Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in the presence of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, Dr L Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, Ministers of States/UTs and other public authorities inaugurated the Exhibition on Fisheries Startups at the historic city of Mahabalipuram today. The exhibition serves the platforms to around 12 exceptional startups across the country, highlighting the best amongst fisheries innovators. The Exhibition was held as part of the National Fish Farmer Day Meet 2023.

The august gathering was welcomed by Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (IF), DoF, GoI, at the beginning of the event followed by the display of the achievements by Department of Fisheries and the virtual Inauguration of 176 Fisheries Projects covering 20 States/UTs across the country worth of Rs. 138.13 Cr supported by under PMMSY Scheme of DoF, GoI by Shri Parshottam Rupala. These projects had impact on around 15,000 beneficiaries at grass root level covering 20 States/UTs. Further, Shri Parshottam Rupala, and other dignitaries virtually interacted with beneficiaries such as fish farmers, fishermen present at the event. Beneficiaries from different States/UTs shared their field level experiences with Shri Parshottam Rupala, and highlighted their issues as well as appraised for the tremendous contribution that PMMSY scheme and KCC has been introduced in the life of fishermen and fish farmers. Beneficiaries across the country who interacted with Union Minister includes Shri Subodh Das from Assam, Shri Vivek Kumar from Bihar, Shri Panchram from Chhattisgarh, Department of Fisheries from Himachal Pradesh (non-beneficiary interaction), Smt. Nishita Kumari Singh from Jharkhand, Shri Manja Naik from Vishakhapatnam, Smt. M.Sujatha Rani from Karnataka, Department of Fisheries from Nagaland (non-beneficiary interaction), Shri Tage Richo from Arunachal Pradesh, Smt. Seema Avinash Agade from Maharashtra, Smt. Sushila from Haryana, Smt. Bindiya Gaonkar from Goa and Shri Kailash Chandra Bhatt from Uttarakhand.

The Department of Fisheries launched the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge in partnership with Startup India hub and DPIIT to identify, reward and recognize startups creating exceptional impact in the fisheries ecosystem. The challenge received applications from 121 startups across the problem statements. After a rigorous analysis, 12 startups were selected as winners of the challenge.

Shri Parshottam Rupala felicitated the dignitaries winners of the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge. The selected startups under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana were provided with a cash award of INR 2 lakhs to help them to continue building their innovations. Winners include i) Dharshan Kumar from Dhya Innovations Pvt Ltd, ii) Nilay Shah from Optify Industrial Solution Pvt Ltd, iii) Rajamanohar Sohasundram from Coastal Aquaculture Research Institute, iv) Dr. Sumit Saxena from Heal Venture from Healventure Bioscience LLP, v) Priyankar Shivhari from Innoweave Biocare Pvt Ltd, vi) Jeyavishu K from Analytical Chimica Pvt Ltd, vii) Devleena Bhatacharjee from Numer 8 Analytics, viii) Amit Panda from Blackboat Technologies Pvt Ltd, ix) Tanay Tapke from The Fish Wheel, x) Siddharth Banerjee from Cosine Labs Pvt Ltd, xi) Dr Sudipta Sarjkar from Wastearn Pvt Ltd and Mrutyunjaya Sahu from Bariflo Labs Pvt Ltd.

Shri Parshottam Rupala appraised on initiatives taken by startups in fisheries sectors and shared about the implementation of PMMSY scheme activities which will have a significant impact on the fisheries sector in India, to enhance the production and productivity of fish through the adoption of modern and scientific methods of fishing and aquaculture. This will not only boost the income of fishermen and fish farmers but also increase the availability of fish in the market, which will have a positive impact on food security and nutrition. Further, he highlighted that PMMSY scheme is expected to create employment opportunities in the fisheries sector, both in the production and processing of fish including contribution to the country's economic growth and development. He requested the beneficiaries to come forward and use the benefits of KCC for fish farmers and for allied activities. He informed that due to high demand of fishermen from all over the country to support them in improving their livelihood, Prime Minister established separate department of fisheries and since 1950 to 2014, the investment in fisheries sector was of around Rs 3,681 Cr, starting from 2014 government introduced the schemes such as PMMSY, FIDF and others with budget of approx. Rs. 32,000 Cr. of total investment has been made for the development of fisheries sector by understanding the ground realities. Also, informed about the launch of Report Fish Disease App (RFD) application will help the farmers in reporting incidence of diseases in finfish, shrimps, and molluscs on their farms with the field level-officers and fish disease experts as and when required. This shall help farmers in getting the scientific advice for efficient management of disease.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan highlighted on how the fisheries sector needs to move forward by keeping welfare of fishers, fish farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs at its core. Further he informed that a collaborative approach to be built with time to formalize the fisheries sector, ensure enhanced contribution in the national economy and larger footprint for wider reach and welfare.

Dr L Murugan recognized the critical role of fishers and fish farmers in meeting the growing demand and also recognizes the invaluable contributions of our fishermen and fish farmers who tirelessly work to provide us with a vital source of food and sustenance. He emphasized on sustainable fishing practices that not only increase productivity but also minimize environmental impacts. He also highlighted that before 2014 around 500 startup companies were established whereas at present more than 9 lakh startup companies have been established in Fisheries sector, which holds an immense potential in both marine and inland fisheries in the country. 

Shri Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, Minister for Fisheries, Fishermen Welfare, and Animal Husbandry, Government of Tamil Nadu thanked all the dignitaries for active participation and shared his views about improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people in rural areas on creation of livelihood opportunities by adopting holistic approach.

Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Department of Fisheries), GoI, acknowledged the untiring efforts of fishers and fish farmers across the country, whose dedication and hard work have played a significant role in the success of the Indian fisheries sector. He highlighted on the importance given to fisheries sector and special funds allocated for fisheries sector.

Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (IF) presented the overall progress of Department of Fisheries covering various areas and aspects of department’s work which includes production and aquaculture, conservation and sustainability, infrastructure and technology, research, skill development and capacity building etc.

DDG (Fisheries) from ICAR gave a presentation on the initiatives taken by ICAR.  Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Chief Executive, NFDB made the outcomes of the deliberations of first day. He also proposed vote of thanks to all dignitaries, fishermen, fish farmers, public authorities and other participants for their presence and contribution to the programme by sharing their experience and suggesting the mechanisms to augment the fisheries sector development. He informed that Tamil Nadu stands at 2^nd position in Ornamental Fish Production. Further, Government of Tamil Nadu shall be establishing new fish landing centers and other infrastructure facilities in future.

The program was live streamed on various social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. In all around approx. 23,000 stakeholders including fishermen, fish farmers, scholars, scientists, official dignitaries attended the event virtually covered across 33State/UTs with around 260 locations from different 33 State/UTs on National Fish Farmers Day Meet 2023.

Dignitaries present included: i) Shri Parimal Suklabaidya, Minster of Fisheries, Government of Assam, ii) Shri Alexander Laloo Hek, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Fisheries Development, Government of Meghalaya, iii) Shri Lok Nath Sharma, Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Printing and Stationery & IPR Depts, Sikkim, iv) Shri A. Pangjung Jamir, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Nagaland, v) Shri Lalchand Katariya, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Government of Rajasthan, vi) Shri Raghavji Bhai Hansraj Bhai Patel, Cabinet Minister, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Cow breeding, Fisheries, Rural Housing and Rural, Government of Gujarat, vii) Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Goa, viii) Shri Thiru. K.  Lakshminarayanan, Minister for Fisheries, Puducherry, ix) Admiral D K Joshi, Lieutenant Governor, Government of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, x) Shri Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Uttar Pradesh, xi) Shri Jai Prakash Dalal, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of Haryana, xii) Shri Tage Taki, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture, AHVDD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, xiii) Shri Saurabh Bhauguna, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Skill Development & Employment, Protocol & Sugarcane Development, Government of Uttarakhand, xiv) Dr. Seediri Appalaraju Garu, Minister for Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, xv) Shri Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Punjab, xvi) Shri Badal, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Co-operative Department, Government of Jharkhand, xvii) Dr. J. K. Jena Deputy Director General, Fisheries, ICAR New Delhi and Senior Officials from Department of Fisheries, GOI and State Governments across the nation, Fisheries Institutions of DoF, GoI  and stakeholders attended the event.

National Fish Farmers Day Meet 2023 is an occasion for the entire country to recognize fishers and fish farmers' enormous contributions and commitment to sustainable development of fisheries. National Fish Farmers Day is observed by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and other stakeholders to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folks, fish farmers and fisheries stakeholders throughout the country and recognize the contributions of fishers and fish farmers to the country's economy and food security. It is an essential forum for recognizing the significant role that fishers and fish farmers play in supplying the growing demand for fish protein, creating job opportunities, and contributing to the country's food security. It demonstrates their commitment and inventiveness in implementing contemporary aquaculture techniques, increasing fish yield, and conserving aquatic resources. Scientific research and technical interventions have fueled significant developments in the fisheries sector throughout the years.

Indian Fisheries Sector made a record Fish production of 162.48 lakh tons during the year 2021-22. The Inland fisheries and Aquaculture Production nearly doubled from 61.36 Lakh tons in 2014-2015 to 121.21 Lakh tons in 2021-2022 with the Average Annual Growth rate of fisheries sector around 9%, fish production around 7% and Inland fisheries and Aquaculture around 9% since 2014-15. The Fisheries Sector Contributes around 1% to National GVA. Since 2014-15, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India through its key Schemes and Programs supported the construction of about 38,992 ha of new aquaculture ponds and renovation of 8,573 ha of farms, construction of 19 brood banks and 1243 hatcheries, construction/modernization of 107 fishing harbours and fish landing centers at a cost of Rs. 8989 crores, development of 38820 reservoir cages, 14471 Re-circulatory Systems and Biofloc Units, 31925 fish transportation facilitates, 7549 fish retail markets and kiosks, 993 feed mills, 8085 new boats and fishing vessels. motorization of 8379 traditional crafts, 861 cold chain units.

The observance of National Fish Farmer Day will certainly help in raising awareness about the significance of aquaculture and its impact on food security, as fish is one of the healthiest options to mitigate hunger and nutrient deficiency. It will provide a platform to educate the public about the challenges, innovations, and sustainable practices employed by fish farmers. The celebration of National Fish Farmer Day Meet- 2023 will provide a platform for fish farmers to support in transforming the fisheries value chain for overall development of Indian fisheries sector. The observance of the event will further strengthen the development of fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, exclusive, and equitable manner.

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