44.32 lakh MT from ~53.1 lakh MT potential)
Sustainable expansion potential: Odisha can increase marine production by 0.79 lakh MT
Brackish Water Aquaculture
Odisha leverages 4.18 lakh hectares of brackish water resources (representing 33.71% of
India's brackish water area of 12.4 lakh hectares). This includes the iconic Chilika Lake (0.79
lakh hectares), Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, supporting extensive shrimp aquaculture
and crab farming. [1] [17] [18]
Brackish water production achievements:
Six-fold increase in brackish water shrimp production over the past decade [14]
Chilika Lake hosts 317 fish species including marine (35.65%), brackish (43.85%), and
freshwater (20.50%) varieties [18]
Integration with marine value chains for export-oriented production
Growth Trajectories and Performance Indicators
Production Growth Analysis
Odisha's Market Share and Growth Performance in Indian Fisheries
Comparative Growth Performance (2014-22):
Metric Odisha India Odisha Advantage
Freshwater CAGR 12.1% 8.8% +3.3 percentage points
Total Production Growth 149.7%* 96.1%* +53.6 percentage points
Market Share (2022-23) 6.0% - Consistent 6%+ share
National Ranking 4th (Total), 7th (Marine) - Top 5 producer
*From 2014-15 to 2022-23 for available data periods
Economic Contribution and Employment
Odisha's fisheries sector economic impact:
Contributes 2.4% to state GSDP (2020-21) [14]
Supports 15.89 lakh fishermen including farmers, women SHGs, and entrepreneurs [5]
Annual sector value: Rs. 10,815 crores (2020-21) compared to Rs. 1,046 crores (2000-01)
[14]
Employment distribution: 7.51 lakh in inland fisheries, 3.33 lakh in marine fisheries [8]
Technological Advancements and Innovation
Aquaculture Technology Integration
Odisha's technological adoption includes:
1. Advanced Breeding Programs:
28 government IMC fish seed hatcheries producing 278.63 crore fry annually [2]
GIFT tilapia introduction with yields of 7.5-10 MT/hectare/crop [1]
Year-round breeding programs extending production cycles [1]
2. Intensive Culture Systems:
Biofloc technology for intensive shrimp and fish farming [19]
Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) at Bhanjanagar and Chiplima [1]
Cage culture initiatives in Hirakud reservoir and marine waters [9] [1]
3. Integrated Approaches:
Carp-Mola polyculture systems for enhanced nutrition security [1]
Reservoir fish production enhancement through pen nurseries and advanced
fingerling stocking [1]
Artificial reef deployment at 93 sites for marine habitat enhancement [9]
Digital and Surveillance Technologies
Marine fisheries modernization includes:
Transponder installation on 2,083 vessels (1,733 mechanized, 350 motorized) for real-
time tracking [9]
7 hub stations for Monitoring, Control & Surveillance operations [9]
GIS mapping and spatial planning for optimal resource management [1]
498 Sagarmitras engaged for awareness and technology dissemination [9]
Policy Framework and Regulatory Environment
Odisha Fisheries Policy 2015
The Odisha Fisheries Policy 2015 established comprehensive guidelines targeting:
Doubling fish production from baseline levels
Reaching export targets of Rs. 20,000 crores by 2030
Sustainable resource management with MSY-based extraction limits
Technology adoption and entrepreneurship development [1]
Key policy provisions:
Long-term lease arrangements for aquaculture expansion
Subsidy schemes providing 40% assistance to general categories, 60% to ST/SC/women
entrepreneurs [1]
Infrastructure development through public-private partnerships
Conservation measures including fishing ban periods and gear restrictions [9]
Regulatory Compliance and Conservation
Marine conservation measures:
Uniform fishing ban (April 15-June 15) along the east coast [20]
Sea turtle conservation ban (November 1-May 31) across 120 km stretch [9]
Year-round prohibition of ring nets for sustainable fishing practices [9]
Odisha Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (1981) enforcement for territorial water
management [20]
Challenges and Opportunities
Sector Challenges
Freshwater Fisheries:
Productivity gap: Odisha's 0.57 tonnes/hectare vs leading states like Andhra Pradesh (5.40
tonnes/hectare) [4]
Extension system limitations and post-harvest infrastructure gaps [4]
Seed supply chain constraints despite substantial production capacity
Marine Fisheries:
Infrastructure limitations: Current harbors accommodate only 25% of mechanized
boats [21]
Climate vulnerability: Cyclonic impacts on fishing operations and coastal infrastructure [12]
Overfishing concerns: 76% MSY exploitation rate requires careful management [21]
Growth Opportunities
Strategic Development Areas:
1. Deep Sea Fishing Expansion: Utilizing continental shelf area beyond 50-meter depth for
enhanced marine production [10]
2. Value Addition Infrastructure: Establishing processing facilities and cold chain networks
for export enhancement [9]
3. Aquaculture Intensification: Productivity improvement through advanced feeding,
disease management, and breeding programs [4]
4. Brackish Water Optimization: Chilika Lake and estuarine resources expansion for shrimp
and crab farming [17]
Recommendations and Future Outlook
Strategic Recommendations
For Freshwater Sector:
1. Productivity Enhancement: Target achieving 3+ tonnes/hectare through intensive
management practices
2. Technology Scaling: Expand biofloc and RAS adoption across districts
3. Market Linkage Development: Strengthen value chains and processing infrastructure
4. Skill Development: Enhanced training programs for farmers and extension workers
For Marine Sector:
1. Infrastructure Expansion: Develop additional fishing harbors and modernize existing
facilities
2. Deep Sea Fishing: Promote larger vessel operations for EEZ resource exploitation
3. Sustainable Management: Implement science-based quota systems and ecosystem
approach
4. Export Facilitation: Establish marine food parks and quality certification systems
Future Projections
Based on current trends and policy initiatives, Odisha is positioned to achieve:
22 lakh metric tonnes total fish production by 2030 (government target) [14]
Rs. 20,000 crores marine export value by 2030 [14]
Enhanced productivity reaching 5+ tonnes/hectare in freshwater systems
Sustainable marine production within MSY limits while maximizing economic returns
Conclusion
Odisha's fisheries sector demonstrates exceptional performance in freshwater aquaculture with
growth rates significantly exceeding national averages, while maintaining substantial potential
for marine fisheries expansion. The state's 12.1% CAGR in freshwater production compared to
India's 8.8% reflects effective policy implementation, technology adoption, and resource
optimization. With 6.0% share in national fish production from 5.91% of India's coastline,
Odisha exemplifies efficient resource utilization.
The comparative analysis reveals Odisha as a growth engine for India's aquaculture sector,
particularly in inland fisheries where it contributes 6.4% of national production. Strategic focus
on productivity enhancement, infrastructure development, and sustainable management
practices positions the state to achieve its ambitious targets while contributing significantly to
India's food security and export earnings.
Sources:
Slideshare presentation on Odisha fisheries trends [22]
Vision IAS report on India's fish production leadership [23]
PIB press release on Development of Fisheries in Odisha [20]
Odisha Fisheries Policy 2015 document [24]
CMFRI overview of Marine Fisheries of India [25]
Odisha Fisheries Annual Activity Report 2019-20 [1]
PIB report on National Fish Production 2022-23 [26]
WorldFish Odisha Fisheries Fact Sheet 2022-23 [2]
CMFRI Marine Fish Landings in India 2023 [12]
Lok Sabha question on Inland Fish Production [3]
PIB India's Fisheries on the Rise report [27]
CEIC data on Odisha fish production [28]
Kerala government presentation on Odisha marine fisheries [9]
CMFRI state-wise marine fish landings 2023 [11]
Orrisa PCS notes on fisheries and aquaculture [17]
Intellecap analysis of freshwater fisheries potential [4]
ICSF report on Odisha as fourth largest fish producer [14]
Tathya news on Odisha seafood exports [15]
Odisha government press release on fisheries achievements [5]
PIB data on state-wise seafood exports [16]
⁂
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