National Fish Farmers Day 2025 Celebrated at ICAR-CIFA Bhubaneswar

The 25th National Fish Farmers' Day 2025 was celebrated on 10 July 2025 at the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar. The function was organised by the  Department of Fisheries, Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

It was attended by the Union Minister for  Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for  Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and other dignitaries.

Background to the National Fish Farmers Day 

The National Fish Farmers Day is observed on 10th July every year since 2001 to recognise the contribution of the fish farmers and the aquaculture sector in the country’s economy.

On this day in 1957, Professor Hiralal Chaudhary and Dr K.H. Alikunhi successfully induced the breeding of Indian Major Carps in the country.

The success of Professor Hirala Chaudhary and Dr K.H. Alikunhi revolutionised the inland aquaculture in the country. 

Until now, carp fish were mainly caught in the rivers or ponds, but due to the work of Professor Hirala Chaudhary and Dr K.H. Alikunhi, these fish can be reared and cultivated in fish farms, dramatically increasing their production.

To commemorate the singular achievement of the doyen of the Indian fisheries sector, Professor Hirala Chaudhary and Dr K.H. Alikunhi, the National Fish Farmers Day is observed in India on 10th July.

First National Fish Farmers Day- 10 July 2001.

Carps fish in India 

Carps are freshwater fish. India is called the Carp country because, since ancient times, carp fish have been captured and eaten in the country.

The fish species that are native to the Indus-Gangetic river system are called Indian Major Carps, such as Catla, Rohu and Mrigal.

There are certain carp fish which are native to foreign countries and introduced in India, such as Silver Carp, Grass Carp and Common Carp. They are called as exotic carps.

Fisheries and Aquaculture in India

India holds the second position in the world in fish production, with China being the largest producer.

India accounts for 8 per cent of the global fish production. 

Production in 2024-25 - 195 lakh tonnes.

Inland fish production (freshwater fishes in rivers, ponds, etc) contributes around 75 % to total fish production.

Largest fish-producing state -Andhra Pradesh.

The Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana in 2020 to develop the fisheries sector and bring about the blue revolution in the country.

The blue revolution refers to the increase in production within the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the country.

India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster launched in Sikkim