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Bhubaneswar, 10/7/2025 ( Odisha Samachar )-Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), Govt. of India, celebrated National Fish Farmers’ Day 2025 at ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) Kausalyaganga campus in Bhubaneswar on July 10, 2025 in collaboration with the Department of fisheries, Govt of Odisha and National Fisheries Development Board. National Fish Farmers Day is observed on July 10th to commemorate the historic achievement of Dr. K.H. Alikunhi and Dr. H.L. Chaudhuri, who successfully induced bred carp in 1957. This breakthrough revolutionized Indian aquaculture and laid the foundation for its modern development.
Delivering his address to the farmers, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister, MoFAH&D, GoI, reiterated the Government’s vision to transform the fisheries sector through innovation, capacity building, and support under the PMMSY.During the event, Shri Singh launched key fisheries initiatives, including 17 fisheries clusters. He also unveiled the ICAR and NFDB Training Calendar, Guidelines on Seed Certification and Hatcheries, Freshwater Aquaculture Technologies by ICAR-CIFA: Innovations for Diversification and Sustainability book of ICAR-CIFA, strengthening institutional capacity in aquaculture.
The minister felicitated traditional fishers, FFPOs, start-ups, and selected beneficiaries under schemes like Kisan Credit Card and Aqua-crop Insurance. He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple PMMSY projects virtually, advancing infrastructure and development in India’s fisheries sector.In his speech, he highlighted the significance of improving the livelihoods of fish farmers, enhancing food security, strengthening the marketing value chain, ensuring social security, and providing training in modern scientific techniques related to fish farming. He noted that fish production has increased by 103% over the past decade (2014-2024). He underscored the importance of training and capacity building of farmers in new avenues – pearl culture, pabda farming, organic fish farming, murrelfarming etc.
The occasion was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Ministers of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Sri George Kurian from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. They commended the fish farmers on National Fish Farmers Day and emphasized the importance of the Blue Revolution and Technology Transfer. Shri Gokulananda Mallick,
Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Dept., Government of Odisha, emphasized various schemes of Central and State Govt.Among others Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, Member of Parliament, Kandhamal; Shri AshritPattanayak, MLA, Pipli;Dr.AbhilakshLikhi, Secretary, DoF, GoI;Dr J.K.Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR; Dr B.K.Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB;Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, DoF, GoI; Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary, DoF, GoI; Shri S.K.Vashist, Principal Secretary, Dept of FARD, Govt of Odisha;and Dr P.K.Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA were present on the occasion
A major attraction was the exhibition stalls put up by Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), fisheries start-ups, and women fisher groups, showcasing innovative products, value-added fish items, and community-led aquaculture initiatives. Around 1,500 participants, including farmers, farm women, progressive fishers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, attended the event, reflecting strong grassroots engagement and widespread interest in advancing the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The celebration served as a vibrant platform to reaffirm the synergy between science, policy, and grassroots entrepreneurship in shaping India’s Blue Revolution.
