Sri Vijaya Puram, July 10: The Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, celebrated National Fish Farmers Day 2025 with great enthusiasm at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill today. As part of the celebration, a Fish Seed Distribution Programme was organized to recognize and encourage the efforts of the island’s fish farming community in boosting fish production and supporting nutritional security.
The event was graced by Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries), and Shri Chittaranjan Raul, Scientist (Aquaculture), ICAR-CIARI, along with senior officials of the Department of Fisheries. Recognizing the contribution of the fish farmers of the Islands in enhancing the fish production and nutritional support, 13 fish farmers from Sippighat Panchayat were provided with quality fish seeds of Indian Major Carps at free of cost.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. K. Gopal highlighted the significance of National Fish Farmers Day, which commemorates the groundbreaking achievement in Indian aquaculture by Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi, who successfully demonstrated the induced breeding of Indian Major Carps.
He also briefed the gathering on the Department’s continuous efforts in enhancing fish seed production and making it accessible to farmers across the Islands. He urged fish farmers to adopt scientific and modern aquaculture practices to improve productivity, boost their income, and enhance the availability of freshwater fish in local markets—contributing significantly to food and nutritional security.
A special technical session on ‘History and Recent Trends in Aquaculture in India’ was delivered by Shri Chittaranjan Raul, wherein he emphasized the importance of species diversification, adoption of climate-resilient aquaculture practices, and the growing potential of ornamental fish culture.
As a gesture of appreciation, the Department also felicitated dedicated fish farmers who have consistently supported the induced breeding programme by offering their fish ponds for breeding activities.