Growth trend in production of inland fish in Haryana and India

Background: Fish is a vital nutrient-rich food in developing nations like India and significantly contributes to nutritional security, socio-economic development, and poverty alleviation etc. It serves as a cost-effective source of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients, particularly for vulnerable populations. With over 75 per cent of total fish production now originating from inland sources, this sector plays a pivotal role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to zero hunger, decent work, and climate action.
Objective: This study analyses the growth trends in inland fish production in India and Haryana from 2010-11 to 2023-24 using secondary data from various sources. It specifically evaluates the impact of policy frameworks, technological interventions and regional disparities on production dynamics. The research also compares national and state-level performance to identify scalable models for sustainable aquaculture development.
Methods: The statistical parameters like linear regression (R²) and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) were used to find out the production dynamics which were mainly influenced by technological advancements, policy interventions and market demand etc. Time-series data were sourced from the different official sources, ensuring reliability and comparability. Exponential regression models were applied to capture non-linear growth patterns, while R² values assessed the goodness-of-fit of the trends.
Results: The results revealed that India’s inland fish production increased from 4.9 to 139 lakh tons with a CAGR of 8.21 per cent (R²=0.9813), which shows that huge growth driven by improved practices, extension services and farmers’ adoption level. The production in Haryana increased from 9.62 to 21.5 thousand tons with a CAGR of 6.38 per cent (R²=0.9251), which indicates steady expansion with some fluctuations. These trends align with prior studies, underscoring the sector’s responsiveness to infrastructure investments, research dissemination and climate adaptations.
Conclusions: The findings of the study highlight the potential of fish sector to address food security and economic growth through sustainable practices, value-added processing, and global market integration. However, the challenges like resource management and policy consistency necessitate a multi-pronged approach involving government support, farmer education, and technological innovation. Strategic interventions in post-harvest infrastructure, eco-friendly aquaculture, and market linkages are crucial for sustaining growth and ensuring long-term viability. This study underscores the critical role of inland fisheries in India’s agrarian economy, advocating for targeted policies to enhance productivity while addressing emerging environmental and socio-economic challenges.