Over 15,000 Fishers and Farmers Join Online Talks to Shape India’s Fisheries Future

October 4, 2025: More than 15,000 fishers and fish farmers from 34 States and Union Territories took part in a six-month series of online sessions organized by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, from April to September 2025. Led by Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, these virtual interactions gave stakeholders a chance to share their concerns, ideas, and suggestions for improving the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Participants included fisheries associations, cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations, startups, and State Fisheries Departments. The sessions covered coastal, inland, hilly, island, and North-Eastern regions, ensuring nearly every district was represented. This allowed the government to understand the challenges faced by fishers and farmers and gather input for policies, infrastructure development, and welfare measures. Stakeholders highlighted the need for better-quality fish seeds, brood banks, affordable feed, and local feed mills. They also requested improved facilities like transport systems, cage culture setups, mini hatcheries, ice boxes, cold storage units, and the use of solar energy in aquaculture. Innovative ideas such as using drones for live fish transport, satellite tools for safety at sea, and advisories on potential fishing zones were also discussed. Many fishers appreciated government-provided transponders, which give weather alerts, cyclone updates, and navigation guidance, helping them avoid accidental crossings into international waters. On marketing and business, participants suggested dedicated fish markets, kiosks, and modern processing plants to strengthen value chains and ensure better prices for their produce. They recommended that the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) support alternative livelihoods like seaweed farming, ornamental fish keeping, and pearl cultivation. Training programs on technical skills, farm management, disease prevention, aquatic health management, and water quality testing labs were also considered essential. The online video conferencing format allowed fishers and farmers to connect directly with senior officials from their homes. Dr. Likhi said the sessions have successfully bridged the gap between policymakers and stakeholders, helping the government plan inclusive, sustainable, and farmer-focused growth. These efforts are aligned with the Department’s five-year roadmap and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The fisheries sector is recognized as a ‘Sunrise Sector’ in India, supporting nearly 3 crore livelihoods, especially among marginalized communities. India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing about 8% of global output and ranking second in aquaculture. Since 2015, government investments of ₹38,572 crore have helped increase fish production to 195 lakh tonnes, with an annual growth rate of 8.74%. Seafood exports reached ₹60,524 crore in 2023-24. The Department is now focusing on 34 fisheries production and processing clusters, species-specific value chains, and initiatives to empower women through cooperatives. The goal is to improve domestic consumption, increase exports, and ensure the growth benefits reach small-scale and marginalized fishers and farmers across the country. Shaping the Future of India’s Fisheries Over 15,000 fishers and farmers from across India joined six months of online sessions to share their ideas and concerns with the Department of Fisheries. Led by Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, the discussions covered issues like quality fish seeds, affordable feed, better storage, transport, and innovative technologies for safer and more efficient fishing. Participants also emphasized modern markets, processing units, and alternative livelihoods such as seaweed and ornamental fish farming. These sessions aim to strengthen policies, support marginalized communities, and ensure sustainable growth, helping India’s fisheries sector thrive and reach new heights.