National Fish Farmer’s Day(NFFD) is annually observed across India on 10th July to recognise the contributions of the fish farmers, aquaculture industry professionals and other stakeholders towards sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
- The day offers a platform to acknowledge and appreciate the contribution of the fish farmers and the commitment towards sustainable aquaculture.
- 10th July 2023 marks the observance of 23rd National Fish Farmers Day(NFFD).
Significance:
i.10th July also marks the observance of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) Foundation Day. 10th July 2023 marks the observance of the 17th NFDB Foundation day.
ii.NFDB was established in 2006 as an autonomous organization under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D).
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), a premier institute of Fisheries Education in India based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Why July 10?
The day honours and commemorates the contribution of Professor Dr Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr K. H. Alikunhi, in the Indian fisheries sector 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.
- This demonstration eventually lead to a revolution in Inland Aquaculture.
Efforts of the Indian government to develop the Fisheries Sector:
i.Since 2015, the Government of India (GoI) has announced a cumulative investment of Rs 38,572 crore.
ii.Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries, under the Blue Revolution Scheme, played a major role in the development of the fisheries sector.
- The initiative was launched in 2015 with an investment of Rs 3000 core.
iii.During the 2018 budget, Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the establishment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a corpus of Rs. 7522.48 Crore for the fisheries sector.
- This supported the development of infrastructure in the fisheries and Aquaculture sector as a whole, both in the marine and inland fisheries to augment fish production.
iv.In 2020, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to bring Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India
- The scheme was envisioned with an overall investment of Rs. 20,050 crore over a period of 5 years.
- During Union Budget 2023–24, Finance Minister announced the Sub-scheme under PMMSY with an investment of Rs. 6,000 crores.
- The primary objective of PMMSY is to enhance fish production to an impressive 22 million metric ton (MMT) by 2024–25.
v.In June 2023, Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister MoFAH&D released the “Report Fish Disease” Mobile App, developed under PMMSY, for quick reporting of Fish Diseases and timely scientific advice to aqua farmers.
Celebration of NFFD 2023:
Summer Meet 2023 & Start-up Conclave:
i.Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, has organised ‘Summer Meet 2023’ and the ‘Start-up Conclave’ in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu on 10th – 11th July 2023.
ii.The ‘Summer Meet 2023’ and the ‘Start-up Conclave’ served as a platform to highlight the noteworthy accomplishments of the Indian fisheries sector and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the industry.
iii.These events united fish farmers, researchers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore the prospects for the sustainable development of fisheries.
iv.The conclave offered a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas, products, and technologies in fisheries and aquaculture.
Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge:
i.The Department of Fisheries launched the “Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge” in partnership with the Startup India hub and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- The challenge aims to identify, reward and recognize startups creating exceptional impact in the fisheries ecosystem.
- On the occasion of National Fish Farmer’s Day 2023 (10th July 2023), the shortlisted startups will be felicitated by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of MoFAH&D at the event organised at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
- under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the selected startups will receive a cash grant of Rs 2 lakh to support building their innovations.
ii.The event at Mahabalipuram will feature an exhibition of 30 exceptional startups from across India, showcasing their best fisheries innovation.
About Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying(MoFAH&D):
Union Minister– Parshottam Rupala (Rajya- Sabha Gujarat)
Minister of State– Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan; Dr L. Murugan
