India celebrated National Fish Farmers Day 2025 on July 10 at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) marked National Fish Farmers Day 2025—a tribute to the tireless contribution of India’s fish farmers in securing the nation’s food systems and powering the Blue Economy.
This day commemorates the pioneering work of Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi, who revolutionised inland aquaculture in 1957 through the induced breeding of Indian Major Carps using the Hypophysation technique. Their innovation laid the foundation of modern freshwater fish farming in India.
The event was graced by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, MoS Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, MoS George Kurian, and Odisha Fisheries Minister Gokulananda Mallick. Senior officials from state governments across India also participated.
Record Growth in Fish Production and Exports
India’s fisheries sector has witnessed phenomenal growth, driven by scientific innovation, sustained infrastructure investments, and grassroots participation. Fish production rose from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY14 to 184.02 lakh tonnes in FY24, marking a nearly 88 lakh tonne increase in just a decade.
This growth outpaced the gains of the previous ten years, particularly in inland and aquaculture fish production, which alone increased by 77.71 lakh tonnes, reinforcing the strength of India’s inland water resources and sustainable aquaculture practices.
India is now the world’s third-largest fish producer, accounting for 8% of global production and supporting over 28 million livelihoods. With a coastline of 8,118 km, rivers, reservoirs, floodplain lakes, and a 2 million sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone, India’s aquatic wealth powers a resilient and thriving Blue Economy.( Source- IBEF)
Among the most striking achievements:
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Fish production more than doubled from 95.79 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25) — a 104% increase
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Inland fisheries and aquaculture alone grew by 140%
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Shrimp production surged 270%, pushing seafood exports to ₹60,500 crore, making India a global shrimp export leader
This surge reflects the impact of the government’s comprehensive reforms and investments. Since 2015, over ₹38,572 crore has been infused into the sector under flagship programmes like PMMSY, strengthening infrastructure, livelihoods, and sustainability.
Major Announcements at the National Event
Union Minister Singh unveiled several key initiatives to strengthen the sector:
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🌊 New Fisheries Clusters to develop local aquaculture hubs
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ICAR Training Calendar 2025 for skill-building across the sector
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Seed Certification & Hatchery Guidelines to ensure quality standards
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Virtual foundation laying and inaugurations of PMMSY-supported projects
Fisheries beneficiaries—including traditional fishers, cooperatives, FFPOs, KCC cardholders, and startups were felicitated for their contributions to sustainable aquaculture.
Vision for a Resilient and Inclusive Fisheries Ecosystem
The ministers delivered keynote speeches focused on the future of aquaculture, emerging market opportunities, and the importance of sustainable practices and technological innovation. The day emphasized the central role of fish farmers, including women entrepreneurs and youth, in shaping India’s Blue Revolution.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) remains the flagship driver for this transformation, aiming to build infrastructure, promote entrepreneurship, and empower rural livelihoods through sustainable aquatic development.
“The celebration of National Fish Farmers Day is not just a recognition—it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to empowering those who feed the nation through water,” said Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
