Union Minister Leads 13th NFDB Governing Body Meeting to Boost Fisheries

The 13th Governing Body Meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was held on November 5, 2026, at the Padma Shri Dr. Ayyappan Conference Hall in Hyderabad. Chaired by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the meeting brought together key stakeholders from various states to discuss strategies for enhancing fish production and improving the livelihoods of fish farmers across India.

During the meeting, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the need for NFDB to evolve into a more proactive development institution. He called for greater outreach to fish farmers, particularly in the North-Eastern and inland states, where production and supply gaps persist. "We must ensure timely operationalization and completion of projects, along with effective utilization of funds to enhance fishers’ incomes and livelihood security," Singh stated.

The minister highlighted the impressive increase in fish production from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes, urging the NFDB to set measurable outcomes for future interventions. This growth reflects the potential of the fisheries sector to contribute significantly to the economy, provided that the right strategies are implemented.

The meeting also featured discussions on the urgent need for strengthening fisheries infrastructure. State Fisheries Ministers, including Shri Vakiti Srihari from Telangana, Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu from Arunachal Pradesh, and Shri Sudhangshu Das from Tripura, voiced their concerns regarding the establishment of fish markets and Integrated Aqua Parks. They stressed the importance of continued Central support for these initiatives, which are crucial for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

Moreover, the ministers called for enhanced training and capacity building for fishers, entrepreneurs, and officials. They highlighted the need for inter-State and international exposure to improve skills and knowledge in the fisheries domain. The emphasis on training aligns with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aims to promote sustainable fisheries development.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries) at the Ministry of Fisheries, highlighted the importance of strengthening NFDB’s digital presence. He urged for the simplification of stakeholder support and feedback mechanisms to improve the ease of doing business in the fisheries sector. "We need to encourage greater private investment and entrepreneurship through cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs)," Likhi noted.

The call for digital transformation is timely, as it aligns with global trends towards technology-driven solutions in [agriculture](/topic/agriculture-msp) and aquaculture. By leveraging technology, the NFDB can enhance its outreach and effectiveness in supporting fish farmers.

Another critical aspect discussed during the meeting was the promotion of fish consumption through nutrition-focused awareness initiatives. The State Fisheries Ministers underscored the need for campaigns that educate the public about the health benefits of fish, which is a rich source of protein and essential nutrients. This initiative is particularly important in light of rising health concerns and the need for balanced diets among the population.

Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive of NFDB, presented an overview of the Board’s key activities and achievements. He detailed the ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the fisheries and aquaculture sector, including various schemes and programs that have been implemented successfully. The presentation underscored the collective commitment of the Centre, States/UTs, and NFDB towards accelerating fisheries development through effective implementation and stronger coordination.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to enhance fisheries and aquaculture development in India. The collaborative efforts of the Centre, States, and various stakeholders are expected to lead to more effective interventions and improved outcomes for fish farmers across the country.

The 13th Governing Body Meeting of the NFDB marks a significant step towards realizing the potential of the fisheries sector in India. With a focus on infrastructure, capacity building, and digital transformation, the NFDB is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the livelihoods of fish farmers and ensuring sustainable development in the sector.