Bihar has secured the fourth position in freshwater fish farming in India, recording an all-time high production of 9.59 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. The state registered a year-on-year growth of nearly 10 per cent, marking a remarkable transformation in a sector where it once lagged behind due to climatic and infrastructural limitations.

The latest figures reflect a more than 100 per cent increase in production compared to 2014–15, when Bihar produced just over 4.5 lakh tonnes of freshwater fish and ranked ninth nationally. Despite facing extreme weather conditions for nearly three months every year, the state has overtaken several regions with more favorable geography for aquaculture.

Bihar has now achieved self-reliance in freshwater fish production and is preparing to enter export markets. Earlier, the state depended heavily on supplies from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, and other regions to meet local demand. Officials credit sustained government support, improved infrastructure, and farmer training for this dramatic turnaround.

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According to state authorities, the construction of ponds across more than 7,575 hectares and the adoption of scientific farming techniques have played a crucial role. Innovations such as improved pond design, water quality management, aeration systems, and intensive farming methods have significantly boosted productivity and reduced losses.

Advanced aquaculture practices like biofloc fish farming have further accelerated growth by enabling higher output in limited space. This eco-friendly technique uses beneficial microbes to recycle fish waste into natural feed, reducing costs and water usage. Bihar currently has 764 biofloc fish farms, alongside the increasing adoption of recirculating aquaculture systems that conserve up to 90 per cent water.

Nationally, Andhra Pradesh continues to lead freshwater fish production, followed by West Bengal and Odisha, with Bihar now firmly in fourth place. Major species cultivated include katla, rohu, mrigal, and catfish. India remains the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing around 184 lakh tonnes annually—approximately eight per cent of global fish output.

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