Assam Celebrates World Fisheries Day 2024 with Focus on Sustainable Practices

The Department of Fisheries, Assam, celebrated World Fisheries Day 2024 at Dispur on Thursday with over 350 stakeholders in attendance. Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, the chief guest, praised the state’s growth in the fishery sector, positioning Assam fifth in India’s inland fisheries. He called for a focus on sustainable development to boost fish exports and improve productivity, aiming for Assam to rank among the top three states.

The event highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing, the challenges facing freshwater resources, and improving the conditions of small-scale fishing communities. The theme for this year’s observance was “India’s Blue Transformation-strengthening small scale and sustainable fisheries.”

Awards were presented to top performers: Bimal Medhi of Kamrup as the best fish farmer, Saikh Abdullah of Darrang for best fish seed production, and the Talu Malu Beel Development and Management Committee from Dhubri as the best community-based fisheries organization.

The program included a seminar with experts, including Dr. Bibha Chetia Bora and Ranjan Jyoti Saikia, sharing insights on fisheries and aquaculture. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by FISHFED MD Dr. Dhruba Jyoti Sharma.