In a press conference held on Thursday, India’s Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Minister, Parshottam Rupala, revealed that the country’s inland fish production has more than doubled in the last nine years, reaching an impressive 131 lakh tonnes. This significant growth is attributed to the government’s strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering the fisheries sector. Rupala emphasized the Modi government’s commitment, citing an investment of approximately Rs 38,000 crore across various programs over the past nine years.
To discuss the immense potential and challenges within the sector, Rupala announced the upcoming ‘Global Fisheries Conference India 2023,’ scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad from November 21-22. The conference aims to bring together over 5,000 participants from around the world, including representatives from the embassies of more than 50 countries and global organizations such as FAO, World Bank, and ADB. Stakeholders, including fishers and fish farmers, are also expected to attend.
The minister highlighted the achievements in the fisheries sector since 2014, noting that inland fish production has surged from 61 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to an impressive 161 lakh tonnes. India, now the world’s third-largest fish producer, contributes 8 percent to the total global fish production, with the country’s overall fish output standing at 174 lakh tonnes in the 2022-23 period.
Rupala emphasized the government’s support for fishers, including the provision of credit cards and insurance schemes. Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, L Murugan, highlighted that the global conference coincides with World Fishery Day, celebrating the significance of the fisheries sector on November 21. The two-day event, organized by the Department of Fisheries under the ministry, is expected to pave the way for a future roadmap for the flourishing fisheries industry in India.
