Odisha Govt Signs MoU with IRMA and Fisheries Department for Capacity Building in Fisheries Marketing

Bhubaneswar: To enhance the marketing of fisheries products and empower stakeholders, the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Odisha, has signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), Gujarat, and the Director of Fisheries, Odisha. The MoU was signed at the Rajiv Bhawan on March 4, 2025, in the presence of Anu Garg, IAS, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Odisha, DoWR.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Sadique Alam, Director of Fisheries, Odisha; Rashmi Ranjana Nayak, Project Director, Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA); and Dr. Umakant Dash, Director of IRMA, Gujarat, along with senior officials from the Department of Water Resources, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, and WorldFish.

The MoU focuses on strengthening the capacity of stakeholders involved in the fisheries sector by conducting structured residential training programs. These programs will primarily target fisheries officers and progressive farmers, equipping them with the skills necessary for developing fish markets.

The collaboration will include specialized modules on fish market development, along with the Training of Trainers (ToT) programs aimed at enhancing the knowledge of officials and stakeholders. Participants will gain insights into domestic market consumption strategies, marketing techniques, and consumer behavior. The initiative will also focus on supply chain management, with exposure visits organized to successful value chains to promote practical learning and collaboration.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, officials emphasized that this initiative will not only improve the marketability of fisheries products but also contribute to the overall economic development of Odisha’s fisheries sector. The collaboration is expected to create long-term benefits for the state’s farmers and fisheries officers, positioning them to thrive in the evolving market landscape.