Every year on July 10th, India celebrates National Fish Farmer’s Day

Every year on July 10th, India celebrates National Fish Farmer’s Day to honour the invaluable contributions of fish farmers, aquaculture professionals, and stakeholders in the fisheries sector. This day serves as a platform to recognize their efforts in ensuring a sustainable and thriving fishing industry, which plays a crucial role in India’s economy and food security.

The Significance of July 10th

The date holds historical importance, commemorating the groundbreaking work of Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. K. H. Alikunhi. On this day in 1957, they successfully demonstrated the induced breeding of Indian Major Carps using the hypophysation technique, sparking a revolution in inland aquaculture.

Fisheries Summer Meet 2024: A Landmark Event

To mark this significant occasion, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is organizing the ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024’ on July 12th, 2024, at the IDA Scrudder Trade Centre in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This event underscores the government’s commitment to the fisheries sector and its stakeholders.

Key Attendees and Dignitaries

The event will be chaired by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Other notable attendees include:

• Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian, Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
• Ministers from various States and Union Territories
• Other dignitaries and industry experts

The Importance of Fish Farmers in India’s Economy

Fish farmers play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for fish protein, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to the country’s food security. Their dedication to adopting modern aquaculture techniques, improving fish productivity, and conserving aquatic resources is commendable.

Contributions to the Economy

• India is the 3rd largest fish producer globally, accounting for 8% of global fish production
• The country holds the position of 2nd largest aquaculture producer
• India is the largest shrimp producer and 4th largest seafood exporter in the world
• The fisheries sector sustains the livelihoods of approximately 30 million people in India

Government Initiatives Transforming the Fisheries Sector

The Indian government has launched several schemes to enhance the sector’s sustainability, productivity, and profitability:

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

Implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25, PMMSY aims to:

• Harness fisheries potential
• Enhance fish production
• Modernize and strengthen the value chain
• Double fishers and fish farmers’ incomes
• Enhance contribution to Agriculture GDP and exports

Since 2020-21, projects worth Rs. 17,966.25 crore have been approved under PMMSY.

Sagar Mitras

This initiative provides extension support services to fishers and fish farmers. Key points include:

• Creation of 3,347 Sagar Mitras in coastal fisher villages
• Approval of 2,494 Sagar Mitras at a total project cost of Rs. 128.26 crore

Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs)

FFPOs aim to economically empower fishers and fish farmers. Achievements include:

• Approval for setting up 2,195 FFPOs at a total project cost of Rs. 544.85 crore
• Financial assistance provided to promote 4 New FFPOs and strengthen 55 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies as FFPOs

Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

Created in 2018-19 with a total fund size of Rs. 7,522.48 crore, FIDF has been extended for another three years up to 2025-26.

Progress and Achievements in the Fisheries Sector

The fisheries sector in India has made significant strides:

• Record fish production of 175.45 lakh tons in FY 2022-23
• Integration of the KCC Fisheries scheme onto the Jan Samarth Portal, enhancing accessibility and transparency.