To celebrate the contribution and achievements of fishers and fish farmers and other stakeholders and reinforce commitment towards sustainable and equitable development of the Fisheries sector the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) celebrated the World Fisheries Day 2024 with the theme India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries today at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj along with Guests of Honour Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.  Ms. Vani Rao, Indian Ambassador to Italy, Rome, Mr. Manuel Barange, ADG and Director Fisheries Division FAO, Rome along with other dignitaries also graced the event.

Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, highlighted the achievements and challenges of the fisheries sector. The Union Minister congratulated the fishermen and fish farmers for their role in making India the second-largest fish producer globally, with around 30 million people involved in fish production across the value chain.  He said that various initiatives by the department like the Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah- Yojana (PMMKSY) has supported boosting fish production in the country. As a result, fish production nearly doubled since 2014 to 17.5 million tons, with inland fishing now surpassing marine fishing, contributing 13.2 million tons. The Union Minister in his address highlighted the key challenges and solutions for the fisheries sector. He highlighted the issues like plastic pollution, carbon emissions from traditional fishing and water pollution, emphasizing the government's efforts to reduce plastics, improve water quality and promote eco-friendly practices. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh also discussed about the unorganized nature of the sector and the infrastructural gaps, stressing upon the need for reforms and initiatives like the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). He outlined a vision for a sustainable and economically empowering fisheries sector, focusing on modern techniques, policy integration, and long-term goals to ensure India’s global leadership in fish production.

Landmark Initiatives Launched

On this occasion, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched a series of landmark initiatives and projects aimed at transforming the fisheries sector and strengthening India’s blue economy. These included the launch of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census for data-driven policymaking, the National Plan of Action on Sharks for sustainable shark management and India’s endorsement to the Regional Plan of Action on IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated)  Fishing to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Bay of Bengal Region jointly in cooperation with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives, the International Maritime Organisation-Food and Agricultural Organisation (IMO-FAO) GloLitter Partnership Project to combat marine plastic litter, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for retrofitted LPG kits to promote energy-efficient, low-cost marine fishing fuels. Additionally, the New Single Window System (NSWS) by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority was launched to enable online registration of coastal aquaculture farms. A signed MoU was also exchanged to implement a framework for the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), harnessing carbon-sequestering practices in the sector.

Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian in his address highlighted the transformative impact of the fisheries and aquaculture sector on food security, nutrition, employment, and economic stability in India. He said that significant investments under PMMSY were made along with advancements like smart integrated harbours to boost fish productivity. He highlighted the role of the cooperative sector in empowering fisher communities through producer organizations and societies. He also expressed his gratitude towards the fishers for their contributions and commended the Department of Fisheries for organizing the World Fisheries Day celebrations.

Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, during his address shed light on the significance of World Fisheries Day in promoting sustainable fisheries and supporting small-scale fishers worldwide. India’s initiatives for small-scale fishermen’s safety and security were emphasized, including efforts in fish stock rejuvenation, banning harmful fishing methods, and promoting seaweed cultivation.

Ms. Vani Rao, Indian Ambassador to Italy, extended greetings to stakeholders in the fisheries sector and thanked FAO for its long-standing collaboration with India. She highlighted India’s contributions to global food security and its leadership in initiatives like the FAO IMO GloLitter Project on plastic pollution. Emphasizing India’s role in the Fisheries Management Committee, she stressed positioning the country as a leader in fisheries, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and promoting Indian seafood exports by connecting producers with international buyers.

Mr. Manuel Barange, ADG and Director Fisheries Division FAO, Rome emphasized upon the global challenges of hunger and malnutrition, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to feed a growing population. FAO’s Blue Transformation Initiative was presented during the event, focusing on sustainable aquaculture development, effective fisheries management, and enhancing aquatic food value chains. The nutritional benefits and low environmental impact of aquatic foods were underscored, along with the importance of reducing waste, improving market access, and integrating these efforts into food security strategies. India was commended for its leadership in promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture through the Global Fisheries Conference.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, emphasized the vital role of fisheries and aquaculture in providing food, livelihoods, and inclusive growth for millions, particularly in rural India while emphasizing the sector's potential for equitable and inclusive growth. Key priorities included expanding sustainable aquaculture, enhancing value-added exports, advancing research and digitization, and supporting fisher welfare through credit access and alternative livelihoods like seaweed and pearl farming. The Secretary stressed on the importance of collaboration with global stakeholders to drive innovation and create a sustainable, inclusive fisheries sector.

States/UTs/Districts etc. Awarded for Contributions to the Fisheries Sector

On this occasion, progressive States, Union Territories (UTs), districts, and individuals were honoured for their remarkable contributions to the growth of fisheries and aquaculture sector in India. Kerala received the award for the Best Marine State, while Telangana was recognized as the Best Inland State. Uttarakhand earned the title of Best Himalayan and Northeastern State, and Jammu & Kashmir was awarded Best Union Territory. Among the districts, Kollam, Kerala, won the Best Marine District award, Kanker in Chhattisgarh was named Best Inland District while Darrang in  Assam, received the Best Himalayan and Northeastern District award and Kulgam in  Jammu & Kashmir, was honoured as the Best District in a Union Territory.

In individual and Cooperatives categories, Shri Ravi Kharvi from Karnataka was recognized as the Best Marine Fish Farmer and Shri Shiv Prasad Sahani from Bihar received the award for Best Inland Fish Farmer. The Best Marine Fisheries Cooperative/FFPO award went to the Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Cooperative Society, Goa, while Srijoni Min Unnayan Samabai Samiti Ltd., Assam, was honoured as the Best Inland Fisheries Cooperative/FFPO. Anmol Feed Pvt. Ltd., West Bengal, was acknowledged for its excellence as the Best Enterprise in the sector.

Ms Neetu Kumari Prasad, (Joint Secretary), Shri Sagar Mehra, (Joint Secretary) along with several dignitaries also graced the occasion. Ambassadors from various countries, international delegates, fisheries communities, fisheries academicians and researchers, global fisheries scientists, fisheries sector leaders, national and international fisheries and aquaculture experts, Research and Development Institutions, investors, fisheries and aquaculture equipment manufacturers, export councils, fishers’ associations, financial institutions and investment bankers, international fishing industry organizations, and more than 59 Embassy Representatives and High Commissions representing various countries also participated in the event.

The event served as a unique platform to create awareness on the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems and sustainable fisheries practices. By fostering discussions among stakeholders, the event highlighted the need for collective action to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources while addressing challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts.

About the Sector

The fisheries and aquaculture sector plays a critical role in India’s economy, providing livelihoods to approximately 3 crore fishers and fish farmers while generating significant employment opportunities across the value chain. India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output, ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and export, and is one of the largest producer in capture fisheries. Since 2015, the Government of India has committed investment of ₹38,572 crore through key initiatives such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and its sub-scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), to drive sustainable growth and development in the sector.

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