Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi’s Visit to Fatehgarh Sahib
On October 16, 2025, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, visited Fatehgarh Sahib District, Punjab. He engaged with fish farmers and fisheries entrepreneurs to discuss challenges and opportunities, particularly in Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and shrimp farming. At modern RAS facilities in Dalutpur Village, Bassi Pathana, Dr. Likhi reviewed ongoing projects under central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Local farmers showcased innovative practices, transforming wasteland into productive aquaculture hubs, creating jobs, and enhancing livelihoods. Approximately 35–40 progressive fish farmers participated, sharing valuable insights.
Focus on Technology and Diversification
Dr. Likhi emphasized the importance of technology-driven fish farming, capacity building, and species diversification to boost income and strengthen rural livelihoods. He highlighted the Central Government’s commitment to supporting modern aquaculture through infrastructure, innovation, and skill development under flagship programs like PMMSY. The visit underscored the prioritization of saline water aquaculture in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where saline-affected lands offer opportunities for optimized land use.
India’s Inland Fisheries: A Growing Sector
Untapped Potential of Inland Water Resources
India’s inland water resources, spanning 1.95 lakh kilometers of rivers and canals, 6.06 lakh hectares of brackish water, 3.65 lakh hectares of beels and oxbow lakes, 27.56 lakh hectares of tanks and ponds, and 31.53 lakh hectares of reservoirs, hold immense potential for sustainable fisheries development. Inland fisheries contribute 75% to India’s total fish production, encompassing activities like cold water fisheries and species diversification with tilapia and pangasius.
Significant Growth in Production
In 2024–25, inland fish production reached 139.07 lakh metric tonnes, with a 142% increase from 61 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 147.37 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. This growth has driven national fish production to 195 lakh tonnes, a 104% rise over the same period. Under PMMSY, ₹3,300 crore has been invested in “Technology Infusion and Adoption,” establishing 12,000 RAS units, 4,000 Biofloc systems, 59,000 cages, and 561 hectares of pens, boosting national aquaculture productivity to 4.77 metric tonnes per hectare.
Punjab’s Progress Under PMMSY
Punjab has made significant strides under PMMSY, with an investment of ₹187 crore, including ₹72 crore from the Central Government. The state’s fish production target is 2.21 lakh tonnes, achieving 1.84 lakh tonnes in 2023–24. Modern aquaculture practices have added nearly ₹500 crore to farmers’ incomes over the past five years, with production increasing by over 35,000 tonnes since 2020–21.
Saline Water Aquaculture Initiatives
For 2024–25, saline water aquaculture projects covering 263.80 hectares have been approved with a ₹36.93 crore budget, surpassing the initial 200-hectare target. Saline water aquaculture clusters in Muktsar Sahib, Punjab, and Sirsa, Haryana, have been notified, alongside a cluster in Churu, Rajasthan, marking key milestones in sustainable land use.