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Government engages champion fish farmers to boost scientific aquaculture adoption
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Monday, 02 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, on January 28 held a high-level interactive session with Champion Fish Farmers from across India to accelerate adoption of scientific and modern aquaculture practices.
The video-conference convened by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, saw participation from 59 distinguished fish farmers, including Padma Shri awardees, representatives from the Rajya Sabha, officials from the Department of Fisheries, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and state fisheries departments.
Champion Fish Farmers – identified for their success in integrating advanced methods such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc technologies – shared practical insights and field experiences. Their proactive role in demonstrating scalable, sustainable models of fish farming was lauded as pivotal for grassroots transformation in the sector.
Dr. Likhi commended participants for their engagement and highlighted the government’s continued commitment to supporting the fisheries and aquaculture sector through flagship initiatives. These include the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sahayata Yojana (PMMKSSY), aimed at improving infrastructure, access to finance and technology adoption.
Officials emphasised that champion farmers play a crucial mentorship role, helping peers adopt best practices, strengthen value chains and mentor emerging farmers. Presentations underscored enhanced productivity through disease management protocols and diversification.
Participants also flagged key challenges such as feed costs, seed availability and storage infrastructure, particularly in remote regions. Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General, ICAR, assured sustained institutional support and training to address these bottlenecks.
The session reinforced the government’s focus on scientific aquaculture expansion and sustainable growth in India’s fisheries sector.
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