India's fish production during 2013-14 stands at 9.58 million tonnes with the majority of this (6.14 million tonnes) coming from inland fisheries and the remainder from the Ocean.
Exports of fisheries products during the period also increased to 983.76 (thousand tonnes), a value of 30213.26 crores (£303,945.40), marking an overall annual growth rate of 60.23 per cent in value.
The handbook attributed that growth in export was due to L. Vannamei, an exotic shrimp variety, introduced in year 2009 along with guidelines framed for coastal aquaculture by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries which accounted for nearly $3.31 billion of export, in 2013-14.
During the 2013-14 period it is noted that the contribution of fisheries to the country's GDP is 78053 crores (£785,213.18) (0.83 per cent).
India is currently also the second biggest fish producer in the world thanks in part to its 8118 km long coastline and 2.02 million km2 Exclusive Economic Zone.
The fisheries sector is also a source of livelihood for over 14.49 million people engaged fully, partially or in subsidiary activities related to the sector.
Development of fisheries can ensure nutritional security, food security as well as tackle unemployment in these regions that are predominately inhabited by rural populace.
