Guwahati, 5 May (HS): Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya on Monday inaugurated the two-day ‘Conference on Development of Fisheries Sector, 2025’ organised at Assam Administrative Staff College. The conference was organised by Raj Bhavan, Assam in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Assam.
The aim of the conference is to bring together eminent fisheries experts from across the country, heads of central institutions (CIFRI, CIFA, NDFB), academicians, researchers and entrepreneurs of Assam on one platform to deliberate on strategies for the holistic development of the fisheries sector.
Inaugurating the conference, the Governor said that Assam has immense potential to transform the fisheries sector into a self-sustaining and profitable industry due to its abundance of water resources—rivers, wetlands, ponds and reservoirs. “The fisheries sector can provide livelihood, food security and economic prosperity to lakhs of families in rural areas. This conference is an attempt to channelise this immense potential,” he said.
Describing the fisheries sector as a key pillar of the ‘Blue Economy’, the Governor said that it is necessary to incorporate modern science, technological innovation and environmentally sustainable methods in it. “Fisheries is no longer a traditional occupation, it is an emerging industry that provides nutrition and employment. There is a need to engage the youth in it so that Assam can be placed on the global aquaculture map,” he said.
He also lauded the role of Central Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquatic Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Blue Revolution, and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sahyojana (PM-MKSS). Small-scale fish farming is being promoted in Assam through the “Ghar-Ghar Pukhuri, Ghar-Ghar Machh” campaign.
Emphasising on the promotion of indigenous species and development of breeding techniques, the Governor said, “Our aquaculture production is till date focused only on major Indian carps like Katla, Rohu and Mrigal. Indigenous species having cultural and culinary importance are neglected due to lack of technology. These technological gaps need to be filled.”
He expressed confidence that the conference would serve as a platform for scientific deliberations and policy collaboration to promote Assam as the ‘Aqua Hub’ of South-East Asia. He said that with the strategic implementation of the recommendations of the conference, Assam can increase its fish production capacity by 50% in the next 2-3 years.
State Fisheries Minister Krishnendu Paul said that a target of seven lakh tonnes of fish production from the state has been set by the year 2030. He stressed the need to tap the potential of fish farming in tea gardens and develop beel fisheries. He also emphasised on the use of water sources located in forests, which are considered suitable for natural breeding.
Chief Secretary of Government of Assam Dr. Ravi Kota, Special Officer to Governor Prof. Bechan Lal, Commissioner and Secretary to Governor SS Meenakshi Sundaram, Commissioner and Secretary of Fisheries Department Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Director General (Fisheries) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Dr. Joykrishna Jena and many other dignitaries were present in the conference.
Five thematic sessions were organized on the first day of the conference, in which major topics like water resource management, diversity in fisheries, status of fish seed production, breeding and marketing system were discussed. These sessions were conducted by renowned fisheries experts and local experts from across the country.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
