Bhubaneswar : Odisha possesses enormous opportunities in the fisheries sector, thanks to its 574.7 km coastline, 4.18 lakh hectares of brackish water, and an additional 7.12 lakh hectares of freshwater spread across rivers, reservoirs, ponds, and other water bodies. Highlighting this vast potential, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Shri Gokulananda Mallik urged stakeholders to utilize these natural assets to their fullest. Addressing the State-level celebration of World Fisheries Day 2025 at the OUAT Agriculture Education Hall, he emphasized that Odisha can rise to the top only by embracing self-sufficiency.
During the programme, the Minister inaugurated several key projects through virtual mode — including the Talabania (Lower Mall) hygienic fish market in Puri, the Humma healthy dry fish market (retail and wholesale) in Ganjam, the Fisheries Training Centre at Angul, and the BFO Office at Talachua in Kendrapada. He also laid the foundation stone for the new Directorate of Fisheries building coming up at Khapuria, Cuttack. Additionally, he launched the Odisha Fisheries Web Portal, and released the Department’s Annual Activity Report along with the Fisheries Sector Handbook.
A significant milestone of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Government and CIFRI for scientific studies on conservation, protection, and productivity enhancement of the Mahanadi Mahaseer, recently declared as Odisha’s State Fish. Financial assistance was extended to ten beneficiaries under various schemes, and TEDs were handed over for turtle conservation. The Minister also flagged off an awareness campaign vehicle aimed at boosting public outreach.
Speaking on the occasion, Fisheries and ARD Department Principal Secretary Shri Suresh Kumar Vashistha reaffirmed the State Government’s strong focus on fisheries development. He underlined the need for improved seed quality, efficient feed management, and better weed control to strengthen the supply chain while giving equal attention to exports.
Cooperation Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil wished for the growth of the sector through cooperative efforts. OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabhat Kumar Roula highlighted the need for consistent investment in infrastructure and research. Fisheries Director Mohammad Sadique Alam welcomed the guests, and Shri Subrat Das, Additional Director (Technical), offered the vote of thanks. CIFRI Director Dr. Pramod Kumar Sahu, APICOL MD Shubhranshu Mishra, Horticulture Director Kalunge Gorakh Vaman, MPEDA Deputy Director Achaman Lahari, and several other dignitaries attended the programme.
World Fisheries Day, observed globally on 21 November, honors the contributions of fishers, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and all those connected to the fisheries value chain. In Odisha alone, the sector supports more than 16 lakh people, including SHG women, youth, and entrepreneurs. The State Government continues to give high priority to fisheries as a driver of livelihood and economic development.
Odisha recorded a fish production of 11.92 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25, placing the state fourth in India. Fish remains an essential component of the Odia diet, with 94% of the population consuming fish, and the per capita annual consumption reaching 19.16 kg — more than double the national figure. Over the last two decades, Odisha’s marine exports have expanded twelvefold, touching 91,930 metric tonnes in 2024–25 and earning ₹4,710 crore in foreign exchange.
