Empowered Fishers, Developed Odisha: Gokulananda Mallik

Bhubaneswar, Date: 21/11/2025:There is immense potential for us in the fisheries sector. Odisha’s 574.7 km long coastline, 4.18 lakh hectares of brackish water resources, and 7.12 lakh hectares of freshwater area (rivers, reservoirs, ponds, etc.) are invaluable resources for fisheries. Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Shri Gokulananda Mallik, called upon everyone to move forward by making optimum use of these resources. He said this while attending the State-level World Fisheries Day–2025 programme held at the local OUAT Agriculture Education Hall as the Chief Guest. He added that to become the best, we must become self-reliant.

On this occasion, the Hon’ble Minister virtually inaugurated several infrastructure projects: the healthy fish market at Talabania (Lower Mall) in Puri, the healthy dry fish market (both retail and wholesale) at Humma in Ganjam district, the Fisheries Training Centre in Angul, and the BFO Office at Talachua in Kendrapada district. He also laid the foundation stone for the Directorate of Fisheries building at Khapuria in Cuttack. Along with this, the Minister launched the “Odisha Fisheries Web Portal.” The Department’s “Annual Activity Report” and “Fisheries Sector Handbook” were also released during the event.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and CIFRI was signed today for independent research on the conservation, protection, and increased production of the “Mahanadi Mahaseer,” which has been recognized as the State Fish of Odisha. On this occasion, subsidies were provided to 10 beneficiaries for projects implemented through various schemes. TEDs were distributed for turtle protection, and the Minister flagged off an awareness vehicle to promote public awareness.

During the programme, Principal Secretary of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Shri Suresh Kumar Vashistha, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to the development of the fisheries sector. In his address, he emphasized prioritizing exports along with improved management of seed, feed, and weed (factors affecting fish production).

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Cooperation Department, Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, expressed his wishes for the prosperity of fisheries through cooperative societies. Vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Professor Prabhat Kumar Roula, stressed the importance of infrastructure development and research. Fisheries Director Mohammad Sadique Alam delivered the welcome address, while Additional Fisheries Director (Technical) Shri Subrat Das proposed the vote of thanks. CIFRI Director Dr. Pramod Kumar Sahu, APICOL Managing Director Shubhranshu Mishra, Horticulture Director Kalunge Gorakh Vaman, MPEDA Deputy Director Achaman Lahari, and several others were present.

It is noteworthy that World Fisheries Day is observed every year on 21 November to acknowledge the contribution of fishers, fish farmers, fisheries entrepreneurs, and people engaged in the global fisheries trade. In Odisha, more than 16 lakh fishers, fish farmers, women self-help groups, entrepreneurs, and youth are engaged in the fisheries sector, and the State Government continues to prioritize its development. In 2024–25, Odisha achieved a fish production of 11.92 lakh metric tonnes, securing the 4th position at the national level. The demand for fish in Odisha is high—94% of people consume fish. The State’s per capita annual fish consumption stands at 19.16 kg, more than twice the national average. Over the past two decades, Odisha’s marine product exports have increased twelvefold, reaching 91,930 metric tonnes in 2024–25, earning ₹4,710 crore in foreign exchange.