July 14, 2026

West Bengal, India fisheries minister encourages fish farmers to adopt modern tech

Rajesh Mahata, the fisheries minister of West Bengal, India, urged fish farmers to adopt modern technologies developed by ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) and make effective use of government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to enhance fish production in the state.

Speaking on the occasion of National Fish Farmers Day 2026, celebrated by ICAR–CIFRI at its headquarters in Barrackpore, on July 10, he emphasised that science-based aquaculture practices are essential for strengthening India's economic growth and nutritional security. ICAR-CIFRI paid tribute to India's fish farmers and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable inland fisheries through scientific innovation.

Nine progressive fish farmers, including two women fishers, from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the inland fisheries sector.

Yadav Suryabhan Achchhelal, SDO, Barrackpore, North 24-Parganas, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and farming communities to ensure environmentally sustainable and economically viable fisheries development.

"ICAR-CIFRI remains committed to delivering climate-resilient, farmer-centric, and ecosystem-based technologies that improve productivity, conserve aquatic biodiversity, and strengthen livelihoods. Through collaborative research, innovation, and effective technology transfer, we will continue to contribute towards a resilient fisheries sector aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," ICAR-CIFRI director Dr Pradip Dey said.

India is currently the world's second-largest fish producer, contributing around 8% of global fish production. The country also ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and exports, and is the second-largest producer in capture fisheries.

With nearly 29,000 km of rivers, 0.20 million hectares of estuaries, 0.35 million hectares of wetlands, and 2.2 million hectares of ponds and tanks, India possesses immense potential to further enhance fish production and achieve the target of 22 million tonnes under the proposed Second Blue Revolution.

- Millenium Post