National Fish Farmers Day 2025: Honouring India’s Aquaculture Heroes and Advancing the Blue Economy

Every year on July 10, India observes National Fish Farmers Day to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of fish farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector. This day commemorates a landmark scientific breakthrough in 1957 when Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi pioneered the induced breeding of Indian Major Carps using the Hypophysation technique, triggering a revolution in inland aquaculture.

What is National Fish Farmers Day?

National Fish Farmers Day is celebrated annually on July 10 across India to honor the dedication and achievements of the country’s fish farmers, who play a critical role in ensuring nutritional security, employment generation, and the economic upliftment of rural and coastal communities. The day also pays tribute to the scientific innovation that sparked India’s aquaculture revolution.

Why is July 10 Celebrated as National Fish Farmers Day?

This day commemorates the historic scientific breakthrough by Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi, who, in 1957, successfully developed the technique of induced breeding (Hypophysation) in Indian Major Carps. This achievement marked the beginning of modern inland aquaculture in India, revolutionizing the fisheries sector.

Theme of National Fish Farmers Day 2025

While the official theme for 2025 is yet to be formally declared by the Ministry of Fisheries, the celebrations revolve around:

“Empowering Fish Farmers for a Sustainable Blue Economy”

The focus is on sustainable resource management, capacity building, quality seed production, and boosting exports through modernized infrastructure and technology-driven initiatives.

Venue and Dignitaries

The main event for 2025 is being held at the ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is organized by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India.

Key Dignitaries Participating:

• Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries & Panchayati Raj

• Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries

• Shri George Kurian, MoS for Fisheries & Minority Affairs

• Shri Gokulananda Mallick, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Odisha

Major Announcements and Activities

As part of the National Fish Farmers Day 2025 celebration, the Union Minister is launching several flagship fisheries initiatives to empower stakeholders:

Launch of New Fisheries Clusters

To enhance regional production hubs, promote best practices, and improve market linkages.

Release of ICAR Training Calendar

To provide structured, year-round capacity-building programs for fish farmers, hatchery owners, and fisheries students.

Unveiling of Guidelines

New seed certification and hatchery operation guidelines to ensure quality control, standardization, and traceability in fish seed production.

Felicitation Ceremony

Recognizing traditional fishers, FFPOs, KCC beneficiaries, fisheries cooperatives, and start-ups contributing to India’s aquaculture success.

Inauguration of PMMSY Projects

Virtual laying of foundation stones and project inaugurations under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)—India’s largest fisheries investment scheme.

Impact of Government Investment in Fisheries Sector

Since 2015, the Indian Government has invested ₹38,572 crore in the fisheries sector under various schemes including PMMSY, aiming to double farmer income, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance export potential.

Key Achievements

This growth has generated lakhs of jobs, particularly for marginalized and coastal communities.

Importance of the Blue Economy

The Blue Economy aims at sustainable use of ocean and inland water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. Fish farmers are central to this vision through:

• Eco-friendly aquaculture practices

• Sustainable capture fisheries

• High-tech innovations in seed production and disease management

• Promotion of women-led fisheries enterprises

Role of PMMSY in Transforming Indian Fisheries

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship scheme with the goal of:

• Increasing fish production to 22 million tonnes by 2025

• Doubling exports to ₹1 lakh crore

• Creating 55 lakh direct and indirect jobs

• Modernizing fishing vessels, harbors, and cold chain facilities

• Promoting fish farmer producer organizations (FFPOs)

Future Outlook

The Indian fisheries sector is poised to be a global leader, driven by research, public-private partnerships, and digitally empowered fishers. The government’s continued support through financial assistance, training, and innovation will ensure sustainable growth aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Conclusion

National Fish Farmers Day 2025 is not just a celebration but a call to action—to recognize the vital role of fish farmers and to work collectively toward a more sustainable and prosperous fisheries sector. As India embraces the Blue Revolution 2.0, empowering its fishers will be key to achieving food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Sharing is caring!