An “Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Meet 2025” was organized by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandryand Dairying today on 13th June 2025in Indore, Madhya Pradeshunder the chairmanship of Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh. The event also saw the gracious presence of Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Dignitaries attending the event also included Shri Narayan Singh Panwar, Minister, Fishermen Welfareand Fisheries Development Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councillor LAHDC LEH, UT of Leh-Ladakh, Shri Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chairman- Planning, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Bharat Lal Matiyar, Chairman, Machhua Kalyan Board, Government of Chhattisgarh, Shri Shyam Singh Rana, of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Government of Haryana, Smt Renu Devi, Minister of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Government of Bihar and Dr Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Uttar Pradesh along with officials from the Department of Fisheries, State Fisheries Departments and ICAR Institutes.

In his address, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh,Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D)appreciated the commendable progress made by the inland States in the fisheries sector and underscored the need to further enhance production and productivity. He highlighted the sector's impressive average annual growth rate of 9%—the highest among all agri-allied sectors—supporting livelihoods of nearly 3 crore people. The Minister highlighted key initiatives like the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), PMMSY, PM-MKSSY, and KCC, which have infused ₹38,572 crore to boost infrastructure, modernization, and inclusive growth. He noted that these efforts have made India the world’s second-largest fish producer, with inland output rising 142% since 2013–14 to 147 lakh tonnes.States were urged to better utilize FIDF, plan implementation calendars in coordination with ICAR, and enhance exports by expanding Coldwater Fisheries, ornamental fisheries, and saline aquaculture. The Minister encouraged the effective use of inland resources to improve nutrition, boost production, and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel said fisheries can play a key role in doubling farmers’ income and praised the efforts of all stakeholders. Regular monitoring, improved productivity, and greater use of technology were highlighted as priorities. The potential of Amrit Sarovar for Rohu and Catla farming was underlined. Strengthening cold storage, transport, and market linkages was seen as essential to ensure supply and demand balance. Support was also encouraged for 300+ fisheries start-ups working in digital tools, value addition, and post-harvest activities.

Shri George Kurianemphasized the transformative potential of inland fisheries in ensuring nutritional security, rural prosperity, and sustainable livelihoods.He underlined the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with innovation, promoting native species, and empowering communities through collective action.

Dr AbhilakshLikhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, emphasized the need to ensure quality seed availability and develop brood banks with ICAR support to boost sector productivity. He highlighted the goal of expanding the culture area from 55 to 70 lakh hectares and doubling productivity from 5 to 10 tonnes/ha. He pointed to the export potential of saline aquaculture, ornamental fish, trout, and shrimp, and stressed the importance of value addition. A cluster-based approach covering the entire value chain—from seed to market—was deemed vital. Strengthening leasing policies and promoting training, skilling, and capacity building of traditional farmers were also recommended. Scaling up technology infusion through RAS and Biofloc systems for sustainable growth was called upon.

Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland), MoFAH&D, welcomed the august gathering and presented an overview of the Indian fisheries sector, with a special focus on the progress made by 15 inland States and Union Territories. His presentation highlighted key state-wise developments, priority areas, and notable success stories, encouraging all States to adopt best practices drawn from these successful models.Dr B K Behera concluded the session with vote of thanks.

The Meet also featured technical sessions focusing on key areas such as Improved Brood & Seed for Aquaculture; Development of Reservoir and Wetland Fisheries and Leasing Policy; Riverine Fisheries and Licensing & Leasing Policy; Technology Intervention for Harnessing Inland Aquaculture Potential and Sustainable Development of Coldwater Fisheries for Economic Prosperity. Through expert presentations and stakeholder discussions, the sessions aimed to identify practical strategies and region-specific solutions for advancing inland fisheries in a sustainable, inclusive, and productive manner.

Fisheries Ministers from various inland States and Union Territories highlighted their region-specific resources, achievements, and ongoing efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector. Discussions focused on addressing key bottlenecks, enhancing production, and improving infrastructure through better utilization of central schemes. There was a strong push for greater scheme customization, increased support for cold storage and shrimp farming, adoption of innovative technologies like drone-based monitoring, and leveraging renewable energy solutions. The collective emphasis was on aligning state efforts with national priorities to boost livelihoods, exports, and sustainable inland fisheries.

The meeting served as a vital platform for Fisheries Ministers of inland States and Union Territories, alongside officials and sector stakeholders, to engage in focused dialogue. Discussions centred on advancing governance, infrastructure, innovation, and market connectivity, with the shared goal of boosting productivity, supporting fisher livelihoods, and driving long-term growth across the inland fisheries sector.

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Collaborative Press Release