Every year on the 10th of July, National Fish Farmers' Day is observed to recognise and acknowledge the vital contributions of fish farmers, aquaculture industry professionals, and other stakeholders to maintaining a healthy and thriving fisheries sector.

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was formed in 2006 as an autonomous organisation under the administrative control of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, to increase fish production and productivity in the country and to coordinate fishery development in an integrated and holistic manner.

The Origin of National Fish Farmers' Day

The Indian government declared July 10th as National Fish Farming Day in 2001. The day's goal was to show solidarity with those involved in aquaculture, including as fishermen, fish growers, fisheries professionals, and other stakeholders. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) oversaw the first National Fish Farmers Day event in 2001. The Central Institute of Fisheries Education, a pioneering institution in the field of fisheries education, also took part in this major ceremony.

National Fish Farmers Day is commemorated to honour the memory of scientists Dr. K. H. Alikunhi and Dr. H. L. Chaudhury. They both showed Hypophysation, a technique for stimulating reproduction in Indian Major Carps, a term used to refer to a variety of fish species, on July 10, 1957. The goal is to recognise the contributions made to the development of the nation's fisheries industry by fish farmers, aquapreneurs (businesspeople in the water sector), and fishermen, as well as to raise awareness of the need to change the way the nation manages its fisheries resources in order to ensure sustainable fisheries stocks and robust ecosystems.

Every year on July 10th, National Fish Farmer's Day is observed to recognise and acknowledge the vital contributions of fish farmers, aquaculture industry professionals, and other stakeholders to maintaining a healthy and thriving fisheries sector. National Fish Farmer's Day 2023 is an occasion for the entire country to recognise fish farmers' enormous contributions and commitment to sustainable aquaculture. We can assure a prosperous future, improve food security, and contribute to the overall development of the nation by embracing responsible practises and leveraging the potential of the fisheries sector.