Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated the Coastal States Fisheries Meet 2025 today in Mumbai. The event marked a major step in strengthening India’s fisheries sector.
₹255 Crore Projects Announced
The minister announced fisheries projects worth ₹255 crores. These projects will enhance marine infrastructure, improve safety, and boost sustainable fishing practices.
The meet brought together ministers, officials, and stakeholders from all coastal states and union territories.
Regional Fisheries Council to Be Formed
During his speech, Shri Singh announced the creation of a Regional Fisheries Council.
He highlighted the progress of major schemes like:
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Blue Revolution
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Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
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Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund
He also focused on:
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Infrastructure development in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep
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Promotion of artificial reefs
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Use of safety transponders for fishermen
He emphasized women’s empowerment through mariculture and seaweed farming.
Centre-State cooperation, he said, is vital for long-term success.
India Becomes 2nd Largest Fish Producer
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, spoke on India’s rise in global fish production.
He credited this success to PMMSY and Blue Revolution schemes.
He noted:
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Doubling of fish production
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Increased exports
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Greater use of digital tools in fish farming
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Rising women’s participation in the sector
He urged continued Centre-State cooperation to ensure sustainability and growth.
Vision of Blue Chakra
Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, spoke about the PM’s “Blue Chakra” vision.
He stressed the potential of the ocean economy.
He laid out plans for:
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Expanding artificial reef deployment
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Promoting seaweed farming
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Enhancing fishermen’s safety with transponders
Call for Smarter Infrastructure
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, noted a 9.8% growth in the sector since 2014-15.
He emphasized better use of India’s 11,000 km coastline.
He pointed to:
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Rich tuna reserves in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep
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The urgent need for smarter marine infrastructure
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Amendments needed in the Marine Fisheries Regulation Act
Technical Sessions and Future Roadmap
The meet featured technical sessions on:
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Marine fisheries governance
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Quality improvements for exports
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Communication systems on vessels
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Standard operating procedures
Experts and ministers shared ideas, strategies, and best practices.
They addressed both challenges and achievements in the sector.
A Strong Commitment to the Future
The event showed the Government’s strong commitment to:
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Empowering fishers
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Boosting marine infrastructure
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Fostering innovation
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Promoting sustainable fishing
It also aimed to improve coastal livelihoods and support economic growth across the country.