About National Fish Farmers day The National Fish Farmers day is observed every year on 10th July to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the country. This annual event is celebrated to commemorate Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. 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. This pioneering work of induced breeding over the years has transformed the growth of aquaculture sector from traditional to intensive aquaculture practices and led to success of modern aquaculture industry. On this occasion, various activities such as seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions are organized across the country to disseminate knowledge, share experiences, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Experts and professionals from the fisheries sector provide insights into the latest developments, research findings, and emerging trends in aquaculture. The day is also celebrated as National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) Foundation Day. Aim National Fish Farmers Day is celebrated with an aim: To recognise the accomplishments and contribution of fish farmers, aquapreneurs (entrepreneurs in the water sector) and fisherfolks in the growth of the fisheries sector in the country. To draw attention to changing the way the country manages fisheries resources to ensure sustainable stocks and healthy ecosystems. 2025 celebrations National Fish Farmer’s Day 2025 is a tribute to the unwavering dedication of fish farmers who play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s food security, meeting the growing demand for fish-based protein, and driving rural employment. Their efforts not only sustain millions of livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the nation’s vision of sustainable aquaculture and a thriving Blue Economy. India’s fish production has more than doubled, rising from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14 to a record 195 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25, an astonishing 104% growth. Inland fisheries and aquaculture alone have seen a 140%increase, showcasing the power of India's water resources and the Government’s bold initiatives. The seafood exports have witnessed another success story, have crossed ₹60,500 crore, affirming India’s global leadership in shrimp exports. Shrimp production has jumped by 270% over the last decade, generating lakhs of employment opportunities and empowering fishers’ community in the country. This year's celebrations are planned at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar on 10th July 2025. As part of the celebrations, launch of a series of key fisheries initiatives are planned. 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. The felicitatation of fisheries beneficiaries, including traditional fishers, cooperatives/FFPOs, KCC cardholders, and promising fisheries start-ups is also planned. In addition, virtual foundation stones will be laid and select PMMSY-supported fisheries projects will be inaugurated, marking a strong push towards infrastructure development, entrepreneurship promotion, and inclusive growth in the sector. About National Fisheries Development Board 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 and to coordinate fishery development in an integrated and holistic manner. A wide range of fishery development activities viz., intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks, culture based capture fisheries in reservoirs, Coastal Aquaculture, Mariculture, Sea Weed cultivation, establishment of infrastructure, fishing harbours and fish landing centres, fishing dressing centres and solar drying of fish, domestic marketing, deep sea fishing and tuna processing, ornamental fisheries, trout culture, artificial reefs technology upgradation and capacity building of fishermen and fish farmers are being supported through the State Governments/Implementing agencies. To know more about NFDB, click here. Toll free number : 1800-425-1660 (Open: Monday - Friday ( 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM )) Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying The Department of Fisheries is one of the two Departments under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. It came into existence with effect from 05.02.2019 through carving out Fishery Division from the erstwhile Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. The Department is responsible for matters relating to formulation of policy and schemes relating to Development of Inland , Marine and Coastal Fisheries and Fishery Institutes namely Fishery Survey of India Mumbai Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET), Kerala Central Institute of Coastal Engineering For Fishery (CICEF), Bangalore National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training, (NIFPHATT), Kochi National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad Coastal Aquaculture Authority, Chennai. To know more about Department of Fisheries, click here. Schemes for fisheries sector Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) Fish Market Price Information System Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) under PMMSY scheme Related resources Hand Book on Fisheries Statistics