Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh calls for stronger last-mile support to fish farmers, timely project completion and targeted assistance to North-Eastern and inland states

Key Highlights

• 13th Governing Body Meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) held in Hyderabad on November 5, 2026.
• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh chairs the meeting at NFDB’s Padma Shri Dr. Ayyappan Conference Hall.
• India’s fish production increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019–20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes.
• India’s seafood exports are valued at approximately ₹70,000 crore, according to the Fisheries Secretary.
• Centre and States discuss fish markets, Integrated Aqua Parks, Amrit Sarovars, reservoirs and fisheries infrastructure.
• Focus on private investment, cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), start-ups and entrepreneurship.
• Ministers call for training, capacity building and nutrition-focused awareness to promote fish consumption.

NFDB Meeting Calls for Stronger Fisheries Infrastructure and Investment to Boost Fish Production

Hyderabad, November 6, 2026: Strengthening fisheries infrastructure, improving aquaculture productivity and expanding market opportunities for fish farmers were among the key priorities discussed at the 13th Governing Body Meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), chaired by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh on November 5, 2026, in Hyderabad.

The meeting was held at the Padma Shri Dr. Ayyappan Conference Hall, NFDB, and brought together representatives from the Centre, State Governments, Union Territories and the fisheries sector.

Shri Vakiti Srihari, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Government of Telangana; Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; and Shri Sudhangshu Das, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Tripura, attended the meeting. Representatives of State and UT Fisheries Departments and 13 non-official members of the NFDB Governing Body were also present.

Union Minister Calls for Greater Last-Mile Outreach to Fish Farmers

Addressing the Governing Body, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh urged NFDB to strengthen its role as a proactive development institution with greater last-mile outreach to fish farmers and closer coordination with States and Union Territories.

He emphasised the need for timely operationalisation and completion of projects, effective utilisation of allocated funds and interventions that directly improve fishers’ incomes and livelihood security.

The Minister also called for focused support to North-Eastern and inland states to address gaps in fish production, supply and consumption, with the objective of moving towards greater self-sufficiency.

Highlighting the growth in India’s fisheries sector, he noted that fish production had increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019–20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes. He stressed the need to further improve production and productivity, with measurable outcomes guiding NFDB’s future interventions.

Seafood Exports, Digital Services and Private Investment in Focus

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, highlighted the efforts of the Centre and States in expanding aquaculture and strengthening seafood exports, which are currently valued at approximately ₹70,000 crore.

He called for strengthening NFDB’s digital presence and simplifying stakeholder support and feedback mechanisms to improve ease of doing business in the fisheries sector.

The Secretary also underlined the importance of attracting greater private investment and promoting entrepreneurship through cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), start-ups and private entrepreneurs. Regular consultations with States and feedback from stakeholders were identified as important for effective implementation and continuous improvement of fisheries policies and programmes.

States Seek Support for Fish Markets and Integrated Aqua Parks

State Fisheries Ministers highlighted the need to strengthen fisheries infrastructure and sought continued Central support for establishing fish markets and Integrated Aqua Parks.

They also emphasised greater convergence between Fisheries and Rural Development programmes to make productive use of Amrit Sarovars, reservoirs and other water bodies for fisheries development.

Capacity building emerged as another major priority. The Ministers called for expanded training and exposure opportunities for fishers, entrepreneurs, women, Self-Help Groups and government officials. They also stressed continued training of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

In addition, the meeting highlighted the need to promote fish consumption through nutrition-focused awareness initiatives, linking fisheries development with food and nutritional security.

NFDB Reviews Ongoing Fisheries and Aquaculture Initiatives

Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive of NFDB, presented an overview of the Board’s key activities, achievements and ongoing initiatives in fisheries and aquaculture.

He outlined progress under various fisheries schemes and programmes being implemented by the Board and briefed the Governing Body on ongoing interventions aimed at strengthening the sector.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment of the Centre, States, Union Territories, NFDB and other stakeholders to accelerate fisheries and aquaculture development through effective programme implementation, stronger coordination and outcome-oriented interventions.

What the NFDB Priorities Mean for Hospitality and Seafood Businesses

The focus on fish markets, Integrated Aqua Parks, aquaculture infrastructure, private investment and stronger supply chains has relevance beyond primary fisheries production. These interventions could support the availability and distribution of fish and seafood for hotels, restaurants, catering companies, seafood retailers and food-processing businesses.

For hospitality operators, improvements in production, storage, market infrastructure and supply coordination may create opportunities for more reliable sourcing and wider seafood menu offerings. Greater utilisation of inland water bodies and targeted support to North-Eastern states could also strengthen regional fish-based food businesses and local culinary tourism.

The emphasis on promoting fish consumption through nutrition awareness may further support demand for seafood across domestic food-service markets. However, the benefits will depend on effective project execution, cold-chain development, food-safety practices and stronger connections between fish producers and organised buyers.

The 13th NFDB Governing Body Meeting therefore places infrastructure development, investment, productivity and market access at the centre of India’s next phase of fisheries and aquaculture growth.