CONTRIBUTION OF BLUE SECTOR TO THE INDIAN ECONOMY

AbstractThe study examines the contribution of India’s blue sector—comprising fisheries andaquaculture—to the national economy by analysing long-term trends in production,consumption, and trade. Using secondary data and statistical tools such as compound growthrates and the Cuddy–Della Valle Instability Index, the analysis highlights a major structural shiftfrom marine capture fisheries to inland aquaculture, with inland production expanding rapidlyand now accounting for nearly 75% of total output. Fish production increased more thansevenfold from 1980 to 2023, contributing significantly to primary sector GDP, employment,nutritional security, and foreign exchange earnings. Per capita fish consumption shows markedregional disparities but an overall upward trend, reflecting rising demand for affordable protein.Export performance also strengthened, with higher long-term growth in export value thanquantity, indicating a shift toward high-value products and better global market integration.Instability in both quantity and value of exports remained generally low, suggesting a stableexport environment. The study concludes that the blue sector holds immense potential forinclusive economic development, particularly through strengthened inland aquaculture, enhancedinfrastructure, and greater public awareness of fish’s nutritional benefits, and recommendsincreased government support to further boost production, income, and sustainability in thefisheries sector.