The National Fish Farmer’s Day (NFFD) is annually observed across India on July 10 to appreciate the contributions of fish farmers, aquaculture professionals, and stakeholders, underscoring their commitment to sustainable aquaculture.
- NFFD serves as a platform to acknowledge the crucial role played by fish farmers in meeting the growing demand for fish protein, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to India’s food security.
- July 10, 2025, marks the observance of the 25th NFFD.
Background:
i.In 2001, the Government of India (GoI) declared that 10th July of every year as the “National Fish Farmers Day”.
ii.The 1st Fish Farmers Day was observed in 2001 by Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Fisheries Education(ICAR-CIFE).
Date Significance:
i.On July 10, 1957, the 1st success in inducing the Indian major carps (common name for several species of fish) was achieved by Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury under the guidance of Dr. K.H. Alikunhi.
ii.They guided the induced breeding and reproduction of the major carp by the Hypophysation technique in the Indian fisheries sector in Angul, Odisha, leading a revolution in Inland Aquaculture.
Significance:
i.July 10 also marks the observance of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) Foundation Day.
ii.NFDB was established in 2006 to enhance fish production and productivity in India to coordinate fishery development in an integrated and holistic manner.
- 10 July 2025 marks the observance of the 19th NFDB Foundation Day.
iii.NFDB is an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D.
2025 events:
On July 10, 2025, the Department of Fisheries(DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) is celebrating the NFFD 2025 at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- The event was graced by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, MoFAH&D, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Union Ministers of State (MoS) S.P. Singh Baghel, George Kurian, MoFAH&D.
Launch of Key Initiatives:
i.As part of the celebrations, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched a series of key fisheries initiatives.
ii.These include the announcement of new Fisheries Clusters, release of the ICAR Training Calendar, and unveiling of guidelines on seed certification and hatchery operations, aimed at ensuring quality, standardization, and capacity building in the fisheries sector.
iii.The event also includes the virtual foundation stone laying for major infrastructure projects, the inauguration of various fisheries units supported under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the recognition of exemplary beneficiaries, such as traditional fishers, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), Kisan Credit Card holders, and innovative next-generation aquaculture start-ups.
India’s Fisheries Sector Booms with Record Growth:
i.Since 2015, the Government of India(GoI) has invested over Rs 38,572 crore in the fisheries sector, driving one of the most significant growth narratives in the rural economy.
ii.Fish production has more than doubled from 95.79 lakh tonnes in Financial Year 2013-14(FY14) to a historic 195 lakh tonnes in FY25.
iii.Inland aquaculture has expanded by an impressive 140%, unlocking the vast potential of India’s freshwater ecosystems through targeted policy and technological support.
iv.Globally, India has cemented its status as a seafood powerhouse, with exports surpassing Rs 60,500 crore and shrimp production rising by 270% over the past decade.
About Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D):
Union Minister – Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Constituency – Munger, Bihar)
Minister of State (MoS) – S.P. Singh Baghel (Constituency – Agra, Uttar Pradesh); George Kurian (Rajya Sabha- Madhya Pradesh, MP)
