Fisheries – Andhra Pradesh Marine Output Outpaces India, Study Finds
Fisheries – Marine fish and shrimp production in Andhra Pradesh has expanded much faster than the national average over the last three decades, although the State’s shrimp industry has also shown sharper year-to-year fluctuations, a new research study has found.
The analysis, published in the Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, examined marine fisheries data from 1995-96 to 2024-25. Researchers B Malleswari, A Amarender Reddy, S Rajeswari, Sk Nafeez Umar and P Bala Hussain Reddy assessed long-term production patterns using Compound Annual Growth Rate and the Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index.
Marine Fish Production Shows Strong Growth
The study reported that Andhra Pradesh recorded an annual growth rate of 5.51% in marine fish production during the review period. This was substantially higher than the national growth rate of 1.23%.
Marine shrimp production in the State grew at an even stronger annual rate of 8.20%. At the national level, shrimp output did not show a statistically significant increase over the same period, according to the findings.
The researchers said Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline, improved fishing facilities and growing use of modern technology have supported the sector’s expansion. The State has a coastline stretching about 1,027 km, providing access to significant marine resources and fishing activity.
Infrastructure, Technology and Export Demand
Mechanisation in fishing operations, policy support for aquaculture and rising demand from export markets have contributed to the increase in output. The spread of Penaeus vannamei farming was identified as another important factor behind the growth in shrimp production.
Vannamei shrimp farming has become a major component of the State’s aquaculture economy because of its commercial value and export potential. The study noted that this shift has helped Andhra Pradesh strengthen its position in India’s fisheries sector.
Andhra Pradesh contributes nearly 41% of India’s total fisheries production. The sector also accounts for about 7.4% of the State’s Gross State Domestic Product, underlining its importance to coastal livelihoods, exports and the broader economy.
Shrimp Output Faces Greater Volatility
Despite strong growth, shrimp production in Andhra Pradesh was found to be more unstable than the national average. The study measured shrimp production instability at 23.36% in the State, compared with 13.25% across India.
Marine fish production also showed higher variability in Andhra Pradesh. The instability index for fish output stood at 11.71%, while the national figure was 5.81%.
Researchers linked the uneven shrimp production trend to disease outbreaks, changing environmental conditions, climate-related disruptions and movements in international markets. These factors can affect farm output, input costs and export returns.
Pressure on Marine Resources Remains a Concern
Marine capture fisheries continue to face separate challenges, including excessive pressure on fish stocks, seasonal variations and ecological damage in coastal waters. The report observed that production growth in marine fisheries was moderate during the early and middle years of the study period but slowed in more recent years.
The slowdown was particularly visible in marine capture fishing, suggesting that structural limits and rising pressure on natural resources are affecting future growth prospects.
Need for Sustainable Fisheries Planning
The researchers described Andhra Pradesh as a high-growth but high-risk fisheries economy, with shrimp farming serving as a key driver of production and income. However, they cautioned that sustained expansion will depend on reducing vulnerability across the sector.
The study recommended stronger disease-control systems, climate-resilient aquaculture practices and better risk-management measures for producers. It also called for sustainable use of marine resources and greater attention to deep-sea fishing opportunities.
According to the researchers, balanced planning and effective resource management will be essential to maintain growth while protecting marine ecosystems and improving stability for fishing communities and shrimp farmers.