Genomics resources for commercially important aquaculture species of India.

Abstract

Aquaculture is an important livelihood sector in coastal and inland areas of India. It is an important activity that has potential to double the farm income. Aquaculture produce would be the major seafood item that could meet the increased food demand for increasing human population. As per aquaculture production statistics published by FAO for the year 2016, India has produced 5.7 million metric tonnes of food through aquaculture which is valued at USD 10.6 billion (Table 1). In comparison to 2006, the statistics published for 2016 amounts to about 80% increase in quantity and 150% increase in value. A variety of species including fishes, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants are being farmed. Most of the production either by quantity or value is dominated by freshwater fishes followed by crustaceans. The value generated through farming of aquatic plants and molluscs is negligible when compared to total production value.