**Summary:**
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD) is celebrating National Fish Farmers Day on July 10, 2025, at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar. This day commemorates the contributions of Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi, who pioneered induced breeding in Indian Major Carps in 1957, revolutionizing inland aquaculture.
The event, graced by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian, will recognize the role of fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and fishermen in India's fisheries sector. Key initiatives to be launched include the announcement of new Fisheries Clusters, release of the ICAR Training Calendar, and unveiling of seed certification and hatchery operation guidelines. Fisheries beneficiaries, including traditional fishers, cooperatives, FFPOs, KCC cardholders, and startups, will be felicitated. Virtual foundation stones will be laid, and select PMMSY-supported projects will be inaugurated.
Since 2015, the Government of India has invested ₹38,572 crore in the fisheries sector, resulting in a fish production increase from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14 to 195 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25, a 104% growth. Inland fisheries and aquaculture have seen a 140% increase. Seafood exports have exceeded ₹60,500 crore, with shrimp production jumping by 270% in the last decade. The event serves as a platform to discuss sustainable fisheries management and acknowledge the contributions of fish farmers to food security and rural employment. Senior Officers from State Governments across the country will be participating in the celebration.
Key Entities Referenced
National Fish Farmers Day: An annual event celebrated to recognize the contributions of fish farmers to India's food security and economy.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD): The Indian government ministry responsible for the development of the fisheries sector.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The capital city of Odisha, India, where the National Fish Farmers Day 2025 event is held.
Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury: An Indian scientist who contributed to the induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps.
Dr. K. H. Alikunhi: An Indian scientist who contributed to the induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps.
Blue Revolution: A Government of India initiative aimed at transforming the fisheries sector and promoting economic prosperity.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A fisheries scheme supported projects will be inaugurated, marking a strong push towards infrastructure development, entrepreneurship promotion, and inclusive growth in the sector.
ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA): The location in Bhubaneswar where the National Fish Farmers Day 2025 event is held.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Curtain Raiser National Fish Farmers Day 2025
Union Minister, MoFAH&D and Ministry of
Panchayati Raj, Shri RajIv Ranjan Singh, Prof. S.P.
Singh Baghel, Minister of State for MoFAH&D and
Panchayati Raj, Shri George Kurian to grace the
occasion in Bhubaneswar
Posted On: 09 JUL 2025 8:09AM by PIB Delhi
National Fish Farmers Day is a tribute to the unwavering dedication of fish farmers who play a pivotal role in
strengthening India’s food security, meeting the growing demand for fish-based protein, and driving rural
employment. Their efforts not only sustain millions of livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the
nation’s vision of sustainable aquaculture and a thriving Blue Economy.
National Fish Farmer Day 2025 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 in 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, entrepreneurs, 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 Farmers 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.
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. Since 2015, the
Government of India has infused acumulative investment to the tune of Rs 38,572 crore in the fisheries sector.
As a result of these efforts, India’s fish production has more than doubled, rising from 95.79 lakh tonnes in
FY 2013-14 to a record 195 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25, an astonishing 104% growth. Inland fisheries and
aquaculture alone have seen a 140%increase, showcasing the power of India's water resources and the
Government’s bold initiatives.
The seafood exportshave witnessed another success story, have crossed ₹60,500 crore, affirming India’s
global leadership in shrimp exports. Shrimp production has jumped by 270% over the last decade, generating
lakhs of employment opportunities and empowering fishers’ community in the country.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D)is
celebrating the National Fish Farmers Day 2025 at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
th
(CIFA), Bhubaneswar on 10 July 2025.The event will be graced byHon’ble Union Minister, MoFAH&D
and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri RajIvRanjan Singhalong with Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister
of State for MoFAH&Dand Panchayati Raj, Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of StateforMoFAH&D
and the Ministry of Minority Affairs and Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Government of Odisha, ShriGokulanandaMallick.
As part of the celebrations, the Hon’ble Union Ministerwill launch a series of key fisheries initiatives. These
include the announcement of new Fisheries Clusters, release of the ICAR Training Calendar, and unveiling of
guidelines on seed certification and hatchery operationsaimed at ensuring quality, standardization, and
capacity building in the fisheriessector. The Hon’bleUnion Minister will also felicitate fisheries beneficiaries,
including traditional fishers, cooperatives/FFPOs, KCC cardholders, and promising fisheries start-ups. In
addition, virtual foundation stones will be laid and select PMMSY-supported fisheries projects will be
inaugurated, marking a strong push towards infrastructure development, entrepreneurship promotion, and
inclusive growth in the sector.
TheUnion Minister will also 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.
Senior Officers from State Governments across the country will be participating in the celebration.
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 gratitude.
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RN
(Release ID: 2143279)