Trend analysis of fish seed and fish production in Jharkhand, India

Jharkhand, endowed with abundant inland water resources, holds significant potential for fisheries development as a means of enhancing nutritional security, rural livelihoods, and economic growth. The state possesses diverse aquatic resources, including rivers, reservoirs, tanks, ponds, and other water bodies, yet continues to lag behind the national recommended per capita fish availability. This study analyzes the trends in inland fish production, fish seed production, and financial outlay in the fisheries sector of Jharkhand over a period of 23 years (2000-01 to 2022-23). The analysis is based on secondary data collected from official publications of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and the Directorate of Fisheries, Jharkhand. Time series analysis, growth rate estimation, trend analysis, and correlation and regression techniques were employed to assess production dynamics and relationships between key variables. Results indicate that inland fish production showed fluctuations during the early years but exhibited a consistent increasing trend from 2011-12 onwards, reaching 2.80 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. Fish seed production recorded sharp growth during certain years, reflecting the impact of policy interventions and institutional support. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.7041) was observed between fish seed production and inland fish production, highlighting the importance of seed availability in enhancing fish output. However, the relationship between financial outlay and fish production was weak, suggesting inefficiencies in expenditure utilization. The study provides valuable baseline information for policymakers and stakeholders and emphasizes the need for effective planning, technology adoption, and efficient resource utilization to strengthen the fisheries sector in Jharkhand.