Subhash Chandra

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

The Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) of the Government of India, spearheaded by NITI Aayog, aims to improve the quality of life of citizens by accelerating inclusive development, strengthening governance, and ensuring the effective delivery of essential public services in relatively underdeveloped blocks through focused interventions and the convergence of government schemes.

Shri Subhash Chandra, Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and the nominated Central Prabhari Adhikari for the Aspirational Blocks of Baharia and Koraon in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, along with Shri Manish Kumar Verma, District Magistrate, Prayagraj, reviewed the progress of key indicators across Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Allied Sectors, Basic Infrastructure, and Social Development.

During the review meeting, key issues were deliberated upon with district- and block-level officers, with an emphasis on the time-bound implementation of action plans, interdepartmental coordination, and the saturation of key indicators to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries.

Shri Subhash Chandra appreciated the efforts of the District Administration and the team of officers in achieving the progress made. He highlighted specific areas requiring focused attention and regular monitoring and emphasised the need for sustained and additional efforts to ensure the effective delivery of services to every eligible beneficiary, particularly in remote and geographically challenging Gram Panchayats of the Koraon and Baharia blocks.

The review reaffirmed the commitment of the Central and State Governments and the District Administration to accelerating development, strengthening grassroots service delivery, and improving the quality of life of citizens under the Aspirational Blocks Programme.

The meeting was attended by Smt. Harshika Singh, Chief Development Officer (CDO), Prayagraj; the Chief Medical Officer (CMO); and other district- and block-level officers from various departments.

#AspirationalBlocksProgramme #NITIAayog #Prayagraj #GoodGovernance #InclusiveDevelopment #LastMileDelivery

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, visited the seaweed cultivation site at Munnaikadu, Mandapam Camp, Tamil Nadu, and interacted with women members of a Self-Help Group (SHG) engaged in seaweed farming.

During the interaction, the seaweed farmers explained various techniques adopted for seaweed cultivation in Tamil Nadu, including monoline and raft-based methods. The SHG members also demonstrated different cultivation operations, sharing their practical experience in seaweed farming, maintenance and harvesting. The SHG is creating livelihood opportunities in the village.

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has designated ICAR-CMFRI’s Mandapam Regional Centre as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation, strengthening research, technology adoption and capacity building in the sector.

Union Secretary encouraged the SHG members to enhance production, bring more farmers into the group and avail benefits under Government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

#SeaweedFarming #WomenEmpowerment #BlueEconomy @mygovindia @nfdb_india

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, visited the Padimuneeswarar Integrated Ornamental Fish Farm at Mukkampatti, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and interacted with ornamental fish farmers to understand their best practices, emerging opportunities and key challenges.

The interaction highlighted the potential of scientific breeding practices, quality broodstock, entrepreneurship and stronger market linkages to enhance farmers’ incomes, promote sustainable livelihoods and strengthen India’s ornamental fisheries value chain. Madurai has been notified as the ‘Ornamental Fisheries Cluster’ under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the farm, with a project cost of ₹25 lakh, breeds and rears over 30 varieties of ornamental fish, producing around 2 lakh fish seed annually.

#PMMSY #OrnamentalFisheries #BlueEconomy

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

India’s waters hold stories of livelihoods, innovation and opportunity.

Participate in the Blue Economy for Viksit Bharat Painting Competition and share your perspective on what a thriving fisheries sector can look like.
📷 https://t.co/hsaHftUISC

#NationalFishFarmersDay
#BlueEconomy

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

As part of the on going 'Swachhata Hi Seva, 2026' being observed from 17 September to 2 October 2026 and preparatory activities for the 'Special Campaign 6' , to be observed from 2 to 31, October 2026, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, visited the Department’s office at Janpath, New Delhi, on 29 September 2026.

The visit focused on cleanliness and the proper disposal of e-waste, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to a clean, organised and environmentally responsible workplace.

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Dr. Surabhi Rai, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, led the Indian delegation in a virtual meeting with H.E. Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile to India, and the Chilean delegation on fisheries and aquaculture cooperation.

The discussions explored opportunities for strengthening institutional partnerships, technology and knowledge exchange, capacity building, sustainable fisheries management, modern fisheries infrastructure, value-chain development and bilateral trade and certification mechanisms between India and Chile.

@PMOIndia | @MEAIndia | @mygovindia | @LalanSingh_1

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Shri R. Ravindra, Ambassador of India to Iceland, delivered a presentation through video conference during the technical session on “Best Practices in Fisheries in the High Seas and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)” at the National Workshop on Promotion of Deep-Sea Fishing and Interaction with Access Pass and LoA Holders, held at NFSU, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

He shared insights into best practices in high-seas and EEZ fisheries being adopted in Iceland including 100% fish utilisation

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat; Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry along with Dairying and Panchayati Raj; and Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj inaugurated the National Workshop on Promotion of Deep-Sea Fishing and Interaction with Access Pass and LoA Holders by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the presence of Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and ShriArun Kumar Solanki, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat at the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The workshop was organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, to promote deep-sea fishing, sustainably harness high-value marine resources and strengthen India’s seafood export potential.

[CIFNET @CifnetH]

Shri Subhash Chandra,Director-Fisheries (IT & Media), DoF, visited CIFNET Kochi on 01.09.26 and convened a VC with MPEDA to demonstrate the Fish Catch Module in Nabhmitra v2.He subsequently visited various sections and inspected the training facilities. @FisheriesGoI @PIB_MoFAHD

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, addressed the Fisheries Outreach Programme at Agatti, Lakshadweep.

In his address, the Hon’ble Minister emphasised the vast potential of Lakshadweep’s fisheries sector and the need to modernise the fishing fleet, strengthen cold-chain infrastructure, promote sustainable tuna fisheries and value addition, and expand seaweed and ornamental fisheries. He also underscored the Government’s focus on securing global recognition for Lakshadweep tuna and creating greater economic opportunities for fishers.

#FisheriesOutreach #Lakshadweep #BlueEconomy

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, delivered the welcome address during the Fisheries Outreach Programme at Agatti, Lakshadweep.

During his address, he highlighted Government of India initiatives for sustainable and responsible fisheries, focusing on FFPOs, cooperatives, fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders.

Dr. Likhi also underlined Lakshadweep’s potential to emerge as a model for sustainable island fisheries and a hub for high-value tuna and other Blue Economy activities.

#FisheriesOutreach #Lakshadweep #BlueEconomy

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Success Story | Strengthening Quality Fish Seed Supply

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, through NFDB, has established the National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank at Bhubaneswar, supporting the propagation and supply of genetically improved varieties including Jayanti Rohu, Amrit Catla, GI Scampi and Amur Carp.

In its latest achievement, 1 crore spawn — 50 lakh Jayanti Rohu and 50 lakh Amrit Catla — was supplied to M/s Durga Fish Seed Farm, Penumadam, Andhra Pradesh, strengthening the availability of quality fish seed.

The facility is also supporting 80 network fish hatcheries across the country.

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Strengthening Seaweed Cultivation

Dr. B. K. Behera, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), highlights the potential of seaweed cultivation and emphasises the need for an online course on seaweed cultivation to provide accessible training and capacity-building opportunities for fish farmers across the country.

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

🎨 Painting Competition| Blue Economy for Viksit Bharat

How will the Blue Economy shape a Viksit Bharat?

The Department of Fisheries invites citizens to bring this vision to life through their creativity and imagination. Depict the journey towards a stronger, sustainable and prosperous Blue Economy through your painting.

🖌️ Participate in the Painting Competition and let your creativity speak!

🔗 Participate here: MyGov – Blue Economy for Viksit Bharat Painting Competition

#BlueEconomy #ViksitBharat #Fisheries #PaintingCompetition #MyGov

https://t.co/hsaHftUISC

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

India–Seychelles Bilateral Meeting to Deepen Cooperation in Fisheries and Blue Economy

A high-level delegation led by H.E. Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy, Seychelles, had a bilateral meeting with the Indian delegation led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, today at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

The meeting focused on strengthening India–Seychelles bilateral cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture for advancing the Blue Economy. Both sides explored opportunities for collaboration in capacity building, tuna fisheries management, value addition and market avenues, stock assessment, and sustainable management of marine resources.

[context India @subodh_sisodia]

🌊 “Green signal for blue-water fishing” — UPSC Mains Enrichment |

Hemant Kumar Rout’s evidence-driven analysis connects India’s maritime potential, fisher livelihoods, sustainability and export competitiveness with remarkable policy clarity. @TheHemantRout

🔑 CORE ARGUMENT

India’s new Letter of Authorisation (LoA) framework can unlock high-seas fisheries, diversify fisher incomes and strengthen the Blue Economy, provided expansion remains sustainable and scientifically regulated.

📊 HIGH-VALUE FACTS

India has an 11,099-km coastline and 24 lakh sq km EEZ, creating enormous marine-resource potential.

India’s estimated marine fisheries potential: 5.86 million tonnes.

224,985 registered fishing vessels; around 64,727 mechanised vessels.

India invested ₹39,000+ crore in fisheries development, contributing to over 100% growth in fish production over the decade, as cited in the article.

Fisheries support livelihoods of nearly 30 million people, directly and indirectly.

Tuna is highlighted as a major opportunity: global tuna market valued at roughly $47 billion.

The LoA allows authorised Indian vessels to fish beyond the EEZ, subject to international/regional rules.

🧠 KEY INSIGHTS

1. Blue Economy: Fisheries can become a pillar of maritime economic growth and coastal employment.

2. Export diversification: Moving beyond traditional seafood towards high-value tuna, swordfish and mahi-mahi can raise export realisation.

3. Technology gap: Deep-sea fishing requires satellite navigation, modern vessels, cold-chain logistics, traceability and skilled manpower.

4. Sustainability dilemma: Greater fishing capacity without science-based quotas, monitoring and stock assessment risks overfishing and marine biodiversity loss.

5. Cooperative federalism: Success requires coordination among Centre, coastal States, fishermen cooperatives and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).

⚖️ ETHICAL KEYWORDS

Livelihood Security | Intergenerational Equity | Ecological Stewardship | Food Security | Equity | Sustainability | Responsible Resource Governance | Community Participation | Precautionary Principle

✍️ MAINS VALUE-ADD

> “India must convert maritime geography into a sustainable economic advantage—not an ecological liability.”

#UPSC #UPSCMains #BlueEconomy #Fisheries #MaritimeIndia #Sustainability #OceanGovernance #InclusiveGrowth #ClimateAction #GlobalSouth #India

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

A significant step towards unlocking India’s high-seas fishing potential.

Read Full article- https://t.co/3xnS0C5E7p

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is advancing sustainable and responsible fishing beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through the new Letter of Authorisation (LoA).

#DepartmentOfFisheries #MarineFisheries #BlueEconomy

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, visited MM Hatchery, Mana, Raipur, during his visit to the Tilapia Cluster, Raipur, and interacted with Tilapia fish farmers.

During the visit, Dr. Likhi visited the hatchery’s modern facilities and observed its tilapia seed production processes.

MM Hatchery plays an important role in strengthening inland fisheries and contributing to the growth of the Tilapia sector. The hatchery is engaged in the production of quality monosex tilapia seed and has a stated production capacity of more than 250 million monosex tilapia seed. It also supplies tilapia seed to farmers across various States.

The hatchery is working towards improving tilapia genetics, strengthening quality seed production and developing fish strains with potential for producing quality fillets for export markets.

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

भारत के विभिन्न राज्यों से आए प्रधानमंत्री मत्स्य किसान समृद्धि सह-योजना एवं विभागीय योजनाओं के लाभार्थी मत्स्य किसानों को आज नई दिल्ली में स्वतंत्रता दिवस समारोह में शामिल होकर लाल किले से प्रधानमंत्री के संबोधन एवं ध्वजारोहण के साक्षी बनने का अवसर मिला। इसके पश्चात विभाग द्वारा आयोजित संवाद कार्यक्रम में मत्स्य किसानों एवं मत्स्य क्षेत्र से जुड़े लाभार्थियों के साथ संवाद कार्यक्रम आयोजित हुआ।

इस दौरान किसानों ने अपने अनुभव, सुझाव और जमीनी फीडबैक साझा किए। विभागीय अधिकारियों और मत्स्य समुदाय के बीच यह सार्थक संवाद एक सशक्त, समावेशी और आत्मनिर्भर मत्स्य क्षेत्र तथा विकसित भारत की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण कदम है।

#PMMKSSY #Fisheries #ViksitBharat

[Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D @FisheriesGoI]

माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेंद्र मोदी जी ने 80वें स्वतंत्रता दिवस के अवसर पर लाल किले की प्राचीर से देश के मत्स्य क्षेत्र और ब्लू इकॉनमी की अपार संभावनाओं पर प्रकाश डाला।

उन्होंने कहा कि, केरलम से गुजरात और तमिलनाडु से बंगाल तक, हमारी तटरेखा के किनारे, इस FTA के परिणामस्वरूप हमारे मछुआरा समुदाय के लिए झींगा निर्यात की संभावनाओं में उल्लेखनीय वृद्धि हुई है। हमारे समुद्री खाद्य उत्पादों के विश्वभर के बाजारों तक पहुंचने की संभावनाएं भी बढ़ी हैं।
भारत के पास ब्लू इकॉनमी के क्षेत्र में भी अपार अवसर हैं। हमारी तटरेखा बहुत लंबी है और ब्लू इकॉनमी में व्यापक संभावनाएं मौजूद हैं। मत्स्य पालन, तटीय पर्यटन, समुद्री प्रौद्योगिकी तथा ऐसे कई अन्य क्षेत्र हैं, जिनमें हम आगे बढ़ सकते हैं।