India marked the National Fish Farmers Day 2025 on 10th July with a series of landmark announcements and initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. The central event, hosted by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, took place at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar.
Observed annually on July 10, National Fish Farmers Day commemorates the pioneering success of induced breeding of Indian Major Carps in 1957 by noted scientists Dr. Hira Lal Chaudhury and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi. The occasion is dedicated to honoring the contributions of fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and traditional fishers who are integral to India’s food security and rural economy.
Major Launches and Recognitions
This year’s celebration saw the launch of 17 new fisheries production and processing clusters, in addition to the 17 clusters previously notified bringing the total to 34 clusters across various states and union territories. These clusters have been strategically identified to promote region-specific aquaculture, enhance value addition, and improve market connectivity.
Other key announcements included:
- Release of the ICAR Fisheries Training Calendar
- Launch of Guidelines on Hatchery Accreditation and Seed Certification for freshwater finfish and shellfish
- Felicitation of beneficiaries from various schemes such as:
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
- Aquaculture Crop Insurance
- Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs)
- Fisheries cooperatives and startups
Infrastructure Boost with ₹105 Crore Investment
During the celebrations, 70 fisheries projects were either inaugurated or had their foundations laid virtually. Supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), these projects represent a combined investment of ₹105 crore, signaling the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.
These efforts are expected to create livelihood opportunities, promote private investment, and encourage cooperative development in fishing communities across India.
Focus on Cluster-Based Development
The 34 fisheries clusters, each centered around specific strengths such as brackish water aquaculture, ornamental fish, cold water fisheries, or riverine resources, span across diverse geographies from West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh to Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh and Soreng in Sikkim to Diu in Daman & Diu.
The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has been tasked with conducting a gap analysis for these clusters and proposing end-to-end solutions. These solutions will be supported through ongoing central schemes including:
- PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
These efforts reflect a strategic move toward sustainable and climate-resilient aquaculture, value chain enhancement, and market-oriented production models.
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