Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, engages with Champion Fish Farmers to strengthen sectoral growth.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, convened an interaction meeting with Champion Fish Farmers from across the country on 28th January 2026 through video conference to engage with them on their experiences in adopting scientific and modern aquaculture practices. A total of 59 champion farmers had joined including Padmashri awardee along with representatives from Rajya Sabha, Department of Fisheries, GoI, ICAR, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and State fisheries department had also joined.

The Government has extended comprehensive support to the fisheries and aquaculture sector through a range of schemes and initiatives such as Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Saha Yojana (PMMKSSY) aimed at improving infrastructure, access to finance, technology adoption, and capacity building.

During the meeting, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), MoFAH&D, GoI, expressed happiness at the proactive participation and active interaction of all the Champion Fish Farmers. The significant contribution to upscaling the fisheries and aquaculture sector was appreciated and their role in adopting and demonstrating scientific practices was acknowledged.

Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), presented on the benefits of various schemes and initiatives of the Government of India. It was emphasized that as early adopters and practitioners, the Champion Fish Farmers are well positioned to move beyond individual success and contribute to cluster-based growth, technology validation, and mentoring of emerging farmers.

Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (DDG), ICAR, emphasized the importance of adopting modern technologies and encouraged farmers to diversify their activities to expand and strengthen their operations.
B. Masthan Rao, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, provided valuable inputs on strengthening shrimp production and enhancing export potential
Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, while proposing the vote of thanks, requested the Champion Fish Farmers to actively support the upscaling of the 34 fisheries production and processing clusters notified by the Government.(UPDATED ON 28TH JANUARY 2026)