In a significant revelation, Catla (Labeo catla), one of India’s prominent carps, has secured its place among the top 10 species of aquatic animals harvested globally in 2022. According to the latest report by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Catla achieved an impressive harvest exceeding four million tonnes last year, ranking eighth on the list of ‘Top ten species items’.
Endemic to the riverine systems of northern India, the Indus plain, and neighboring regions of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar, Catla has expanded its habitat across various riverine systems, reservoirs, and tanks throughout India over the decades. Initially farmed in the ponds of eastern Indian states, its popularity and cultivation have grown exponentially across the country since the latter half of the 20th century.
Catla is part of a trio of significant Indian carps, alongside Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), which dominate India’s inland fisheries sector. These species collectively contribute substantially to the country’s aquaculture production.
The FAO report highlighted that Whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) led the global aquatic animal production in 2022 with a staggering 6.8 million tonnes, followed closely by Cupped oysters (Crassostrea spp.) and Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), each exceeding 6 million tonnes. Other notable species included Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), and Anchoveta (Engraulis ringens).
The report underscored a significant shift in global aquatic production dynamics, with aquaculture now surpassing capture fisheries for the first time in history. Inland aquaculture alone accounted for 62.6% of the total farmed aquatic animals in 2022, marking a milestone in the industry’s evolution.
As aquaculture continues to expand, the FAO emphasized the need for sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure long-term viability. The growth of Catla and other key species reflects the growing importance of aquaculture in meeting global food security challenges and underscores the sector’s pivotal role in future sustainable development goals.
The FAO report serves as a clarion call for stakeholders to prioritize responsible aquaculture practices to safeguard aquatic biodiversity and ensure equitable access to nutritious seafood worldwide.
