Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture

Unit 4 - Indian marine capture fisheries

4.6. Fisheries sector in national income
The contribution of fisheries sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), rose from Rs. 245 crores in 1970-71 to Rs. 27,026 crores during 2003-04. The contribution of fisheries sector to the total GDP ranged from 0.62% in 1970-71 to 1.07% in 2003 -04 with a peak, 1.41 % in 1997 -1998. Similarly, its contribution to the GDP from agriculture varied from 1.46% in 1970-71 to 4.69% in 2003-04 with a peak, 5.89% in 2002-03. The following table shows the contribution of fisheries sector to GDP.

(Source: Central Statistical Organisation)

Fish availability and consumption
In India, the per capita fish availability is about 9 kg, whereas the per capita requirement is about 12 kg. Unlike Indians, who consume relatively less fish, many Asian neighbors make good use of fish as an important food source. Within India, the Bengalis and Keralites eat much more fish than the national average of 3 kg/person/annum. (The average annual per capita fish consumption in India was 4.5 kg during 1999 -2001).