Fish consumption in India is expected to reach 26.50 metric tons by 2048, taking into consideration the current trends in consumption.
According to a new study majority of Indians (72.1%) include fish in their diets and if this trend continues, fish consumption in India will double by 2048.
The Government of India led a study under the topic, Fish Consumption in India: Patterns and Trends. The fish consumption in India from 2005 to 2015 was thoroughly investigated and found that a majority of Indians, around 72.1% (966.9) million people regularly use fish in their diet. The rate and growth of fish consumption is directly linked to the population growth, economic status and dietary preferences.
The study revealed percentage of consumption in the following states of India:
• Tripura – 99.35
• Punjab – 26.45
• Rajasthan -22.5
• Haryana – 20.55
This data clearly shows the most and least consumption rates that reflect on cultural acceptance, availability of fish and dietary preferences.
World Fish Country head for India, Dr. Arun Padiyar has initiated a strategic integration of fish consumption with public health consciousness and wholesome nutrition.
He stated that by adopting a holistic and flexible approach to enhance value chains the sustainability of aquatic food systems can be ensured with improved and well balanced nutritional outcomes.
The Government of India conducted several surveys and the research was a joint effort between ICAR and World Fish, along with the International Food Policy Research Institute. Several other Government Institutes like National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) under the Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying as well as the Marine Products Export Development Authority are among the prominent organizations that are part of this national collaboration
. India is the third largest fish producing nation contributing around 8% to Global Fish Production and is also positioned as the second largest aquaculture producer. Inspite of holding these top positions in production, in terms of the per capita fish food supply India is at 129th position out of 183 countries.
Per capita fish consumption increased 81.43 % from 4.9 Kg to 8.89 Kg with a 4.05 percent annual growth rate in the past 15 years. The growth of per capita consumption was 66 % among Fish eating populations.
The results of this study predicts that if the current trends persist, fish consumption in india is projected to double and reach 26.50 million metric tons by 2048 and annual per capita fish consumption is expected to be at 16.07 Kg
Dr. J K Jena, Deputy director General (Fisheries Science) of the Indian Council of Agricultural research (ICAR) was of the opinion that comprehensive research is essential to grasp the patterns of fish consumption with the socio-demographic and economic factors at the household levels.
The recognition of the crucial role of Fish in ensuring food security and overcoming undernutrition is vital in the campaign to promote domestic fish consumption.
Source: Responsible seafood Advocate, March 1 ,2024.
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