Sustainable Strategies for Freshwater Aquaculture in India: Steering Opportunities and Future Challenges

Abstract

With rapidly expanding production, aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. In India, the advancement of innovative aquaculture practices has greatly boosted the contribution of aquatic products, generating positive economic impact. This study adopts a three-dimensional perspective covering the economic, environmental and social considerations that govern this growing industry. This review assesses the level of structural upgrading within the fisheries sector in India, identifying alignment with the global sustainability frameworks put forth by FAO, UNEP etc. With climate change emerging as a challenge to both aquatic ecosystems and production systems, associated stressors and changes such as oxygen dynamics, eutrophication, pathogen proliferation etc. need to be judiciously managed as part of mitigation and adaptation measures. As a major player in the global aquaculture sector, India has witnessed notable progress in the modernization of its fishing industry. This includes technology advancements such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) which reduce effluent discharge and feed waste, lower disease transmission, allow for nutrient recycling and sustainable intensification through biodiversity conservation. These have tangible links to inclusive growth and sustainable development as they address poverty alleviation (SDG 1), food security (SDG 2), circular economy principles (SDG 12) and biodiversity conservation/ minimizing ecological degradation (SDG 14). Currently inland fisheries in India show a higher degree of advancement compared to coastal regions, largely due to targeted government initiatives supporting industrial improvements. This study addresses real-world practices, government efforts and environmental concerns and explores broader linkages with policy and sustainability goals. Further, it offers strategic recommendations to enhance the sector’s sustainable growth by analysing its current status and identifying potential areas for improvement.