Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 10 (ANI): The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D), celebrated National Fish Farmers' Day 2025 on Thursday at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar.

The event recognized the invaluable contributions of fishers, fish farmers, and fisher folk to the nation's burgeoning fisheries sector.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh presided over the celebrations, marking the occasion with the launch of 17 new fisheries clusters under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

These new additions bring the total number of fisheries clusters across the country to 34, significantly upscaling efforts to boost the sector.

The Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 70 projects with an outlay of Rs 105 crore, spanning 11 states.

A series of key fisheries initiatives was unveiled by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, including the release of the ICAR Training Calendar and the introduction of guidelines on seed certification and hatchery operations. These measures aim to ensure quality, standardisation, and robust capacity building within the fisheries sector.

The Minister also felicitated various fisheries beneficiaries, including traditional fishers, cooperatives and FFPOs, KCC cardholders, and promising fisheries start-ups, acknowledging their vital role.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh lauded the dedication of India's fishers and fish farmers, crediting them for India's remarkable achievement of becoming the world's second-largest fish producer, with inland fisheries contributing nearly 75% of the total production.

He highlighted that the fisheries sector provides nutrition and livelihoods for over 3 crore fishers and fish farmers. 'Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government has made a historic investment of Rs 38,572 crore through various schemes, significantly enhancing incomes and livelihood security across the sector', he added.

The Minister reinforced the importance of cluster development as a strategy for scaling up production and encouraged fish farmers to leverage financial assistance under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. Strong emphasis was placed on monitoring outcomes to drive measurable progress towards the realisation of Vision 2047 for a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive fisheries sector.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying SP Singh Baghel underscored the critical role of the fisheries sector in doubling farmers' incomes under the vision of the Blue Revolution.

He highlighted the significant contributions of innovations and advanced technologies developed by ICAR fisheries research institutes to the increase in fish production and productivity. Fishers and fish farmers were encouraged to actively leverage government support mechanisms, including insurance schemes, access to quality seed, modern technologies, and innovative practices, to enhance their income and strengthen their livelihoods.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Minority Affairs, George Kurian, congratulated all stakeholders on reaching a record fish production of 195 lakh tonnes, marking a 105% increase over the past decade.

He commended the invaluable contributions of the fish farming community and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting their journey toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, MoFAH&D, highlighted major initiatives including the Aqua park in Sambalpur, scampi hatcheries, and disaster preparedness in 18 cyclone-prone villages.

He emphasised Odisha's key role in meeting India's 195 lakh tonne fish production target and the government's focus on deep-sea fishing, harbour modernisation, and capacity building through ICAR. (ANI)