Agartala, Tripura, 21st of November, 2025 : With the initiative of Fisheries Department Government of Tripura celebrated World Fisheries Day at Muktadhara Auditorium, Agartala, Tripura on Friday (21st November, 2025). In the presence of many distinguished dignitaries Hon’ble SC Welfare, ARD, Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp.
World Fisheries Day, observed every November 21st, is a global event that underscores the critical importance of sustainable fisheries and the need to protect aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishing communities. The Day originated in 1997 when the “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” convened in New Delhi. During this meeting, representatives from 18 countries came together to establish the “World Fisheries Forum” and signed a declaration advocating for adopting sustainable fishing practices and policies worldwide. The day raises awareness about the various threats facing the world’s fisheries, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing practices, while also advocating for the rights of small-scale fishers, who are often among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups worldwide.
In India, World Fisheries Day takes on special significance, given the country’s vital role in global fisheries and aquaculture. As the 3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world after China and the largest producer of shrimp, India contributes significantly to both domestic food security and the global seafood market.
This year’s theme “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports” highlights the nation’s resolve to elevate its marine and freshwater aquatic products into high-value, globally competitive products.
Addressing at the celebration ceremony of World Fisheries Day Hon’ble SC Welfare, ARD, Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das said that the state government is actively working to increase fish production by bringing fish farmers under various central and state schemes.He said that fish production in the state has now increased to 89,000 metric tonnes per year. However, the annual demand for fish in the state is 119,000 metric tonnes. To meet this demand, fish have to be imported from other States. The Fisheries Minister said that must increase fish production in the state and reach that target so that no longer need to import fish from outside. To increase this production, the State Government will stand firmly beside the fish farmers in every possible way.
Highlighting the occasion, the Fisheries Minister remarked that the every year, to increase fish production in the State, various forms of assistance are being provided to fish farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Mukhyamantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (MMSY). For example, last year 28,400 fisher families in the state were supported by providing fish seedlings, feed, and training in scientific fish farming. This year, 27,000 fisher families are receiving the same assistance. Along with this, ₹16.98 crore has been provided as assistance to 35,615 farmer families in the state who were affected by floods.
Many fisher families in the State are being supported every year with items such as bicycles with iceboxes, motorcycles, and three-wheelers. The main objective of all these initiatives is to encourage the state’s fish farmers to increase fish production and to make them financially self-reliant. Fish farming and animal husbandry, one can easily become self-reliant. In various districts of state, there are now many fish farmers who earn between ₹25 lakh and ₹30 lakh every year through fish farming.”, Fisheries Minister added.
At the event, the Kisan Credit Card, a loan of ₹7,06,000 was provided to five fish farmers from the Dharmanagar, Kamalpur, Belonia, Sonamura, and Karbook fisheries sub-divisions for advanced fish farming. In addition, 14 individuals from the state were awarded as the best fish farmers or fish producers. Likewise, nine fish farmers of the state received loans through the KCC for pond excavation. Fisheries Minister Sudhanshu Das, along with other guests, handed over the loan cheques and awards to the recipients.
Director of Fisheries Department Santosh Das delivered a welcome address at the event. Amidst the distinguished dignitaries there were Secretary of Animal Resources Development Department Deepa D. Nair, Chief General Manager of NABARD Tripura T. A. G. Ranjan, Basanta Kumar Das · Director, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, and many other distinguished dignitaries were present in the celebration ceremony. The programme was presided over and the vote of thanks was delivered by acting president of West Tripura Zilla Saha-Sabhadipati Biswajit Shil.
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