Sustaining Livelihoods and Nourishing Economies: The Invaluable Contributions of Indigenous Small Fish to India’s Economic Tapestry

Indigenous small fishes play a crucial role through their contributions to food security, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. These fishes are an important component of traditional food systems for many indigenous communities in India. They not only provide nutrition but also hold cultural significance. The economic importance of small fish in India cannot be overstated. The economic significance of small fishes is augmented by their higher market value, driven by cultural relevance and demand from indigenous communities. The indigenous small fishes of India emerge as crucial players in the nation’s socio-economic fabric. Their contributions span diverse domains, from nutritional enrichment and cultural preservation to economic sustenance and ecological resilience. Understanding and valuing the contributions of the indigenous small fishes is essential for fostering equitable growth and safeguarding India’s aquatic ecosystems. Small fishes make a direct contribution toward food security, livelihoods, income generation, trade, and commerce whereas indirect contribution to the generation of ecosystem services. Although rural populations depend highly on indigenous species of fish for nutrition in many parts of India, very little attention has been paid to these small fishes. More research and extension work on low-cost small indigenous species culture, diversification, breeding, and its role in nutrition and livelihood at different regional scales need to be strengthened and public awareness is necessary for the conservation of indigenous small fish diversity.