New Delhi, 14 June (IANS). Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said that India is the second largest fish producing country in the world, where inland production has increased by 142 percent to 147 lakh tonnes since 2013-14.
He said during the ‘Inland Fisheries and Aquarius Agricultural Conference 2025’ program that the average annual growth rate of fisheries sector is 9 percent, which is the highest in all agricultural areas.
The Union Minister highlighted major initiatives like Neeili Revolution, Fisheries and Aquatic Agricultural Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Fisheries Sampada Yojana, PM-Matsya Kisan Samriddhi cum scheme and Kisan Credit Card.
In the program, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan urged the states to make better use of FIDF, plan implementation calendar in association with ICAR and to increase exports by expanding winter fisheries, decorative fisheries and salt aquatic agriculture.
He encouraged the effective use of inland resources to improve nutrition, promote production and contribute to the approach of developed India.
Union Minister Singh appreciated the commendable progress made by the inland states in the fisheries sector and underlined the need to increase production and productivity.
Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Professor SP Singh Baghel said that fisheries can play an important role in doubling farmers’ income. He praised the efforts of all stakeholders.
The program also encouraged support for more than 300 fisheries start-ups working in digital tools, value editions and fishing activities.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy and Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurien emphasized the transformational capability of inland fisheries in ensuring nutrition security, rural prosperity and permanent livelihood.
He underlined the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with innovation, promoting indigenous species and empowering communities through collective action.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, emphasized the need to ensure availability of quality seeds and develop a brood bank in collaboration with ICAR to promote the productivity of the region.
-IANS
SKT/
