National Fish Farmers Day

Every year on July 10th, National Fish Farmers Day is observed to show support for all fishermen, fish farmers, and other stakeholders across the country. This year in 2022, the 22nd National Fish Farmer’s Day is being observed nationwide. With significant potential for sustainably collecting a variety of inland and marine fisheries resources in the nation, fishing and aquaculture are significant economic activities.

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About National Fish Farmers Day

To honour the memories of scientists Dr. K. H. Alikunhi and Dr. H. L. Chaudhury, National Fish Farmers Day is observed. On July 10, 1957, they both demonstrated Hypophysation, a technique for inducing reproduction in Indian Major Carps, a term used to refer to a number of fish species. The goal is to recognise the contributions made by fish farmers, aquapreneurs (businesspeople in the water sector), and fishermen to the development of the nation’s fisheries industry and to raise awareness of the need to alter the way the nation manages its fisheries resources in order to ensure sustainable fisheries stocks and robust ecosystems.

National Fish Farmers Day 2022

The 22nd National Fish Farmers Day was observed at the National Fisheries Development Board in Hyderabad by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy.

History of National Fish Farmers Day

In 2001, the Indian government designated July 10th as National Fish Farming Day. The purpose of the day was to express support for those involved in aquaculture, such as fishermen, fish farmers, fisheries experts, and other stakeholders. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) oversaw the 2001 National Fish Farmers Day celebration, which was the first one. At this important ceremony, the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, a pioneering institution in the field of fisheries education, also participated.
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Significance of National Fish Farmers Day

The nation’s economy and general development are greatly influenced by the fisheries industry. The fisheries industry, sometimes known as the “sunrise sector”, is positioned to generate enormous potential through growth that is both equitable and inclusive. One of the key producing sectors with the quickest growth is fishing. More than 2.8 crore individuals in the nation are being supported by this sector. Nevertheless, there is unrealized potential in this industry. According to the Economic Survey of India, 2019 – 20, barely 58 per cent of the inland potential of the nation has been utilised thus far. The fisheries sector’s untapped potential presents a variety of chances to implement scalable business solutions and increase the advantages for fishermen and fish producers. Technological advancements are necessary to increase production, productivity, and efficiency along the whole value chain of the fishing industry in order to fully fulfil the capabilities of the fisheries sector.

Key Facts about India’s Fisheries Sector

  • India is the third largest producer of fish in the world.
  • India is ranked second in the world for aquaculture.
  • According to a recent estimate by the National Fisheries Development Board, the fishing industry alone has generated export revenues of Rs 334.41 billion, employing 145 million people, and contributed to 7% of the GDP.
  • Over 2.8 crore fishermen, farmers, employees, vendors, and others involved in the value chain directly depend on the fishing industry for their living.
  • Between 2014 and 2020, the fishing sector maintained a yearly growth rate of above 10% despite the general economic slump.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic did not have any negative impact on India’s fisheries export.
  • India’s share in global Fisheries export was 8.0 % in 2019-2020.

National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)

To increase fish production and productivity in the country and also to coordinate fishery advancement in an integrated and comprehensive way, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was founded in 2006 as an autonomous organisation under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Government of India.

Functions of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)

  • Giving special consideration to fisheries and aquaculture (Production. Processing, Storage, Transport and Marketing).
  • Obtaining sustainable management of and protecting aquatic natural resources.
  • Utilising cutting-edge research and development methods to maximise fisheries productivity and output.
  • Establishing contemporary infrastructure mechanisms for optimal usage and effective management of fisheries.
  • Training and empowering women in the fishing industry, as well as creating a significant amount of jobs.
  • Increasing fish’s contribution to food and nutrition security.

Objectives of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)

  • To bring fisheries and aquaculture-related operations under professional supervision and focused attention.
  • To manage fisheries-related activities carried out by various Central Government Ministries and Departments, as well as to coordinate with the State and Union Territory Governments.
  • To enhance the catch and culture fisheries’ output in terms of processing, marketing, and storage.
  • To develop fish stocks and sustainable management and conservation of natural aquatic resources.
  • Applying contemporary research and development technologies, such as biotechnology, to increase fisheries productivity and output.
  • To enable the optimal management and best use of fisheries by providing modern infrastructure systems.
  • To significantly increase employment
  • To educate and advance women in the fishing industry.
  • To increase fish’s contribution to food and nutritional security.

Articles related to Fisheries

Frequently Asked Questions about the National Fish Farmers Day and NFDB:

Q1

Why fish farmers day is celebrated?

Every year, this annual event is celebrated to commemorate Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Alikunhi for their contribution in achieving the successful induced breeding of major carps on 10th July, 1957 at Angul in Odisha for the first time in the country.
Q2

What is World Fisheries Day?

Every year on November 21, fishing communities all across the world observe World Fisheries Day. It emphasises how crucial it is to protect the world’s fisheries and maintain healthy ocean ecosystems.
Q3

Which is India’s national fish?

Indian Mackerel is India’s national fish.
Q4

Which state is first in fish production?

Andhra Pradesh has recorded the highest production of inland fish (34.50 lakh tones) whereas Gujarat is the leading state in Marine fish (7.01 Lakh tonnes) in the country.
Q5

What is a fish scientist called?

Ichthyologists study all aspects of fish biology including anatomy, behavior and environment of fishes, how fishes interact with other organisms.
Q6

What is Nfdb scheme?

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was established in 2006 as an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India to enhance fish production and productivity in the country
Q7

Where is the headquarter of National Fisheries Development Board?

National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was set up in September 2006 with its headquarter at Hyderabad to realize the untapped potential of fisheries sector, fish culture, processing & marketing of fish, application of modern tools of research & development` for optimizing production and productivity in fisheries.
Q8

What is the full form of Mpeda?

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is established under the Marine Products Export Development Authority Act 1972, by Government of India to promote the development, with special reference to export of marine products.
Q9

What is aquaculture and why is it important?

Aquaculture is breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. Basically, it’s farming in water. U.S. aquaculture is an environmentally responsible source of food and commercial products, helps to create healthier habitats, and is used to rebuild stocks of threatened or endangered species.
Q10

Which country is the largest exporter of fish?

Both in volume and value terms, China is still by far the biggest exporter of seafood, followed by Norway.
Q11

Which country is the largest importer Indian seafood?

USA, with imports of 2,91,948 MT, continues to be the major importer of Indian seafood with a share of 41.15 per cent in dollar terms.
Q12

Which marine products are exported from India?

India mainly exports frozen shrimps, fish, cuttlefish, squids, dried items, live and chilled items. Out of these, frozen shrimp is the largest exported marine product contributing to more than 50% of the total quantity and about 75% of the total export value (i.e. US$ 4.43 billion for 2020-21).

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Related Links:

Liberty Export Preparedness Index (EPI), 2021 
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Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) Farmer Distress Index
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