National Fish Farmers Day is annually celebrated on 10th July to commemorate the demonstration of Dr K. H. Alikunhi and Dr H. L. Chaudhary for the successful contribution in demonstrating Hypophysation (technology of induced breeding) in Indian Major Carps (common name for several species of fish) on 10th July 1957 at the former CIFRI Pond Culture Division in Angul, Odisha.
- The 22nd National Fish Farmers Day was celebrated on 10th July 2022 across India.
It is celebrated by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in association with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
- The day is also observed as the NFDB Foundation day.
- 2022 marks the 16th NFDB Foundation day.
Objective- to establish solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders across India.
Background:
i.In 2001, the government of India declared every year 10th July will be celebrated as National Fish Farmers day.
ii.The first Fish Farmers Day was observed in 2001 by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)- Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- It is the premier institute of Fisheries Education in India.
Events 2022:
i.The event was in hybrid mode organized by NFDB in Hyderabad, Telangana to honour the fish farmers, aqua preneurs, fisherfolks and various stakeholders.
Highlights:
i.The NFDB Lab project on “ Assessment of pathogenic microorganisms along with nutrient and residual contaminant profiling in fish and aqua Feeds’’ was also launched.
ii.The ministers also interacted with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme farmers and North East fish farmers.
Key people:
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying , Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Dr L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Blue Revolution-
It was launched in 1985-1990 during the 7th Five-Year Plan with the aim to develop, manage, and promote fisheries to double the farmers’ income.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) –
It is the flagship scheme, launched in 2020 for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector across the country with a budget of over Rs. 20,050 crores period of five years.
Objective– it aims to achieve fish production of 22 MMT from the current 13.76 MMT by 2024-25 and create an additional employment opportunity to about 55 lakh people through the fisheries sector.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) scheme-
It was started in 2018-19 to specifically cater for the creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and inland fisheries with a budget of Rs. 7,522.48 crores.
- Projects under the FIDF are eligible for loan up to 80% of the estimated/actual project cost.
