ICAR – Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, organised the13th Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum from 23rd-25th February 2024, in collaboration with the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch, Inland Fisheries Society of India, and the Professional Fisheries Graduates Forum, in Kolkata. The forum aims to foster a brighter, more resilient future for Indian fisheries and aquaculture, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat@2047”.
Fish is the Ultimate stakeholder in the fisheries sector: Shri Parshottam Rupala Fish is the Ultimate stakeholder in the fisheries sector: Shri Parshottam Rupala.
Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, urged all stakeholders including researchers, government officials, farmers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, and students to unite in enhancing production and sustainability in the fisheries sector. The minister emphasized the significance of the sunrise sector and highlighted the ongoing efforts to harness its potential through effective management, productivity enhancement, technological interventions, infrastructure development, value chain strengthening, and robust governance. Shri. Rupala informed that India significantly contributes to global fish production, agricultural GDP, and foreign exchange generation through annual exports of fish and related products totaling Rs. 63,969 crores. The Union Minister urged for farmers’ need-based research and an apex forum for scientific communities and technologies to reduce post-harvest losses.
Fish is the Ultimate stakeholder in the fisheries sector: Shri Parshottam Rupala
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) highlighted Viksit Bharat’s significant role in the fast and sustainable growth rate of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. He emphasised the importance of a nature-friendly, climate-resilient, and profitable fisheries sector, promoting the use of genetically improved species, smart practices, regulatory mechanisms, and skill development.
Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fishery Science), ICAR, discussed the potential of pollution-free, sustainable, and profitable fisheries in contributing to the national economy. He urged for the equitable and mutually beneficial sharing of agricultural resources among sectors for enhanced production through a practical roadmap for Amritkaal.
Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director, ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Assam, Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Assam, spoke about the three-day conference that covered topics like climate change, natural farming, gender equality, women empowerment, social upliftment, and employment opportunities for youth in the fisheries sector.
About 1500 delegates from India and abroad including Scientists, Entrepreneurs Women Entrepreneurs, Fishers and Fish farmers, Scholars, Government Officials, Industrialists, and Students attended the programme.
(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata)
Read more: https://www.icar.org.in/fish-ultimate-stakeholder-fisheries-sector-shri-parshottam-rupala
