The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D), is set to host the Fisheries Startup Conclave 2.0 on March 8, 2025, in Hyderabad, Telangana. The event will be attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State George Kurian, and Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, alongside government officials, fisheries startups, and entrepreneurs. This conclave aims to foster innovation and growth in the fisheries sector by providing a platform for discussions on emerging opportunities, e-commerce integration, and technological advancements in fisheries and aquaculture.
A major highlight of the event will be the launch of the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) Mobile App, designed to streamline access to fisheries-related services and resources. Additionally, the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge 2.0 will be introduced, reaffirming the government's dedication to promoting entrepreneurship in this sector.
To further encourage startups, Entrepreneur Model approvals will be distributed, recognizing and supporting promising enterprises. The conclave will also feature a technical feedback and interaction session, where stakeholders will discuss key initiatives led by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), alongside experience-sharing sessions by fisheries startups.
India's fisheries and aquaculture sector is a crucial driver of employment, supporting the livelihoods of nearly three crore people. Since 2015, the government has invested Rs 38,572 crore in various initiatives, including the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and PM Matasya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). These efforts have fueled the emergence of over 300 fisheries startups, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI to enhance productivity, ensure traceability, and improve value chain efficiencies.
To boost innovation, the Department of Fisheries has established incubation centers, such as the LINAC-NCDC Fisheries Business Incubation Centre (LIFIC) in Gurugram and the Business Incubation Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Guwahati Biotech Park, Assam. Additionally, institutions like MANAGE Hyderabad, ICAR-CIFE Mumbai, and ICAR-CIFT Kochi have been designated as incubation hubs to support startups, cooperatives, and self-help groups.
Through regular stakeholder consultations, policy interventions, and financial assistance, the government continues to strengthen the fisheries startup ecosystem, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term development in the sector.
