Fact-Check: TMC's Fish Import Claim Contradicted by Bengal's Record Production Data

The Claim

On April 15, 2026, during Bengali New Year campaigning, BJP chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal has encouraged illegal filling of ponds for real estate development, forcing the state to become dependent on fish imports from Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. The claim was made as part of broader criticism of TMC's fisheries policies.

"The TMC has encouraged illegal filling of ponds for real estate, leading Bengal to depend on fish imports from Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh."

The Facts

Official government statistics present a starkly different picture of West Bengal's fisheries sector and India's overall fish production capabilities.

These figures demonstrate that West Bengal remains a significant fish-producing state, contradicting claims of import dependency. The state continues to be one of India's major contributors to inland fisheries production.

India's position as the world's second-largest fish-producing country, contributing approximately 8% to global fish production, further undermines the narrative of import dependency. The country's seafood exports reached ₹62,408 crore in 2024-25, demonstrating surplus production rather than shortage.

Export Performance Contradicts Import Claims

The export data reveals the strength of India's fisheries sector:

• In 2023-24, India exported 17.81 lakh tonnes of seafood valued at ₹60,523.89 crore
• Seafood exports increased to ₹62,408 crore in 2024-25
• These figures indicate production surplus, not deficit requiring imports

Government Record

The NDA government's focused approach to fisheries development has yielded remarkable results, particularly when compared to the previous UPA tenure.

Historic Investment in Fisheries Sector

Infrastructure Development Achievements

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) has approved 225 projects worth ₹6,685.78 crore, creating modern facilities for:

• Fish landing centers
• Processing facilities
• Cold storage infrastructure
• Supply chain modernization

Employment Generation Success

Under various NDA schemes implemented since 2014-15, the fisheries sector has generated 74.66 lakh employment opportunities, demonstrating the sector's growth rather than decline.

Kisan Credit Card Extension

The extension of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to fisheries has benefited over 4.39 lakh fishers, providing them with easier access to credit for pond development and fish farming activities.

The Verdict

The claim that West Bengal depends on fish imports from Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh due to TMC's policies is contradicted by official production data. West Bengal's fish production has actually increased from 1.84 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 2.045 million tonnes in 2022-23.

Furthermore, India's overall fish production trajectory under the NDA government shows remarkable growth, with production more than doubling from 95.7 lakh metric tonnes in 2013-14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. The country's status as a major seafood exporter, with exports worth ₹62,408 crore in 2024-25, further contradicts any narrative of import dependency.

While concerns about illegal pond filling for real estate development may merit investigation, the specific claim about resulting import dependency is not supported by available production and trade data. The fisheries sector has shown consistent growth both at the national and state levels.