National Fish Farmers Day Celebration in 2025: Government to Unveil Significant Fisheries Programs, Official Launch of PMMSY Projects in Bhubaneswar
On July 9, 2025, in the bustling city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Government of India celebrated National Fish Farmers Day at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA). This annual event, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K. H. Alikunhi, pioneers of induced breeding in Indian Major Carps, served as a platform to launch significant fisheries initiatives and inaugurate projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The day's events marked a focused effort to significantly boost the fisheries sector, which has experienced substantial growth over the past decade. With a cumulative central investment of Rs 38,572 crore since 2015, India's total fish production has more than doubled, reaching a record 195 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25. Seafood exports have surpassed Rs 60,500 crore, reinforcing India's leadership in the global seafood market.
The key initiatives launched during the event aimed to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, promote sustainable aquaculture, inaugurate PMMSY projects, and enhance productivity to support fish farmers across India. The Centre unveiled important fisheries development programs aimed at enhancing fish production and supporting fish farmers. Projects under PMMSY were inaugurated to improve infrastructure, promote sustainable aquaculture practices, and increase fish production nationwide.
Senior Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Ministers of State S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, and Odisha's Fisheries Minister Gokulananda Mallick, graced the occasion. The event also welcomed officials from various state governments.
In addition to the unveiling of new initiatives, the day's celebrations honoured the contributions of pioneering scientists like Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury. The scientific breakthrough by Dr. Chaudhury and Dr. Alikunhi in 1957 marked the beginning of India's inland aquaculture revolution.
Outstanding beneficiaries, such as traditional fishers, cooperatives, FFPOs, Kisan Credit Card holders, and fisheries start-ups, were felicitated during the event. The keynote address highlighted the progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities in the fisheries sector.
The growth in seafood exports and the surge in shrimp production have created lakhs of jobs, particularly in coastal and rural communities. This year's celebrations featured the launch of several key initiatives, including the announcement of new Fisheries Clusters, the release of the ICAR Training Calendar, and the unveiling of guidelines on seed certification and hatchery operations.
Virtual foundation stone-laying ceremonies and the inauguration of PMMSY-supported fisheries projects were also part of the event. As the day concluded, it was clear that the Government of India remains committed to enhancing the fisheries sector, fostering sustainable growth, and supporting the livelihoods of fish farmers across the nation.
In the spirit of National Fish Farmers Day, the Centre announced new initiatives to boost the fisheries sector, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, promoting sustainable aquaculture, and enhancing productivity to support fish farmers nationwide. The events also paid tribute to pioneering scientists like Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury, whose scientific breakthrough in 1957 marked the beginning of India's inland aquaculture revolution and contributed to the growth of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise through nutrient-rich seafood.
