India Aquafeed Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

India Aquafeed Market Outlook at a Glance

The India Aquafeed Market is expected to reach US$ 5.92 billion by 2033, expanding from US$ 4.03 billion in 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.37% from 2025 to 2033, according to Renub Research estimates.

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This steady growth reflects a fundamental transformation underway in India’s aquaculture ecosystem. Growing health consciousness among consumers, the rapid expansion of organized seafood retail, improved cold-chain infrastructure, and rising disposable incomes are reshaping how fish and shrimp are produced, distributed, and consumed. As seafood sales gradually shift from neighborhood wet markets to supermarkets and modern retail outlets, the demand for consistent quality, traceability, and nutritional value has intensified—directly benefiting the aquafeed industry.

India, already one of the world’s largest producers of fish and shrimp, is increasingly embracing commercial aquafeed as a cornerstone of sustainable and high-yield aquaculture. This transition from traditional, farm-made feeds to scientifically formulated products is central to the market’s medium- and long-term expansion.

India Aquafeed Industry Overview

Over the past decade, India’s aquafeed industry has witnessed remarkable structural evolution. Aquaculture plays a critical role in the country’s food security, rural employment generation, and export earnings, particularly through shrimp exports to global markets such as the United States, Europe, and East Asia.

Historically, Indian fish farmers relied on rice bran, oil cakes, or farm-made feed mixtures. However, intensification of farming practices, disease outbreaks, water quality challenges, and export-driven quality standards have accelerated the adoption of commercial, nutritionally balanced aquafeed.

Freshwater species such as rohu, catla, and mrigal, brackish-water shrimp, and increasingly high-value species like pangasius and tilapia dominate feed consumption. Feed manufacturers now focus on developing species-specific and growth-stage-specific formulations that improve digestibility, boost feed conversion ratios (FCRs), and reduce environmental impact.

Government initiatives promoting sustainable aquaculture, combined with private sector investment and R&D-led innovation, have modernized India’s aquafeed value chain. While challenges remain—particularly raw material volatility and uneven farmer awareness—the sector’s outlook remains positive, supported by rising seafood demand and increasing professionalism in aquaculture operations.

Key Factors Driving Growth in the India Aquafeed Market

1. Expansion of Aquaculture Operations

India ranks among the world’s leading aquaculture producers, with both inland and coastal farming expanding rapidly. The shift toward semi-intensive and intensive farming systems has significantly increased demand for commercial aquafeed.

Shrimp farming, especially in coastal states such as Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is a major growth engine. Export-oriented shrimp producers rely heavily on high-quality feed to ensure faster growth cycles, disease resistance, and compliance with international quality standards. As aquaculture becomes more organized and commercially driven, consistent feed usage across species and regions is becoming essential.

2. Rising Awareness of Scientific Feeding Practices

Indian fish and shrimp farmers are increasingly recognizing the importance of scientifically formulated feed in achieving higher productivity and profitability. Commercial aquafeed offers predictable nutritional content, better feed efficiency, and improved survival rates compared to traditional feed inputs.

Training programs run by government agencies, private companies, and non-governmental organizations are playing a vital role in spreading awareness. These initiatives emphasize optimal feeding schedules, water quality management, and species-specific nutrition, accelerating the long-term shift toward science-backed feeding practices.

3. Product Innovation and Technological Advancements

Continuous R&D investments by domestic and multinational feed producers are leading to the development of advanced, eco-friendly, and high-performance aquafeed products. Innovations such as probiotic-enhanced feed, floating and sinking pellets, and specialty formulations for disease resistance are gaining traction.

Digital tools and precision aquaculture technologies are further improving feed management, enabling farmers to optimize feed usage, reduce waste, and enhance yields. These advancements position aquafeed as a strategic input in modern aquaculture, reinforcing sustained market growth.

Challenges Facing the India Aquafeed Market

Raw Material Price Volatility and Supply Dependence

One of the most pressing challenges for the aquafeed industry is the fluctuating availability and cost of key raw materials such as fish meal, fish oil, soybean meal, and maize. Climate variability, import dependencies, and global commodity price movements can significantly impact feed production costs.

This volatility makes it difficult for manufacturers to maintain stable pricing and margins, while also affecting affordability for farmers—particularly small-scale producers. Dependence on imported ingredients further exposes the industry to global supply chain disruptions.

Limited Technical Knowledge Among Small-Scale Farmers

Despite growing adoption, a large segment of India’s aquaculture farmers—especially in rural and remote areas—still relies on traditional feeding practices. Limited access to training, advisory services, and extension support hampers widespread adoption of commercial aquafeed.

Inconsistent feed availability, last-mile distribution challenges, and price sensitivity further constrain market penetration in less-developed aquaculture regions. Addressing these gaps remains critical for unlocking the market’s full potential.

Regional Insights: India Aquafeed Market Overview

Maharashtra Aquafeed Market

Maharashtra’s aquafeed market is growing steadily, supported by expanding inland aquaculture and rising demand for freshwater species such as rohu and catla. Farmers are gradually transitioning from conventional feed to commercial diets, aided by government initiatives and training programs.

Private feed manufacturers are strengthening distribution networks to improve rural access, though challenges such as limited technical expertise and high input costs persist. With increasing investment and awareness, Maharashtra offers significant long-term growth opportunities.

Tamil Nadu Aquafeed Market

Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most dynamic aquafeed markets, driven by strong freshwater and shrimp farming activity. Favorable climatic conditions, a long coastline, and robust government support make the state a key contributor to national feed demand.

High awareness levels, the presence of major feed producers, and well-established distribution systems support widespread adoption of commercial aquafeed. Despite challenges related to input costs and water quality, Tamil Nadu’s focus on sustainable aquaculture underpins strong growth prospects.

Gujarat Aquafeed Market

Gujarat’s aquafeed market is expanding rapidly due to the growth of brackish-water shrimp farming along its extensive coastline. Government-backed investments in hatcheries, cold chains, and fisheries infrastructure are boosting demand for high-quality feed.

Farmers are increasingly adopting scientifically formulated aquafeed to improve productivity, though seasonal farming patterns and limited access to advanced technical knowledge in remote areas remain constraints. Overall, Gujarat represents a high-potential growth market.

West Bengal Aquafeed Market

West Bengal plays a vital role in India’s aquafeed landscape, supported by abundant water resources and a large base of freshwater fish farmers. Commercial feed adoption is rising, encouraged by government subsidies, training programs, and region-specific feed formulations.

However, price sensitivity and limited technical awareness among small-scale farmers continue to challenge market expansion. Despite these issues, West Bengal’s strong aquaculture base ensures sustained demand growth.Market Segmentation Snapshot

By Species

Carp Feeds

Marine Shrimps

Tilapias

Catfishes

Marine Fishes

Salmons

Freshwater (FW) Crustaceans

Trouts

Others

By Ingredients

Soybean

Corn

Fish Meal

Fish Oil

Additives

Others

By Additives

Vitamins and Minerals

Antioxidants

Feed Enzymes

Others

By Product Form

Pellets

Extruded

Powdered

Liquid

Top States

Maharashtra

Tamil Nadu

Karnataka

Gujarat

Uttar Pradesh

West Bengal

Rajasthan

Telangana

Andhra Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh

Competitive Landscape and Company Analysis

The India aquafeed market is moderately consolidated, featuring a mix of domestic leaders and multinational players focused on product innovation, distribution expansion, and farmer engagement. Key companies include Alltech Biotechnology Pvt. Ltd., Avanti Feeds Limited, Cargill India Private Limited, Godrej Agrovet Limited, Growel Feeds Private Limited, IB Group, Skretting Aquaculture India Private Limited, and UNO Feeds.

These players emphasize R&D-driven feed formulations, farmer training initiatives, and sustainable sourcing strategies to strengthen their market positions.

Final Thoughts

The India Aquafeed Market is on a steady and sustainable growth path through 2033, underpinned by rising aquaculture intensity, growing seafood consumption, and increasing adoption of scientific feeding practices. While challenges related to raw material volatility and farmer awareness remain, supportive government policies, technological innovation, and expanding organized retail are reshaping the industry’s future.

As India continues its transition toward export-oriented, sustainable, and high-efficiency aquaculture, aquafeed will remain a critical input—positioning the sector as a resilient and strategically important component of the country’s agri-food economy.