In 2022, India witnessed a notable 15 per cent increase in marine fish landing, reaching 3.49 million tonnes, as compared to the previous year's figure, according to an English daily. Furthermore, there was a significant 28 per cent rise in fish landing in 2022 compared to 2020, when the pandemic hit the world.
Tamil Nadu regained its place as the top state in terms of fish landings, contributing 7.22 lakh tonnes, which accounted for 21 per cent of the total followed by Karnataka (6.95 lakh tonnes) and Kerala (6.87 lakh tonnes).
Gujarat, which had previously held the top two spots in recent years, ranked fourth in fish landings with 5.03 lakh tonnes. This represented nearly a 13 per cent decrease compared to the 2021 landings, primarily due to reduced fishing efforts and trade-related challenges.
Average Price Downfall
In 2022, the estimated value of marine fish landings at the landing centre level in India reached Rs 58,247 crore, reflecting an 8.57 percent increase compared to 2021. At the retail centre level, the estimated value stood at Rs 79,865 crore, indicating a 4.21 percent increase over the previous year. The average unit price per kilogram of fish at the landing centre was Rs 166.90, showing a 5.69 percent decrease from 2021. At the retail centre, the average unit price was Rs 228.84, marking a 5.55 percent decrease from the previous year.
The leading marine fish resources in terms of landings during 2022 were as follows: Indian mackerel (3.28 lakh tonnes), oil sardine (2.51 lakh tonnes), Ribbon fishes (2.27 lakh tonnes), Cephalopods (2.06 lakh tonnes), and Threadfin breams (1.99 lakh tonnes).
Notably, 2022 witnessed a remarkable comeback for the oil sardine, one of the most preferred marine fish species in the country. Its landings experienced a significant increase of 188 percent compared to 2021, securing the second position in terms of quantity landed.
On the other hand, lesser sardines, which had been the top contributor in the past two consecutive years, dropped to the sixth position with a 25 percent reduction in landings compared to 2021.
Unlike previous years, the weather conditions in 2022 were favourable with calm conditions, allowing continuous fishing activities throughout the year.
