Nagaland’s fish production rose to 11,692.88 metric tonnes in 2025–26, with growth in aquaculture, hatcheries and fishery infrastructure across the state.
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KOHIMA — Nagaland’s fish production rose to 11,692.88 metric tonnes (MT) in 2025–26 from 11,158.9 MT in the previous year, according to the annual administrative report 2025–26 of the department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The total area under fishery activities also increased to 11,755 hectares from 11,568.8 hectares during 2024–25.
Per capita fish consumption in the state stood at 7.16 kg in 2024–25, below the recommended nutritional requirement of 11 kg as per WHO standards.
Fish seed production improved to 58.54 million, up from 56 million in the previous year. The state currently has eight government demonstration fish farms, while government carp hatcheries have increased from five to eight.
Private carp hatcheries also rose from 10 to 12 units. Mahseer hatcheries remain at one, while trout hatcheries increased from one to three.
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The department reported the presence of seven awareness centres, six Fish Farmers’ Training Centres, and two Fish Farmers’ Hostels across the state.
Fish production has increased across several sectors over the past year: (See Table)
Nagaland Fish Production Table (2024–25 vs 2025–26)
Sl. No | Types of Resources | Volume (MT) | Area (ha) | Volume (MT)2025–26 |
Area (ha) |
1 | Ponds & Tanks | 9481.5 | 4410.00 | 9925.20 | 4595.00 |
2 | Paddy cum Fish Culture | 1389.78 | 3790.8 | 1478.88 | 3792.00 |
3 | Doyang Reservoir | 277.8 | 2258.00 | 278.00 | 2258.00 |
4 | Rivers/ Stream etc. | 3.60 | - | 3.80 | - |
5 | Lakes/ Weirs/ Swamps etc. | 6.22 | 1110.00 | 7.00 | 1110.00 |
| Total | 11158.90 | 11568.8 | 11692.88 | 11755.00 |
On the resource front, the department estimated a total potential area of 1,12,500 hectares for ponds and tanks, of which only 8,387 hectares have been utilised so far, leaving 1,04,113 hectares untapped. This translates to just 19.92% utilisation for aquaculture.
In another assessment, out of 30,000 hectares of identified pond and tank area, only 4,595 hectares have been utilised, leaving 25,405 hectares unutilised. The average productivity stands at 2,160 kg per hectare per year.
Under integrated fish culture, an estimated 82,500 hectares have been identified as potential area, but only 3,792 hectares have been utilised, reflecting a utilisation rate of 4.60% and an average productivity of 390 kg per hectare per year.
Reservoir fisheries cover 2,258 hectares, with an average productivity of 123 kg per hectare per year. Additionally, around 1,600 km of rivers and streams have been identified as potential areas, though detailed utilisation data is not available.
Lakes, weirs and swamps account for an estimated 1,700 hectares of potential area, of which 1,110 hectares have been utilised, leaving 590 hectares unutilised.
The report stated that India’s fisheries sector has transformed into a fast-growing component of the agricultural economy, recording an average annual growth of around 11% since 2014–15.
India is currently the second-largest fish producer and aquaculture producer globally, and the fourth-largest exporter of fish and fishery products.
In Nagaland, fisheries development has gained momentum, particularly in inland fisheries and freshwater aquaculture, contributing to food security and income generation.
The department stressed that sustainable growth will depend on improved infrastructure, scientific management, and conservation of aquatic ecosystems, especially in hill streams and cold-water systems.
With rising demand for fish, it highlighted the need to balance productivity with sustainability to ensure long-term growth and self-reliance in the sector.