**Policy Summary:**
On August 2, 2025, in Kolkata, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (alias Lalan Singh), addressed a Regional Review Meeting concerning fisheries development in the eastern states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The primary focus was on accelerating the implementation of fisheries schemes, particularly in West Bengal, where a low registration rate with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) is hindering fish farmers' access to central benefits, including those under the PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi SahYojana (PMMKSSY).
The Minister emphasized the significant untapped potential of inland fisheries in West Bengal, advocating for better utilization of traditional water bodies (ponds), the development of cooperative structures for fishers, and the creation of a robust processing ecosystem. Plans for establishing a developed dry fish cluster in West Bengal to boost local employment and exports were also discussed. The importance of new technologies, improved training facilities, and the revival of initiatives like artificial reefs for sustainable growth were highlighted.
Minister Singh announced India is the world's second-largest fish producer, with a 104% growth in fish production. Inland fish production has grown by 142% in the last decade, and increasing its share in fish exports is a priority.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri George Kurian, and Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, stressed the need for institutional support, central-state coordination, and efficient delivery mechanisms for fisheries-related schemes.
The Regional Review Meeting assessed the on-the-ground implementation of flagship schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and PMMKSSY, with the aim of setting a roadmap for improved outcomes in the region.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry Dairying: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying.
West Bengal: A state in eastern India, urged to fast-track NFDB registrations and focus on processing and inland fish exports.
National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): An organization with which fish farmers need to register, according to the policy text.
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry Dairying, alias Lalan Singh.
PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi SahYojana (PMMKSSY): A central scheme for the benefit of fish farmers.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A flagship fisheries scheme in India.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): A fund for infrastructure development in fisheries and aquaculture.
Bihar: An eastern State of India.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Union Minister for Fisheries Urges West Bengal to
Fast-Track NFDB Registrations, Focus on
Processing and Inland Fish Exports
Posted On: 02 AUG 2025 4:27PM by PIB Kolkata
Kolkata, August 2, 2025
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh,
alias Lalan Singh, today stressed on the necessity of West Bengal to bridge gaps in
implementation of fisheries schemes, particularly the low registration of fish farmers with
the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
At the Regional Review Meeting of the Department of Fisheries, held in Kolkata, the
Union Minister pointed out that only a fraction of the State's 32 lakh fish farmers are
currently registered, hindering their access to central benefits under the schemes like
PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
The Minister emphasised on the untapped potential of inland fisheries in the state and
called for better utilisation of traditional water bodies (pukurs), or pond, development of
cooperative structures for fishers and creation of a robust processing ecosystem. Plans
were also hinted at for the establishment of a developed dry fish cluster in West Bengal
to boost the local employment and exports. Emphasising on the new technologies, he
said, new technologies, better training facilities and revival of initiatives like artificial reefs
are essential for sustainable growth. He announced that India is currently the world's
second largest fish producer, having seen a 104% growth in fish production. He also
mentioned that inland fish production in the last decade has grown by 142%, and
stressed that the share of the said sector in fish exports needs to be improved.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri George Kurian
and Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi were
also present at the meeting. Both of them underscored the importance of institutional
support, central-state coordination, and efficient delivery mechanisms for fisheries-
related schemes.
The Regional Review Meeting, held in a city hotel focused on the progress of flagship
fisheries schemes in the four eastern States of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and
Chhattisgarh. Presentations and briefings were made by senior officials from theDepartment of Fisheries, Government of India, and the participating State governments.
The session aimed to assess on-ground implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development
Fund (FIDF), Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and PM-MKSSY, while setting a roadmap for
improved outcomes in the region.*****
SSS/RS
(Release ID: 2151767)