ECOSYSTEM LANDSCAPE STUDY
FISHERIES IN ASSAM
A Deep Dive Into Oppurtunities Challenges acress the Agro-Climatic Zone

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

India’s fisheries sector plays a critical role in ensuring nutritional security and rural livelihoods, with inland aquaculture emerging as a fast-growing component. It contributes significantly to employment, income diversification, and climate adaptation—especially smallholder farmers. The sector also provides opportunities for women and youth to engage across the value chain, from production, processing to marketing.

In Assam, the fisheries sector has both ecological grounding and economic significance—built around its extensive network of rivers, floodplains, ponds, and beels (oxbow lakes). Fisheries here are more than just a livelihood; they serve as a crucial safety net against agricultural uncertainties, especially in the face of rising climate risks. Recognizing this, the Government of Assam is actively promoting the sector through a range of centrally and state-sponsored schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMGUY), and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). As a result, fisheries have emerged as one of the major focus areas for sustainable rural development in the state.