India’s Rise as the Second-Largest Fish Producer and Digital Advancements in Fisheries Highlighted at 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with other distinguished officials, inaugurating the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) at Pusa Campus, New Delhi (Photo Source: @LalanSingh_1/ X)

Union Minister, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, inaugurated the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) at Pusa Campus in New Delhi on February 12, 2025. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized India’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and highlighted the country’s emergence as the world’s second-largest fish producer under the Prime Minister’s leadership and the initiatives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). 

14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) was inaugurated by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, at Pusa Campus in New Delhi on February 12, 2025. Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasized India’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and highlighted the nation’s rise as the world’s second-largest fish producer under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the initiatives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The Minister outlined the adoption of cutting-edge digital solutions in fisheries management, such as the National Digital Fisheries Platform, vessel monitoring systems, transponders, and emergency alerts, which ensure the safety of fishermen at sea. He also informed that the Kisan Credit Card scheme had been extended to fishers and fish farmers, along with the introduction of various insurance schemes tailored to the fisheries sector.

Acknowledging the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for its technological contributions, he stressed the need for research institutes to collaborate with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing the adoption of scientific practices among fishers and farmers. The 14AFAF expo was also inaugurated, bringing together key stakeholders from state fisheries departments, academia, research institutions, and the industry to showcase technological advancements.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General, ICAR, highlighted the development of 75 new fisheries technologies and improved fish varieties by ICAR, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to sustainable and carbon-neutral fisheries.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, underscored the transformative initiatives and substantial investments made by the government, along with the crucial role of startups in fostering innovation within India’s blue economy.

Padma awardee Dr. S. Ayyappan, former Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR, described 14AFAF as the “Mahakumbh” of fisheries researchers across Asia, recognizing India’s leadership in fisheries research.

Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General, WorldFish, Malaysia, spoke on global innovations in fisheries and commended India’s transformative efforts in sustainable aquaculture.

Prof. Neil Loneragan, President, Asian Fisheries Society, Kuala Lumpur, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in driving the sector forward.

Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Convener of 14AFAF, in his welcome address, underscored the significance of the forum in shaping the future of fisheries and aquaculture, noting the participation of over 1,000 delegates from 24 countries and more than 20 lead presentations by eminent experts.

The session also featured the release of various publications and technologies by distinguished dignitaries. Organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur, in partnership with ICAR, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore, the event showcased India’s commitment to fostering global collaboration in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Hosting 14AFAF in India after 15 years signifies the country’s growing prominence in the global fisheries sector, reflecting progressive policies, scientific advancements, and a rapidly expanding blue economy.

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) started on February 12 and will continue until February 15, 2025, at Pusa Campus, New Delhi, under the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific.”

First published on: 13 Feb 2025, 06:33 IST

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