A recent WorldFish and Indian Council of Agricultural Research study on fish consumption patterns shows that from 2005 to 2021 there was an 81.43 per cent increase in per capita fish consumption in India
There’s been a profound shift in dietary habits observed across India. A recent WorldFish and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) study on fish consumption patterns shows that from 2005 to 2021 there was an 81.43 per cent increase in per capita fish consumption in India, along with a 32 per cent growth in the fish-consuming population. The attention this study has received in Indian media is well-deserved for it touches upon a subject with huge implications for policy settings and not only underscores the crucial role of aquatic foods in bolstering nutrition and livelihoods but also amplifies the need for sustainable aquatic food production practices.
The surge in fish consumption in India is intrinsically linked to the rising middle class, whose expanding awareness and refined palates demand more nutritious food options. This shift not only underscores the importance of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to meet these new preferences but also reflects a broader trend of dietary evolution towards health and sustainability.
At its core, this trend towards higher fish consumption in India mirrors global trends. Fish, and aquatic foods in general, offer a myriad of health benefits, brimming with essential micronutrients, vital proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also produce a fraction of the CO2 emissions when compared with traditional land-based food systems.
With this rising demand, the issue of ecological degradation looms large. This encompasses a variety of threats, including water pollution, overfishing leading to the depletion of native species, and the degradation of vital habitats like mangroves. Compounding these challenges is the unsustainable reliance of many fish farms on wild-caught fish for feed.
With aquaculture production expected to surpass 105 million tonnes by 2029, outpacing the capture sector by 10 million tons, there is an urgent need to balance this surge in demand while simultaneously safeguarding aquatic ecosystems’ health. This requires a fundamental shift towards sustainability, one that can safeguard the long-term viability of aquaculture industries, not only within India but globally.