Karnataka has registered the highest growth in fish production among the coastal States in the country.
According to an independent study conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), Karnataka posted a compounded annual growth rate of about 11.5 per cent in the last five years.
It produced five lakh tonnes of fish last year (Rs 4,000 crore in value terms), and accounted for 6 per cent of overall fish production in the country estimated at 91 lakh tonnes.
With a 300-km coastline and six lakh hectares of inland waters, it has huge scope for further growth in investments in fisheries sector, says the study.
Andhra Pradesh, with 8 per cent growth, ranks second in terms of growth in fish production, followed by West Bengal (4.9 per cent), Tamil Nadu (4.5 per cent) and Odisha (3.25 per cent).
According to the study, Kerala and Goa have recorded a fall in fish production, mostly due to over-exploitation of fishery resources, highlights the study.
There has been a spectacular growth in marine fisheries sector due to well developed harvest and post harvest infrastructure and demand for seafood both in the domestic and export markets.
However, there are not many large-scale processing units in the country. Majority of the units are small scale, proprietary, partnership firms and fishermen co-operatives, the study points out.
rravikumar@thehindu.co.in