New Delhi. The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), convened a “Fisheries Secretaries Conference 2025” and National Workshop on Harnessing Technology and Innovation in Aquaculture on 23rd May 2025 in New Delhi, to review the progress of Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) with focus on achievements and key deliverables across schemes. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), Department of Fisheries (DoF), MoFAH&D. Senior officers from the State Fisheries Departments, Reserve Bank of India, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Open Network for Digital Commerce, Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium, National Cooperative Development Corporation and ICAR also participated in the meeting.
In the Keynote address, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), MoFAH&D urged States to strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at upscaling the fisheries sector through innovation, infrastructure, and institutional synergy. Emphasis was laid on the extensive use of satellite technology to enhance fisher safety and operational efficiency covering aspects such as resource mapping, biometric identification, and facial recognition. The development of smart, integrated fishing harbours and modern fish markets aligned with green and blue sustainability principles was identified as a key future priority. Shri Likhi highlighted a pilot project on drone technology for live fish transport, aiming to develop a 70 kg payload drone capable of carrying live fish in difficult terrains from aggregator to distribution point. He also called for strengthening of drone initiative through standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a supportive subsidy structure. The promotion of advanced fisheries technologies, with support from ICAR institutes, was encouraged alongside a strong focus on processing, marketing, and packaging, particularly through cluster development and a thriving startup ecosystem. Special emphasis was placed on leveraging Amrit Sarovars for fisheries promotion, seeking active support from the states. Secretary, DoF also called for the promotion of ornamental fisheries, and the development of seaweed farming and artificial reefs, encouraging private sector participation in these emerging areas.
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Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland), DoF highlighted key issues related to inland fisheries in the Inland States and Union Territories, urging States to step up mobilisation of applications for registration on the National Fisheries Development Portal (NFDP) and to facilitate increased access to benefits under various central sector schemes to strengthen implementation of various fisheries initiatives. He also gave a presentation on the departmental summit to be organised by DoF this year.
Ms Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), DoF emphasized the importance of developing robust infrastructure, smart harbours, and species diversification. Coastal states were urged to lead the transition towards smart and sustainable fisheries by advancing mariculture zoning, adoption of cutting-edge technology, ReALCraft (technology used for vessel monitoring) and fast-tracking smart harbour projects in alignment with the FAO’s Blue Port initiative and national sustainability objectives. During the review, it was noted that while States and Union Territories are making notable strides in advancing fisheries development under PMMSY and allied initiatives, a few implementation-level challenges remain that require focused attention and support. It was noted that access to institutional credit for fish farmers continues to be a concern, in light of collateral requirements under Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) scheme.
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