Fisheries Secretaries Conference 2025

Fisheries Secretaries Conference 2025 : Recently, the Department of Fisheries organized the Fisheries Secretaries Conference 2025 alongside a National Workshop on Harnessing Technology and Innovation in Aquaculture.

o This significant initiative aimed to accelerate growth in the fisheries sector by reviewing key national programs and enhancing inter-institutional collaboration.

• Key Highlights and Outcomes

o Drone Innovation: A pilot initiative was introduced for deploying drones to transport live fish across challenging terrains. A 70-kg payload drone is under development.

o Satellite Integration: Satellite technologies will soon be leveraged for enhanced fisher safety, resource mapping, and biometric verification.

o Smart Infrastructure: Plans were outlined for modernizing fishing harbours and fish markets, with sustainability as a core principle.

• Strategic Focus on Schemes and Implementation:

o PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Flagship scheme launched in 2020 to boost fish production, reduce post-harvest losses, double fishers’ income, and create employment through sustainable fisheries development

o Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): A ₹7,500 crore fund offering low-interest loans for building fisheries infrastructure like harbors, cold chains, hatcheries, and fish markets.

o PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY): Launched in 2024 to formalize fisheries micro-enterprises, provide digital identities, boost insurance coverage, and improve access to institutional finance.

• India is the second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% globally, with inland fisheries making up 75% of output. It ranks second in aquaculture, first in shrimp, and third in capture fisheries. Key states: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka.

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