Archive · 2 Nov 2025
India Launches First Digital Census for Fisheries Sector
India is counting its fishers digitally for the first time!
Usually, people used paper to count how many fishermen and boats there are, but now they will use special tablets.
This big count will happen for 45 days across all the places by the sea.
The goal is to get the most up-to-date information about the people who work in fishing and the equipment they use.
This will help the government create better plans and support programs for them.
It's also looking at how much money they make, if they have debt, and how they were affected by the pandemic.
By using technology, the government hopes to make sure help reaches the right people more easily.
India has launched its fifth National Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025, utilizing digital tablets for the first time.
The census will enumerate over 1.2 million fisher households across nine coastal states and four union territories from November 3 to December 18, 2024.
This is India's first fully digital and geo-referenced survey of the fisheries sector, aiming to collect detailed socio-economic data.
The data collected will support evidence-based policymaking, welfare schemes like PM-MKSSY, and the management of marine resources for the 'blue economy'.
The initiative aims to bridge existing information gaps regarding employment, incomes, and access to welfare for the sector, which supports nearly 30 million livelihoods.
- Who
- The Indian government, via the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- What
- Launched the fifth National Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025, the country's first fully digital and geo-referenced survey of the fisheries sector.
- When
- Launched on October 31, with data collection from November 3 to December 18, 2024.
- Where
- Across nine coastal states and four union territories of India.
- Why
- To update information on fishing communities, crafts, gears, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions to aid evidence-based policymaking, welfare schemes, and sustainable management of marine resources for the 'blue economy'.
Government Perspective
Challenges and Concerns
Data Utilization
Government Perspective
The digital census promises efficiency and accuracy for evidence-based policymaking, targeted welfare, and resource management.
Challenges and Concerns
Analysts caution that the real test lies in how effectively the data is used, as previous censuses often remained reference documents without translating into actionable policy tools.
Scope of Data Collection
Government Perspective
The census expands beyond headcounts to include detailed socio-economic data, impact of pandemics, and how collectivization is reshaping the value chain.
Challenges and Concerns
While aiming for a granular picture, the effectiveness of collecting and integrating such detailed socio-economic data, especially regarding vulnerable communities and debt levels, remains to be seen.
- Census Name
- National Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025
- Start Date
- November 3, 2024
- End Date
- December 18, 2024
- Duration
- 45 days
- Number of States/UTs Covered
- 9 coastal states and 4 union territories
- Number of Fisher Households Targeted
- Over 1.2 million
- Development
- ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
