Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, convened an interaction meeting with Champion Fish Farmers from across the country on 28^th January 2026 through video conference to engage with them on their experiences in adopting scientific and modern aquaculture practices. A total of 59 champion farmers had joined including Padmashri awardee along with representatives from Rajya Sabha, Department of Fisheries, GoI, ICAR, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and State fisheries department had also joined.

The Government has extended comprehensive support to the fisheries and aquaculture sector through a range of schemes and initiatives such as Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Saha Yojana (PMMKSSY) aimed at improving infrastructure, access to finance, technology adoption, and capacity building.

Champion Fish Farmers represent the success of government interventions in the fisheries sector and are recognized as Brand Ambassadors of fish farming. Through proactive adoption of advanced technologies such as RAS and Biofloc and by establishing key infrastructure they demonstrate scalable and sustainable models of aquaculture. Their leadership, peer learning and field-level engagement plays a crucial role in encouraging wider adoption of best practices, strengthening value chains and mentoring emerging farmers, while their feedback and experiences provide valuable inputs for shaping future policy and driving sectoral transformation.

During the meeting, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), MoFAH&D, GoI, expressed happiness at the proactive participation and active interaction of all the Champion Fish Farmers. The significant contribution to upscaling the fisheries and aquaculture sector was appreciated and their role in adopting and demonstrating scientific practices was acknowledged. He encouraged the Champion Fish Farmers to motivate and guide other farmers and to actively contribute to capacity building at the grassroots level. It was also assured that the Government, in collaboration with State Governments and ICAR institutions, would continue to extend necessary support to further strengthen the sector.

Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), presented on the benefits of various schemes and initiatives of the Government of India. It was emphasized that as early adopters and practitioners, the Champion Fish Farmers are well positioned to move beyond individual success and contribute to cluster-based growth, technology validation, and mentoring of emerging farmers.

Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (DDG), ICAR, emphasized the importance of adopting modern technologies and encouraged farmers to diversify their activities to expand and strengthen their operations. He highlighted effective disease management as a critical factor for improving productivity and enhancing farmers’ earnings. Dr. Jena also assured that ICAR would continue to support farmers through targeted training programs and capacity-building initiatives.

Shri B. Masthan Rao, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, provided valuable inputs on strengthening shrimp production and enhancing export potential

During the interaction, Padma shri, Shri Sultan Singh from Haryana along with other Champion Fish Farmers highlighted several field-level challenges and suggestions based on their practical experience. Farmers from coastal and inland regions pointed out that seed availability remains a major constraint, particularly affecting timely stocking and production cycles. Concerns were also raised regarding the high cost of feed, with suggestions to promote organic and alternative feed formulations, including the use of waste from the animal husbandry sector, and to strengthen integrated fish farming models to reduce input costs. The need for subsidized electricity was emphasized, given the energy-intensive nature of aquaculture operations.

Farmers further highlighted the importance of adopting eco-friendly and precision-based farming models, advocating lower stocking densities with improved size and quality, alongside enhanced capacity building. Issues related to high electricity costs were raised, with suggestions to promote solar power solutions and align electricity billing cycles with farming seasons to facilitate timely reimbursements and effective utilization of subsidies. Trout farmers from remote regions flagged persistent challenges related to market linkages, while farmers from hilly and border areas highlighted seed shortages during winter due to poor connectivity. Concerns were also raised regarding inadequate storage infrastructure for fish seed, underscoring the need for RAS-based storage systems, and limited feed availability in certain regions affecting expansion and productivity.

Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, while proposing the vote of thanks, requested the Champion Fish Farmers to actively support the upscaling of the 34 fisheries production and processing clusters notified by the Government. He also emphasized the role of Champion Fish Farmers in capacity building and encouraged cooperatives to strengthen skills and capacities of their members to support sustainable growth of the fisheries sector.

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