Fish Production in India Soars: A Look at the National Fish Farmers' Day 2025 Celebrations

Significant Growth in Fish Production

Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, announced a remarkable 103% increase in fish production from 2014 to 2024.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing infrastructure, adopting sustainable practices, ensuring social security, and providing advanced training in areas such as pearl culture, pabda and murrel farming, and organic aquaculture. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), commemorated National Fish Farmers’ Day 2025 at ICAR–CIFA in Bhubaneswar. Singh reiterated the government's dedication to revolutionizing the fisheries sector through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by launching 17 new fisheries clusters, bringing the total to 34 nationwide.

Additionally, he inaugurated and laid the groundwork for 70 projects valued at Rs 105 crore across 11 states. Singh also introduced the ICAR-NFDB Training Calendar and Seed Certification Guidelines, along with the release of the book "Freshwater Aquaculture Technologies" by ICAR-CIFA, focusing on innovations for diversification and sustainability. Several PMMSY projects were inaugurated virtually during the event.

The gathering included MoS Prof SP Singh Baghel, George Kurian, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, various MPs, MLAs, and senior officials from ICAR, DoF, NFDB, and the Odisha Government. The program was hosted by ICAR-CIFA director PK Sahoo. Mallik discussed various initiatives from both the Central and state governments aimed at bolstering the fisheries sector. MoFAH&D secretary Abhilaksh Likhi highlighted key projects, including an Aqua Park in Sambalpur, scampi hatcheries, and disaster preparedness in 18 cyclone-prone villages. He underscored Odisha’s crucial role in reaching India’s ambitious target of 195 lakh tonnes of fish production, focusing on areas like deep-sea fishing, harbor modernization, and capacity building through ICAR.

A standout feature of the event was an exhibition by Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), startups, and women fisher groups, showcasing innovative and value-added products.

The event attracted over 1,500 participants, including fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, demonstrating the strong collaboration between science, policy, and industry that propels the Blue Revolution. This occasion also commemorated the 1957 milestone in carp breeding achieved by KH Alikunhi and HL Chaudhuri, marking a significant advancement in Indian aquaculture.