Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in India: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in India source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are shrimp, carp, tilapia, pangasius; typical water temperatures are 20–33 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.12 per kWh.

India is a top shrimp exporter and the second-largest aquaculture producer overall; PMMSY subsidies support hatcheries, RAS, cages and cold chain.

Key planning facts

Main species
shrimp, carp, tilapia, pangasius
Common systems
Ponds, RAS (recirculating), Cages
Water temperature
20–33 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.12 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 0.60 / m³
Compound feed
≈ ₹95 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
18%
Currency
INR (≈ 86 / USD)
Licensing authority
Department of Fisheries, MPEDA and Coastal Aquaculture Authority
Main import ports
Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Kolkata and Nhava Sheva
See vetted supplier categories for India

What to check before requesting quotes in India

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (20–33 °C) for shrimp.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.12/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with Department of Fisheries, MPEDA and Coastal Aquaculture Authority.
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Kolkata and Nhava Sheva.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 0.60 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 18% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in India?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in India costs roughly ₹135.5M (≈ $1.6M) – ₹210.7M (≈ $2.5M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in India?

Commercial projects in India mainly focus on shrimp, carp, tilapia, pangasius.

Who licenses aquaculture in India?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve Department of Fisheries, MPEDA and Coastal Aquaculture Authority. Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More India questions: see the market FAQ

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