Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, chaired the 13th Governing Body meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad on Thursday.
The meeting, held at the Padma Shri Dr. Ayyappan Conference Hall at NFDB headquarters, was attended by Telangana Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Vakiti Srihari, Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu and Tripura Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das, along with representatives of State and Union Territory fisheries departments and 13 non-official members of the NFDB Governing Body.
Addressing the meeting, Singh called on the NFDB to strengthen its role as a proactive development institution by expanding outreach to fish farmers and improving coordination with States and Union Territories.
He emphasised the timely implementation and completion of projects, along with effective utilisation of funds, to improve fishers’ incomes and livelihood security.
The Union Minister also directed the Board to prioritise support for northeastern and inland States to bridge gaps in fish production, supply and consumption and move towards self-sufficiency.
Highlighting the growth in India’s fish production from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes, Singh stressed the need to further improve production and productivity through measurable, outcome-based interventions.
Department of Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi highlighted efforts by the Centre and States to expand aquaculture and strengthen seafood exports, currently valued at around Rs 70,000 crore.
He called for enhancing NFDB’s digital presence and simplifying stakeholder support and feedback mechanisms to improve ease of doing business.
Likhi also emphasised attracting greater private investment and promoting entrepreneurship through cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), start-ups and private enterprises. He underscored the importance of regular consultations with States and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement of fisheries policies and programmes.
During the meeting, State Fisheries Ministers sought continued Central assistance for strengthening fisheries infrastructure, including the establishment of fish markets and Integrated Aqua Parks.
They also called for greater coordination between fisheries and rural development programmes to promote the productive use of Amrit Sarovars, reservoirs and other water bodies for fisheries development.
The Ministers stressed the need for enhanced training, capacity building and inter-State and international exposure for fishers, entrepreneurs, women, Self-Help Groups and officials, alongside continued training of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
They also advocated nutrition-focused awareness campaigns to encourage greater fish consumption.
NFDB Chief Executive Bijay Kumar Behera presented an overview of the Board’s major activities, achievements and ongoing initiatives in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. He briefed members on the progress of various schemes and programmes being implemented by the Board.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the Centre, States, Union Territories and other stakeholders to accelerate fisheries and aquaculture development through stronger coordination, effective implementation and outcome-oriented initiatives.
-PIB
