The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is set to organize the “Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Meet 2025” on June 13, 2025, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The event, focused on strengthening inland fisheries and aquaculture in India, will be chaired by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, with the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and other key dignitaries.
As part of the event, the Union Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for key fisheries projects worth Rs 52 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These projects will benefit seven inland states and union territories. Among them is the launch of a Reservoir Fisheries Cluster at Halali Dam, aimed at boosting infrastructure, enhancing fish production, and creating livelihoods in rural areas.
The meet will also include distribution of certificates to fisheries cooperatives, FFPOs and start-ups. Beneficiaries will receive Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and aquaculture insurance to support small-scale fishers and improve digital access in the sector. The event will feature technical discussions on topics such as reservoir leasing, sustainable wetland and riverine fisheries, input supply chains, and cold-water fisheries.
Officials from inland states, ICAR institutes and the Department of Fisheries will take part in the hybrid-format event. The meet is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration, policy insights, and the promotion of eco-friendly practices in inland ecosystems.
According to the ministry, since 2015, the government has invested Rs 38,572 crore in various fisheries programmes. Fish production has increased by 104% , from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. Inland fisheries and aquaculture now contribute over 75% of the total output, with production rising by 140% to 147.37 lakh tonnes.
Inland fisheries include fish capture from rivers and lakes, while aquaculture involves controlled methods like pond, cage, and Biofloc farming.
With support from ICAR institutes and universities, around 45,000 modern units, such as RAS systems, cages, and raceways, have been approved. The government is also piloting drone use with ICAR-CIFRI for fish transport and resource monitoring.
