Massive Boost to Fisheries Sector as Odisha Launches New Markets, Training Centres and Web Portal

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s vast fisheries resources hold immense promise for economic growth, livelihood enhancement, and export expansion, said Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Gokulananda Mallik, while addressing the State-level World Fisheries Day–2025 celebration at the OUAT Agriculture Education Hall on Friday. Emphasising the need for self-reliance, he highlighted that the State’s 574.7 km coastline, 4.18 lakh hectares of brackish water, and 7.12 lakh hectares of freshwater ecosystems provide unmatched opportunities for sustainable fisheries development.

Marking the occasion, the Minister inaugurated several fisheries infrastructure projects virtually, including the healthy fish market at Talabania in Puri, the healthy dry fish market at Humma in Ganjam, the Fisheries Training Centre in Angul, and the BFO Office at Talachua in Kendrapada. He also laid the foundation stone for the Directorate of Fisheries building at Khapuria in Cuttack. Additionally, the “Odisha Fisheries Web Portal” was officially launched, alongside the release of the Department’s “Annual Activity Report” and the “Fisheries Sector Handbook.”

A key highlight of the programme was the signing of an MoU between the State Government and the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) for scientific research on conservation, protection, and stock enhancement of the Mahanadi Mahaseer, recently declared the State Fish of Odisha. On the same occasion, subsidies were granted to ten beneficiaries under various schemes, TEDs (Turtle Excluder Devices) were distributed to support marine conservation, and the Minister flagged off an awareness vehicle to strengthen public outreach efforts.

Speaking at the event, Suresh Kumar Vashistha, Principal Secretary of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to sectoral growth. He emphasized the importance of focusing on seed, feed, and weed management while also prioritising export opportunities. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Cooperation Department, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, expressed optimism about the role of cooperatives in enhancing fisheries prosperity. OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabhat Kumar Roula underscored the need for investment in infrastructure and applied research for long-term sectoral advancement.

Fisheries Director Mohammad Sadique Alam delivered the welcome address, and Additional Fisheries Director (Technical) Subrat Das offered the vote of thanks. The event saw the presence of CIFRI Director Dr. Pramod Kumar Sahu, APICOL Managing Director Shubhranshu Mishra, Horticulture Director Kalunge Gorakh Vaman, MPEDA Deputy Director Achaman Lahari, and several other dignitaries.

World Fisheries Day is observed globally on November 21 to recognise the contributions of fishers, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. Odisha remains one of the top contributors to India’s fisheries sector, with more than 16 lakh individuals engaged across the value chain. The State produced 11.92 lakh metric tonnes of fish in 2024–25, ranking 4th nationally. With 94% of the population consuming fish and per-capita annual consumption at 19.16 kg—more than double the national average—the demand remains consistently high. Over the last two decades, Odisha’s marine exports have witnessed a twelvefold increase, reaching 91,930 metric tonnes and generating ₹4,710 crore in foreign exchange in 2024–25.

The Minister concluded by calling upon all stakeholders to work collectively toward harnessing the full potential of Odisha’s fisheries resources, strengthening livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable growth for the sector.