Aquaculture is a potential agricultural sub-sector in India and can be used as a source of high economic gains to fulfil food security needs. India has a very large coast, very large rivers and various aquatic resources and thus is a very good place where this industry is likely to grow. The industry has recorded impressive development with an expected output of fish farmers of 17.545 million tonnes in 2022-23. Moreover, the aquaculture industry is a great contributor to the national GDP by contributing approximately 1.07 percent of national GDP and around 6.72 percent of the agricultural GDP. There has been a rise in the fish consumption per capita in India also signifying that there is an increasing domestic market.
The interest of the government in the process of the Fish Farming Revolution is another indication of the capacity of that kind of farming to change the lives of people living in a rural area and contribute to the prosperity of the whole country. This article is your comprehensive guide to solve your problems regarding how to start a fish farming business in India?
What is Fish Farming (Aquaculture)?
Fish farming like aquaculture is the managed development and harvesting of aquatic life, mostly fish, but also shellfish, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Aquaculture is different because unlike in traditional fishing where fish is caught by using wild fish, in this case, the fish is grown in an enclosure set aside particularly to breed fish like a pond, a tank, or a fish cage.
In the context of a growing fish farming business in India, this restricted space enables the farmers to regulate any environmental aspect such as water quality, food, and illnesses control to result in increased yields and consistency. The activity of aquaculture is varied according to the extreme dimension of the production to the intensive one where there is a high mammoth of production comparable to the type of technology utilized. Given its rising demand internationally, aquaculture is also being explored as one of the promising import export business ideas, especially for countries like India with strong seafood markets.
Potential of Fish Farming Business in India
Before knowing how to start a fish farming business in India, you must know the potential of fish farming business. With its teeming population, India will always have a ready domestic market; there is also a growing demand in the world market of seafood, which is a promising source of exports. In fact, India produced a record 17.545 million tonnes of fish in 2022–23, making it the third-largest fish producer globally, and contributing around 8% to the world’s total fish output. Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) involve the financial aid, technical and non-technical guidance, and improvement of the infrastructures. There are vast reservoirs of fresh water (rivers, lakes, ponds), a long coastline (potential of marine aquaculture), which offers a lot of space.
Fish farming generates both direct and indirect jobs in rural and coastal communities, making it a good way of alleviating poverty. It contributes approximately 1.07 percent to the national GDP and around 6.7 percent to the agricultural GDP, while supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. Fish is a source of high value of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and other key nutrients which help in food and nutritional security. Income diversification offers farmers another source of income instead of solely relying on crops and lessening the effects of climate change on them.
Implementation of new methods of farming such as Biofloc, RAS and cages culture will lead to increase in productivity and returns. Most of the commonly cultured fish species have a short growth duration and thus cost can be recovered faster. With rising domestic fish consumption and increasing exports (valued at ₹60,500 crore in 2023–24), the fish farming business continues to show high potential and growth opportunities across the country.
Why Start a Fish Farming Business in India?
- High Profitability: Fish farming is characterised by high demand and comparatively low cost of input of some species hence when combined with proper management and market connection, it has a high potential of profitability.
- Scalability: It may be launched in small scale (e.g. backyard ponds) and then do it in phases as the experience and finances boost.
- Adjustability to Different Climatic Conditions: The country has different climatic regions thus enabling different species of fish to be cultivated in India.
- Sustainable Food Production: When responsibly cultivated, aquaculture may be a more sustainable way of food production than wild-capture fisheries.
- Rural Development Support: It is directly related to economic development of the rural society.
- Rising Awareness of Health Benefits: The health benefits of fish are currently being promoted to the consumer, which is a rising trend.
- Combined with Other Agricultural Activities: Fish cultivation can be combined with farming (e.g. paddy-cum-fish culture) to have optimum use of the available resources.
Types of Fish Commonly Farmed in India
Indian major carps (IMCs):
- Rohu (Labeo rohita): Is liked by many because of the taste and speedy growth.
- Catla ( Catla catla ) – this fish grows fast and big.
- Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala): Bottom feeder, contributes to the sanitation in the pond.
Exotic Carps:
- Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio): tough, quickly grown and easily adapted to different conditions.
- Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): Vegetarian, feeds and aids in the management of water weeds.
- Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix): Filtration feeder, feeds on phytoplanktons.
Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus):
- Very tough, rapidly growing and capable of putting up with different water quality.
- It is popular in most areas because of its ability to breed fast and demand the market.
Pangasius ( Pangasianodon hypophthalmus):
- It is rapidly rising, resilient and adaptable to intensive production systems.
- Good demand in the market particularly in processed forms.
The Cat fishes ( e.g., Magur, Singhi, Pabda):
- Can breathe air, can work under low oxygen conditions.
- The taste and medical use made them highly demanded in certain regions.
Shrimp (Penaeus monodon, Litopenaeus vannamei):
- In spite of not being fish, the farming of shrimp is an important component of the Indian aquaculture, particularly exports.
- It demands technical expertise and plants.
Murrels ( Channa marulius, Channa argus):
- Fish that are carnivorous and air breathing with a good market value.
Pearl Spot (Etroplus suratensis):
- Fish is so favoured, particularly in Kerala.
Types of Fish Farming Systems
Pond Culture:
- Extensive: large spacing, feeds on natural food.
- Semi-intensive: A moderate stocking, supplementary feeding, fertilization. Practised most often in India.
- Intensive: A high stocking, fully artificial feeding, aeration/water exchange. Needs additional management and technology.
Cage Culture:
- Fish rearing is performed in net cages which are exposed to the available water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers).
- It permits the greatest stocking densities and feed utilization.
- Needs quality and good flow of water.
Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS):
- Very intensive type whereby water is filtered and reused over and over again.
- Consumes a minimal amount of water, enabling the control of environment parameters with great accuracy.
- Large investment and running cost, and extremely high yields.
- Suitable on city buildings or land-limited locations.
Biofloc Technology (BFT):
- A sustainable fish farming system in which waste products could be converted into fish food (single cell protein or flocs) by the presence of beneficial bacteria.
- Decreases the need of changing water and the cost of food.
- Carbon-nitrogen ratio should be carefully managed.
Aquaponics:
- Aquaculture together with hydroponics (cultivating plants without soil).
- The fish waste acts as a source of food to the plants and the plants purify the waters to the fish.
- Is environmentally friendly and has the ability to grow both fish and vegetables.
Hapa Culture:
- Ponds Small net enclosures (hapas) within a pond are used to breed fish, nurse them or segregate them.
- Handy in selective reproduction and baby growing.
Integrated Fish Farming:
- Integrates fish rearing and other farming practices (e.g. in paddy-cum-fish, poultry-fish and duck-fish).
- Converts waste products of one system into input to another to enhance efficiency of resources.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Fish Farming Business
This is your step by step answer to how to start a fish farming business in India?
Conduct Thorough Research and Planning
- Market Research: You need to find out what demand exists in the local market for specific fish species, as well as the preferences, prices, and potential buyers (wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, direct consumers)
- Feasibility Study: You should assess the technical, economic, and ecological feasibility of your proposed fish farm, taking into account the assessment of land, water availability, finances, and any risks.
- Species Selection: Once you have found what species is in demand in your market and viable in your local climate and water availability, using your own experience, choose 1-3 fish species that are going to be farmed.
- System Selection: Select the farming system to use (pond, cage, RAS, Biofloc, etc.) based on your budget, resources and species options.
- Learning and Training: Attend workshops, training sessions through government fisheries departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), or private institutes, and gain, as much as possible, practical knowledge from experienced fishers.
Develop a Comprehensive Fish Farming Business Plan
A sound business plan is necessary to raise funds and to direct your business operations. The plan should include:
| Section | Key Points |
| Executive Summary | A summary of your business. |
| Company Description | Mission, vision, and legal organizational structure. |
| Market Analysis | Thorough research on the target market, competition, and market trends. |
| Products and Services | The fish species that you will cultivate (and related services, if any). |
| Operations Plan | Site layout, infrastructure, equipment, and the daily operational procedure. |
| Management Team | Your team’s qualifications and positions. |
| Marketing and Sales Strategy | Your desire to reach customers and sell your fish. |
| Funding Request (if applicable) | The amount requested and how it will be spent. |
Choosing the Right Fish Species
Selecting a species to culture is an important management decision that will influence the profitability and success of the farming enterprise. Some important aspects to think about include the following:
- Market Demand and Dollars per Unit: Choose a species that has a good market demand with stable dollar value in your area.
- Growth Rate and Culture Time: The growth rate of the species will impact how quickly your cash flow returns.
- Disease Resistance: Choose species that are hardy, offer good resistance to common culture diseases where possible.
- Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): A low FCR means a lower amount of feedstuffs required per unit of weight gain, then reducing costs.
- Water Quality Tolerance: Select species that are capable of growing within the available water quality parameters.
- Availability of Healthy Seed (Fry/Fingerlings): Establish if there is a reliable source of healthy fish seed on an ongoing basis.
- Suitability to Local Climate: Some fish prefer warmer water, while others prefer cooler water.
Farm Location & Site Design
- Land Size and Nature: Flat or gently sloping land is best for building the proper drainage system for the construction of a fish farm. Do not consider a flood susceptible area.
- Water:
- Water Source: It is important to have a reliable source of guaranteed supply of plentiful water whether from ground water (bore wells), canals, rivers or large reservoirs.
- Water Quality: The water itself should be tested for pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. It should also be free of pollutants.
- Soil Type: Clayey soil is best as it will retain water in ponds, but sandy and rocky soils may require to be lined for water retention.
- Access: There should be roads in close proximity to the fish farm for transporting feed, fish, and labourers.
- Transport to Market: You minimize your cost of fish transport the firmer the fish is.
- Electricity: Obviously essential for aeration, pumping, etc.
- Security: Protect your fish farm from poachers and thieves.
- Site Planning: Where will you locate all necessary ponds, inflows/outflows, aeration system, feed storage, office, living quarters to efficiently operate your farm.
Infrastructure & Setup Cost
- Land Acquisition/Lease: There is a large upfront expense.
- Construction of ponds: which may include excavation, bunding, lining (where required) and inlet and outlet structures. Prices are different depending on the size and type.
- Water Supply System: Bore wells, pumps, pipes and filtration systems.
- Aeration System: The use of aerators (paddlewheel, diffused air) will be necessary to maintain the dissolved oxygen in most intensive systems.
- Feed Storage: Desiccated dry and safe area of storage.
- Equipment: Nets, seines, harvest, taking apparatus, weighing scales, water test kits, transport tanks.
- Shelter/Office: Undemanding amenities to personnel and management.
- Connection: to Electricity Transformers, Wiring
Permits, Licensing & Subsidies
The important thing is to navigate according to regulations:
- State Fisheries Department: It is the main authority on registration and permits.
- Local Panchayat/Municipal Corporation: Approvals with regard to land use/construction.
- Pollution Control Board (PCB): Clearance with the environment, normally the bigger or more intensive the farm the more clearance is required.
- Food Safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI): In case of processing or direct selling to the consumer.
- Animal Husbandry Department: May be involved according to the certain regulations.
Subsidies and Schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Big central government scheme with significant financial support under different fish farming activities (pond construction, cages farms, RAS, Feed mills, cold chains).
- National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): Technical and financial help.
- State Specific: There are numerous state governments that provide equitable extra subsidies and incentives.
- Bank Loans: Bank loans in the forms of nationalized and commercial banks provide loans to agriculture and we find some provisions on interest subvention schemes on fish farms.
Operational Process
Pond Culture (Pond Preparation):
- De-watering the pond.
- Disinfection and pH adjustment by the addition of lime.
- Organic/inorganic fertilization (i.e. to enhance the natural food growth).
- Pouring in clean water.
Seed Stocking:
- Obtain good healthy and disease free fry or fingerlings obtained at reliable hatcheries.
- New fish to be stocked into ponds should be adapted, slowly over time, to the water temperature and quality of the pond.
- Adhere to proper species and species-farming system stocking density.
Feeding:
- High-quality balanced fish feed should be provided basing on fish size, species and growth stage.
- Feed occasionally and in suitable amount to avoid overfeeding (this can make even the water bad) or underfeeding (this slows growth).
- Track feed to conversion ratio (FCR).
Management of Water Quality:
- Monitoring of indicators such as level of dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrites should be carried out regularly.
- Use aeration, water change, or biofloc maintenance when required.
- Keep good sanitation to avoid outbreak of diseases.
Management of Health and Disease:
- Look at fish and check if they are stressed or sick.
- Put in place barriers against entry of diseases (biosecurity).
- Refer to aquatic veterinarians and get diagnosis and treatment.
- Take withdrawal periods and accept drugs.
Record Keeping:
- Keep an extensive record of stocking density, feed intake, growth rates, water quality characteristics, mortality and disease epidemics and cost.
- Critical to keep track of the performance and to make a wise decision.
Harvesting & Marketing
Harvesting:
- Partial Harvesting: Periodic removal of larger fish so as to ensure that the denser population is reduced to enable the smaller fishes to grow.
- Total Harvesting: Emptying the pond and capturing all the fishes simultaneously.
- Apply proper techniques and nets that would cause minimum stress and harm to fish.
- Harvest when the market size and the demand is the most.
Post-Harvest Handling:
- To preserve the quality and freshness of the chilled fish, plunge it in ice.
- Transportation packaging is done properly.
Marketing Channels:
- Local Markets/Vendors: The direct sales of merchandise to the consumers or small retailers.
- Wholesalers: The sale in large quantities to major distributors.
Restaurants/Hotels: Buying contracts.
- Processing Units: Value-added (value added products): (fillets, dried fish).
- Supermarkets: Should make its supply and quality consistent.
- Online Places/Direct Sales: Creation of a brand and direct sales to a consumer.
- Value addition: Since better prices are fetchable, think about processing fish (fillets, smoked fish, fish pickles).
- Branding and Promotion: Varying your product with quality, freshness, and sustainability.
Financial Projections & Profitability
| Category | Details |
| Capital Costs | Land, civil works, and equipment (usually 30–50% of total investment). |
| Operational Costs | Feed (60–70% of operation costs), labour, electricity, maintenance, chemicals, seed, marketing. |
| Revenue Streams | Determined by yield per cycle, number of cycles per year, and market price per kg. |
| Profitability Metrics | Use financial indicators like Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period to assess viability. |
| Break-even Analysis | Calculate how many units (kg of fish) need to be sold to cover all capital and operating expenses. |
| Sensitivity Analysis | Assess profitability based on changes in key factors such as feed price, market price, mortality rate, etc. |
| Sources of Funds | Personal savings, bank loans, government subsidies, and venture capital (for large-scale projects). |
Challenges & Risk Mitigation
| Challenge | Mitigation Measures |
| Variation of Water Quality | Frequent oversight, aeration, change of water, good pond preparing. |
| Disease Outbreaks | Obtaining quality seed free of pathogens, biosecurity, nutrition, good water quality, infection detection, and isolation of infected fish. |
| Feed Costs | Reduce feeding regime, seek alternative feeds with lower cost, enhance FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio), add natural foods in feed. |
| Volatility of Price in Market | Diversify species, establish good market links, investigate value addition, be aware of market issues. |
| Stealing and Hunting | Fence security, security cameras, security officers. |
| Effects of Climate Change | Select resilient species, use resilient water management services, think of farming that is climate-resilient. |
| Shortage of Skilled Labor | Train, ensure good compensation, automate where possible. |
| Regulatory Hurdles | Initiation of active interaction with related state bodies, where opinion is taken. |
Govt Support & Training
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): The blue print scheme that offers financial and technical help, and infrastructural development in the entire fisheries industry. It entails various activities such as establishment of new ponds as well as marketing.
- National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): An independent organization of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. It also encourages viable development of the fisheries sector by use of diverse programs, training and funding support.
- State Fisheries Departments: There are departments in every state with schemes, subsidies, technical advice and training offering local needs.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Award local training, extension services and aquaculture practices to farmers.
- Fisheries Colleges and Research Institute: Provides academics, research, and advanced studies in aquaculture (e.g. Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA)).
- NABARD (National Bank on Agriculture and Rural development): Gives financial assistance to other banks to lend money to the fish farming project in the form of refinancing.
- Skill Development Programs: There are a set of government and non-government programs which give attention on Skill Development in the course of aquaculture to have a trained workforce.
Conclusion
Fish farming business in India will be a good agriculture business idea, which is set to experience a lot of growth due to the rising demand, the favorable government policies and the modernization of the technology. Even though the journey to success would necessitate careful planning, heavy investment, and thorough management, the prospects of high returns and contribution to food security and rural livelihoods are astronomically high.
With due diligence in research and a sound business strategy, sufficient species and system selection, the right operational practice to follow, and options of government assistance and training, anyone looking to enter into aquapreneurship can overcome the obstacles to attaining a successful and viable fish farming enterprise and contribute to the Indian “Blue Revolution.”
FAQs
How much land is enough to start fish farming?
A small-scale pond-based farm can be established using any land as small as 0.25 to 0. 5 acres but large pieces of land give room to bigger operations.
How much time does it take to harvest the fish in India?
Depending on the species, harvests occur as follows; Indian Major Carps take 8-12 months to mature and Tilapia could be harvested within 4-6 months.
Do fish farms receive government subsidy?
Well, it is true that such schemes as PMMSY, the schemes provided by the NFDB, or the state Fisheries Departments are very useful in terms of giving significant financial support.
Is fish culture viable in India?
Fish farming can be a very lucrative agricultural activity when well planned, managed and market linked since it is in high demand.
