The Department of Fisheries celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day by recognising the contributions of fishers and fish farmers to the country’s Blue Economy.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, in New Delhi, in the presence of fishers and fish farmers from across the country.
The celebration was held under the national themes of “150 Years of Vande Mataram” and “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047.” India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing 8 per cent to global output, ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and export and is one of the largest producers in capture fisheries. The fisheries and aquaculture sector provides livelihoods to approximately 3 crore fishers and fish farmers. Since 2015, the Government of India has made cumulative investments of Rs39,272 crore through key initiatives including the Blue Revolution Scheme, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and its sub-scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana.
Following the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, the Department organised an interaction programme with beneficiaries under PM-MKSSY and their spouses. Five beneficiaries were invited to the “At-Home” reception hosted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi, including Nitul Ch Das from Assam, Suresh Chandra Rout from Odisha, Ekanath Rama Mukane from Maharashtra, Akash Singh from Uttar Pradesh and Misha Singh from Bihar. The beneficiaries shared their experiences of how government support had enabled them to improve livelihoods, adopt modern practices and expand income opportunities. The Department reiterated its commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector through policy support, infrastructure development and technology adoption in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Source: Press Information Bureau
