The National Conference of Fisheries Secretaries was convened by the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, on Friday in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, to review the progress of key fisheries schemes and outline the future roadmap for the sector.
The conference, held at the AP Shinde Symposium Hall, NASC Complex, witnessed participation from senior officials of 25 States and Union Territories, along with representatives from ICAR institutes, SFAC, NCDC, NAFED, MPEDA and other sectoral stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Likhi emphasised that timely action, strong execution and scientific planning are essential to sustain India’s fisheries growth. He urged States and UTs to ensure efficient utilisation and prompt disbursal of funds under flagship schemes including Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
He called for faster implementation of Integrated Aquaparks, seaweed farming initiatives, Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages, artificial reefs and cluster-based projects, many of which are executed through cooperative and group-based models.
The Union Secretary also highlighted the importance of digitalisation, urging States to increase registrations on the National Fisheries Digital Portal to improve access to schemes and services for fishers and cooperatives.
He flagged gaps in aquaculture insurance coverage and encouraged wider adoption to safeguard livelihoods. States were further advised to closely monitor fisheries and aquaculture components under the PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana to ensure effective delivery of benefits at the grassroots level.
Reviewing inland fisheries, Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland), observed that reservoir fisheries and inland clusters remain underdeveloped despite policy support. He stressed diversification beyond Indian Major Carps and promotion of market-linked, high-value species through organised clusters.
On marine fisheries, Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), underscored the need to operationalise the SOP for Mariculture Development (2025) and notify State mariculture policies with clear leasing and biosecurity norms, while encouraging diversification into finfish, shellfish, seaweed and open-sea cage farming.
Presentations by MPEDA, ICAR and NFDB highlighted opportunities in value-added seafood exports, improved data systems and time-bound implementation. States and UTs shared their progress and challenges.
Odisha reported that pending State cooperative guidelines have limited access to central scheme benefits and sought alignment support. Uttarakhand shared progress on its proposed ITBP-rainbow trout MoU, while Himachal Pradesh sought an Aquapark and development of Kullu as a trout cluster.
Maharashtra was advised to discontinue the lottery system for deep-sea fishing vessels to expand cooperative access. Kerala was directed to initiate seaweed farming, and States were asked to report progress in DISHA conferences. Tamil Nadu requested an NFDB regional office, while Puducherry was asked to expedite the Pilot C6 Biofuel Project. Other States were advised to fast-track Aquaparks, strengthen clusters and improve reservoir fisheries.
The Conference concluded with a commitment to cooperative-linked implementation of fisheries programmes aligned with India’s Blue Economy vision.
