The National Engagement & Orientation Programme for Fisheries Cooperative Federations, jointly organized by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), and the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, was held on Wednesday at the Board Room of NCDC, New Delhi.
The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and officials from 26 federations across 20 states and Union Territories to discuss strategies for the growth of India’s fisheries sector.
Under the leadership of Pankaj Bansal, Managing Director of NCDC, the programme highlighted the importance of strategic initiatives, policy interventions, and capacity building to strengthen the role of fisheries cooperatives in a competitive market.
The event was graced by dignitaries including Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, CEO of NFDB, Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries), Department of Fisheries, and senior officials from NFDB, NCDC, and the Department of Fisheries.
In her address, Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad highlighted the recently introduced Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules and encouraged fisheries cooperatives to take advantage of benefits under the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) scheme. She emphasized establishing key value chain components such as cold storage facilities, insulated vehicles, and insulated boxing to enhance efficiency and outreach.
The Joint Secretary further stressed capacity building for deep-sea fishing, stating, “Developing technical skills and infrastructure for deep-sea fishing not only enhances export potential but ensures sustainable growth for India’s marine fisheries sector.”
The programme also featured technical sessions and presentations, covering various aspects of fisheries development. Shankar L., Advisor, Department of Fisheries, discussed government schemes, while Patil Nilesh Suresh, Deputy Director, NCDC, highlighted institutional support for the sector. Success stories from MATSYAFED and S.K. Udupi Fisheries Federation inspired participants, followed by presentations on deep-sea fishing vessels and cooperative development by senior officials, including Sanjay Pandey, Sh. S.S. Mahour, and Manoj Kumar.
A question-and-answer session allowed federations to seek guidance on operational, export, and sustainability measures. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by A.S. Meena, Director (Fisheries), NCDC.
By promoting policy awareness, capacity building, and export opportunities, the programme aims to empower fisheries cooperatives to play a stronger role in India’s growing marine economy, ensuring competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable growth in domestic and global markets.
