The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) is set to take place in New Delhi from February 12-14, 2025, under the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific.” This triennial event, organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will bring together global experts to discuss sustainable growth in fisheries and aquaculture.
The event is being jointly organized by AFS, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. Notably, this is the second time India is hosting the forum, with the last edition held in Kochi in 2007.
With around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, the forum will provide a significant platform for researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. The event underscores India's growing leadership in global fisheries, backed by strong government policies, scientific advancements, and a rapidly expanding blue economy.
India currently ranks second in total fish production and aquaculture production worldwide. By hosting this prestigious event, the country aims to showcase its contributions to the sector, foster international partnerships, and promote innovative, resilient, and economically viable fish production systems.
The forum will be inaugurated by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, at 10:00 AM on February 12, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Distinguished guests including Dr. Himansu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR; Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India; Dr. S. Ayyappan, Former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR; and Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of World Fish, Malaysia, will also be in attendance. The event will feature over 20 lead presentations by globally recognized experts.
The second day of the forum will focus on a symposium titled “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness,” scheduled for 9:00 AM on February 13, 2025, at the A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Government of India, will inaugurate the session, highlighting the growing concerns and preparedness strategies for aquatic animal health.
On the final day, February 14, 2025, the Academia-Industry-Government Meet will take place at 9:00 AM at the Parijat Lecture Hall, NAAS Block, NASC, New Delhi, with a focus on “De-risking mp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness.” Dr. B. Mastan Rao, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), will inaugurate the session, addressing challenges and strategies for strengthening India’s mp aquaculture sector.
The 14th AFAF will conclude with a grand closing ceremony at 4:30 PM on February 14, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, will preside as the Chief Guest.
With a focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration, the 14th AFAF is set to make a lasting impact on the future of fisheries in the Asia-Pacific region.
