The Fisheries Startup Conclave 2.0, organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, took place in Hyderabad, Telangana, marking another significant step in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector. The event, which saw the presence of Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Prof. Ramesh Chand from NITI Aayog, brought together key stakeholders to discuss and launch initiatives aimed at modernizing and expanding India’s fisheries industry.
One of the key highlights of the conclave was the launch of the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge 2.0, a program designed to support innovative startups in fisheries and aquaculture. Under this initiative, ten selected startups will receive financial assistance of ₹1 crore, along with structured incubation support from premier institutions like ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the National Fisheries Development Board. These incubators will provide essential mentorship, training programs, and access to manufacturing infrastructure, helping startups scale their solutions and contribute to the sector’s efficiency and sustainability.
Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, the event also witnessed the launch of the NFDP Mobile Application, a crucial tool developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PM-MKSSY). This app aims to bridge the gap between government schemes and their beneficiaries, particularly fishers, fish farmers, vendors, and processors. By providing a seamless interface to navigate government programs, the app ensures easier access to financial aid, insurance, training programs, and other welfare measures. With over 19 lakh users already registered, the app has proven to be a game-changer, offering incentives for self-registration and boosting digital inclusion in the sector. Special awareness and registration camps are also being organized to maximize participation, strengthening cooperatives and improving market linkages for fishery workers.
India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector supports nearly three crore livelihoods, making it a crucial component of the country’s economy. Over the past decade, the government has invested ₹38,572 crore in various initiatives to promote sustainable growth. This has led to the rise of over 300 fisheries startups, leveraging advanced technologies like blockchain, IoT, and artificial intelligence to address industry challenges. From developing affordable, nutritious aquaculture feeds to implementing AI-powered precision farming and strengthening seafood supply chains, these startups are playing a transformative role in enhancing productivity and value chain efficiencies.
Another milestone in the sector’s digital transformation was the launch of the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) in September 2024. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Fisheries, aims to integrate modern technology with traditional knowledge, ensuring a more resilient and inclusive approach to fisheries management.
The Fisheries Startup Conclave 2.0 reflects the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and ensuring the sustainable growth of India’s fisheries industry. By combining financial support, technological advancements, and digital integration, these initiatives are poised to create lasting positive impacts for millions of fishers and stakeholders across the country.
