New Delhi :Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurated 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum at Pusa Campus in New Delhi marking a significant milestone in global fisheries and aquaculture. Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to sustainable fisheries. He accentuated that India has risen as the world’s second-largest fish producer under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The Minister also emphasized that India is implementing cutting-edge digital solutions such as National Digital Fisheries Platform and vessel monitoring, transponders, and emergency alerts to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea. He also informed that the Kisan Credit Card scheme has been extended to the fishers and fish farmers and various insurance schemes to the fisheries’ sector were also introduced. He further applauded the ICAR for its technological offerings, recognizing its contributions in the fisheries development in the country. Further he stressed that the research institutes should undertake capacity building initiative involving KVKs to improve the adoption of scientific practices by fishers and farmers. He also inaugurated the 14AFAF expo, a major highlight, bringing together the stakeholders from state fisheries departments, academia, research institutions and the industry to showcase technological advancements.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, highlighted the Government’s transformative initiatives, substantial investments, and the vital role of startups in driving innovation for India's blue economy.
S. Ayyappan, former Secretary of DARE and DG of ICAR, highlighted India's leadership in fisheries research and described 14AFAF as the Mahakumbh of fisheries researchers from Asia.
J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General ICAR, and Convener of 14AFAF, in his welcome address, stated that the forum will play a crucial role in shaping the future of fisheries and aquaculture. He highlighted that the event features over 20 lead presentations by renowned experts from India and abroad, with 1,000 participants from 24 countries.