Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, DoF (GoI), presided over the workshop, which was attended by senior officials from the Department of Fisheries (GoI), the NFDB, and state fisheries departments. The workshop was a huge success thanks to the attendance of 47 officials from 26 different states and territories.
The workshop began with an opening session during which JS (IF), DoF, welcomed all dignitaries and participants. He outlined the accomplishments of ongoing departmental programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and Kisan Credit Card (KCC). He stated that states/UTs have made tremendous efforts to increase fish production, but there are gaps in prioritising other aspects of the fisheries value chain at the state level. This has necessitated corrective actions such as re-examining and replanning upcoming state/UT annual plans.
In his address, the Joint Secretary emphasized the importance of formalizing the fisheries sector, increasing domestic fish consumption, introducing performance-based incentives for value chain efficiencies and quality assurance, shifting from fresh to frozen fish, branding, digital marketing, precision aquaculture, aquaculture insurance, entrepreneurship mentoring, co-management models, low-cost modern fishing vessels, vessel monitoring system, and energy efficient fishing.
In her address, the Chief Executive of the NFDB highlighted the progress and achievements of PMMSY sub-activities in the states/UTs. The physical progress of states/UTs was highlighted, as was the development of coastal fisher communities, training and capacity building, cluster development, FFPOs, convergence, river ranching, aqua parks, and so on.
In his inaugural speech, Secretary, DoF (GoI) expressed his views on ongoing activities and urged states/UTs to set priorities at the local level in addition to the Government of India's priorities. He suggested that, as the most basic activity to propel sectoral activities, a collaborative approach be taken between states and the centre for activities such as the installation of artificial reefs, cold-chain, MIS data management, expansion of fish markets (Fish Bazaar), promotion and marketing of frozen fish, production of the required number of seed, and so on.
Priority areas mentioned along with the strategic rationale are likely to serve as guidelines for state/UT officials when developing a detailed annual action plan for FY 2023-25. Furthermore, he emphasised that each state/UT should assess their resources and current situations before developing detailed annual action plans.
Following the inaugural session, the states/UTs presented their physical and financial achievements in fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22, highlighted on-the-ground challenges encountered, and provided an overview of the annual plans for the coming years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The interactive session resulted in inter-state discussions, the exchange of best practices for problem-solving, and leadership guidance. The session concluded the final leg of day one with a summary and context setting for the next day.
On the second day of the workshop, three different groups participated in group activities, which were followed by a presentation by the group leader. The group discussion included a cross-pollination of ideas and innovative solutions to on-the-ground challenges and issues. The workshop focused on developing strategies for the Annual Action Plans in collaboration with the states/UTs (2023-24 and 2024-25).
It also provided a forum for peer learning and interaction (among states/UTs facing similar challenges). Presentations and discussions on Management Information System (MIS), Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and Single Nodal Account (SNA) were also held during the event to share process overviews and answer questions.
The event concluded successfully with an address by Joint Secretary in which he summarised the key takeaways from the sessions and revisited the focus areas and key decisions. As a result, the workshop concluded with a strong desire to plan and work effectively and efficiently for the overall growth and development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
