National Fish Farmer’s Day is an opportunity for entire nation to recognise immense contributions of fish farmers and their commitment toward sustainable aquaculture
National Fish Farmer’s Day serves as an important platform to acknowledge significant role played by fish farmers in meeting growing demand for fish protein, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to country’s food security
India recorded highest export of 1.36 MMT worth $ 7.76 Bn in FY 2021-22.
Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge and Fisheries Startup Conclave will be organised on 10th July at Mahabalipuram
New Delhi, NFAPost: National Fish Farmer’s Day (NFFD) is celebrated on 10th July every year to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of fish farmers, aquaculture industry professionals and other stakeholders towards ensuring a sustainable and thriving fisheries sector.
National Fish Farmer’s Day 2023 is an opportunity for the entire nation to recognise the immense contributions of fish farmers and their commitment toward sustainable aquaculture. By embracing responsible practices and harnessing the potential of the fisheries sector, we can ensure a prosperous future, enhance food security, and contribute to the overall development of the nation.
World population is expected to reach 9.8 Bn in 2050, implying a further increase in pressure on the existing food resources. Aquaculture sector can play a vital role in feeding the rising global demand for protein.
India is the third largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 8% of global production and contributing about 1.1% to the country’s GVA and over 6.72% to the agricultural GVA and the 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries products taking Brand India from LocalToGlobal. In terms of employment, the sector supports the livelihood of over 28 Mn people in India especially the marginalized and vulnerable communities. India recorded highest export of 1.36 MMT worth $ 7.76 Bn in FY 2021-22.
NFFD is celebrated to honour and commemorate the contribution of Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. K. H. Alikunhi, in Indian fisheries sector who had guided the induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps by Hypophysation technique, on this day 1957, which eventually lead to a revolution in Inland Aquaculture.
The intent of celebrating this day is to recognise the contributions made by fish farmers, aquapreneurs (businesspeople associated in aqua farming sector), and fishermen to the development of the nation’s fisheries sector and to create an ecosystem to collectively think and discuss the ways to sustainably manage our fisheries resources.
National Fish Farmer’s Day serves as an important platform to acknowledge the significant role played by fish farmers in meeting the growing demand for fish protein, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to the country’s food security.
It highlights their dedication and innovation in adopting modern aquaculture techniques, improving fish productivity, and conserving aquatic resources. Over the years, the fisheries sector has witnessed remarkable advancements, driven by scientific research and technological interventions.
On this occasion, various activities such as seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions will be organized across the country to disseminate knowledge, share experiences, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Experts and professionals from the fisheries sector will provide insights into the latest developments, research findings, and emerging trends in aquaculture.
The Government of India is always at the fore front in transforming the fisheries sector in a holistic way and bringing about an economic upturn and prosperity through the Blue Revolution in the country.
The sector envisioned the enhancement of production and productivity, improving quality, increasing domestic fish consumption and export trade, reducing waste which in turn to create self-employment opportunities for unemployed youth.
Since 2015, the Government of India has announced cumulative investments to the tune of Rs 38,572 crore. The Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries initiative under the Blue Revolution Scheme, introduced in 2016, with an investment of Rs. 3,000 crore, has played a crucial role in advancing the fisheries sector.
In the Union Budget 2018, the Finance Minister announced regarding the setting up of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a corpus of Rs. 7522.48 Crore for fisheries sector, for fuelling the infrastructure development in fisheries and Aquaculture sector as a whole, both in the marine and inland fisheries to augment fish production.
Projects under the FIDF are eligible for loans up to 80% of the estimated or actual project cost with an interest subvention. In 2020, the Prime Minister unveiled the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India” envisaging an overall investment of Rs. 20,050 crore over a period of five years.
Finance Minister announced a Sub-scheme under PMMSY with an investment of Rs. 6,000 crores in the Union Budget 2023–24. The primary objective of PMMSY is to enhance fish production to an impressive 22 MMT by 2024–25.
This ambitious programme also intends to provide employment opportunities for almost 55 lakh people in the sector. PMMSY is positioned to change the fisheries sector and improve millions of lives by emphasizing sustainable growth and development.
The programme also emphasizes the incorporation of the latest innovations into fisheries and aquaculture while fostering an environment that is favourable for private sector involvement, the growth of entrepreneurship, the development of business models, the promotion of ease of doing business, innovations, and initiatives like start-ups, incubators, etc.
The Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying is celebrating National Fish Farmer’s Day, commemorating the remarkable achievements of the Indian Fisheries sector. This year, marks the nine years of progress and growth in the fisheries industry.
In light of this significant milestone, the Department is organising the ‘Summer Meet 2023’ and the ‘Start-up Conclave’ in the beautiful city of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, on 10th – 11th July.
The ‘Summer Meet 2023’ and the ‘Startup Conclave’ serve as platforms to highlight the noteworthy accomplishments of the Indian fisheries sector and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the industry.
This event brings together fish farmers, researchers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore future prospects for the sustainable development of fisheries.
The ‘Startup Conclave’ will provide a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups to showcase their innovative ideas, products, and technologies in fisheries and aquaculture. This conclave aims to encourage and support new ventures that can contribute to the growth and modernization of the fisheries industry.
Around 10500 fish farmers, aquapreneurs, fisher folks, professionals, officials, and scientists from across the nation are expected to participate in the event. Around 50 stalls will be exhibited during the event, covering various aspects of fish farming, aquaculture, and related technologies.
The programme will feature the inauguration of the Exhibition on Fisheries Start-Ups/Fish FPOs / Fish Cooperatives, followed by display of Achievements of DoF, Virtual Inauguration of Fisheries Projects supported by DoF, GoI, under both Centrally sponsored scheme beneficiary oriented, Non beneficiary oriented and Central sector scheme. Virtual Interaction with Fishermen/Fisherwomen at the inaugural sites will be held at Fisheries Start-Ups Award Ceremony.
Union Minister and Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying will deliver keynote addresses, highlighting the progress of the sector and offer valuable insights into the latest trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities in the fisheries sector. Minister of Fisheries and Senior Officers from State Governments across the country will be participating and share their experience and discuss future challenges of fisheries sector and to chalk out way forward.
The Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, GoI acknowledges the untiring efforts of fish farmers and fishers across the country, whose dedication and hard work have played a major role in the success of the Indian fisheries sector. This celebration provides an opportunity to recognize their significant contributions and express our gratitude. The entire program will be live streamed to reach out to different stakeholders across the country.
Startup challenge
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 Fisheries ecosystem in India has been growing across the years, currently having fisheries startups present in 21 states and union territories.
The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge sought applications across four problem statements. The challenge received applications from 121 startups across the problem statements. After a rigorous analysis, 12 startups have been selected as winners of the challenge.
The selected startups will be felicitated by Minister for Fisheries Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala in the presence of Ministers of State, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr L. Murugan and Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan along with Ministers in-charge Fisheries from various States and senior officers of Central and State Governments on the occasion of National Fish Farmer’s Day on 10th July, 2023 at Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu.
The selected startups under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana will so be provided with a cash grant of Rs 2 lakhs to help them continue building their innovations.
The National Fish Farmer’s Day celebration event at Mahabalipuram on 10th July, 2023 will feature an exhibition of 30 exceptional startups from across the country, showcasing the best amongst fisheries innovators in the country. Curated sessions will also be arranged for the startups to help them grow their business further.
