Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: Odisha’s vast coastline and rich water resources hold immense promise for fisheries development. Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Gokulananda Mallik, emphasized the need for self-reliance to unlock this potential while addressing the State-level World Fisheries Day–2025 programme at OUAT Agriculture Education Hall here on Friday.

Infrastructure Boost

The Minister virtually inaugurated several key projects, including the healthy fish market at Talabania in Puri, a modern dry fish market at Humma in Ganjam, a Fisheries Training Centre in Angul, and the BFO Office at Talachua in Kendrapada.

He also laid the foundation stone for the Directorate of Fisheries building in Cuttack and launched the “Odisha Fisheries Web Portal.” The Department’s “Annual Activity Report” and “Fisheries Sector Handbook” were released during the event.

Conservation & Research

A landmark MoU was signed between the State Government and CIFRI for independent research on the conservation and production of the “Mahanadi Mahaseer,” Odisha’s State Fish. Subsidies were distributed to 10 beneficiaries, TEDs were provided for turtle protection, and an awareness vehicle was flagged off to promote sustainable practices.

Also Read: World Bank Delegation Visits Odisha’s Urban Flagship Initiatives

Government's Commitment

Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar Vashistha reiterated the State’s focus on exports and better management of seed, feed, and weed. Cooperation Department Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil highlighted the role of cooperative societies, while OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabhat Kumar Roula stressed infrastructure and research.

Rising Production & Exports

Odisha’s fisheries sector engages over 16 lakh people, including fishers, farmers, SHGs, and entrepreneurs. In 2024–25, the State achieved 11.92 lakh metric tonnes of fish production, ranking 4th nationally.

With 94% of the population consuming fish, Odisha’s per capita annual consumption stands at 19.16 kg—more than double the national average. Marine product exports have surged twelvefold in two decades, reaching 91,930 metric tonnes and earning Rs 4,710 crore in foreign exchange, officials said.