Blue Revolution and the Emerging Blue Economy in Telangana Evaluating Policy Outcomes and Institutional Effectiveness

Abstract

The Blue Revolution in India, launched through the Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries (2015–2020) and expanded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020–present), has reshaped inland aquaculture as a driver of rural income, food security, and ecological stewardship. Telangana, though a landlocked state, is endowed with extensive inland water resources and a vibrant community of fishers and cooperatives. This study evaluates the policy outcomes and institutional effectiveness of the Blue Revolution and emerging Blue Economy in Telangana over the decade 2014–2024. Using mixed-method evaluation grounded in official data, secondary literature, and institutional mapping, the study traces how policy design, resource mobilization, and convergence strategies between the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the Department of Fisheries (DoF), and state-level agencies have impacted production, employment, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. Findings reveal that fish production rose from 2.68 lakh tons in 2014–15 to over 4.56 lakh tons by 2024, with an estimated value exceeding ₹7,000 crore (NFDB, 2021; Department of Fisheries, 2024). The cooperative base has expanded to include nearly 3 lakh members, and welfare coverage has been enhanced through insurance and credit support. However, persistent gaps exist in cold chain density, traceability, ecological monitoring, and skill development. The paper concludes that Telangana’s inland fisheries model, anchored in participatory governance and cross-sectoral convergence, offers a replicable pathway toward a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy in India.