The Odisha Government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) for independent research on the conservation, protection, and increased production of the “Mahanadi Mahaseer,” which has been recognised as the State Fish of Odisha.
The MoU was signed on the occasion of the observance of the state-level World Fisheries Day–2025 programme in Bhubaneswar.
Odisha, which is endowed with 574.7 km long coastline, 4.18 lakh hectares of brackish water resources, and 7.12 lakh hectares of freshwater area (rivers, reservoirs, and ponds), possesses immense natural resources for the substantial growth of the fisheries sector, Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Gokulananda Mallik said here while attending the programme.
In Odisha, more than 16 lakh fishers, fish farmers, women self-help groups, entrepreneurs, and youth are engaged in the fisheries sector, and the state government continues to prioritise its development, he said.
In 2024–25, Odisha achieved a fish production of 11.92 lakh metric tonnes, securing the 4th position at the national level. The demand for fish in Odisha is high—94 per cent of people consume fish. The state’s per capita annual fish consumption stands at 19.16 kg, more than twice the national average. Over the past two decades, Odisha’s marine product exports have increased 12-fold, reaching 91,930 metric tonnes in 2024–25, earning Rs 4,710 crore in foreign exchange, the Minister further added.
The Minister virtually inaugurated several infrastructure projects like the healthy fish market at Talabania (Lower Mall) in Puri, the healthy dry fish market (both retail and wholesale) at Humma in Ganjam district, the Fisheries Training Centre in Angul, and the BFO Office at Talachua in Kendrapara district.
He also laid the foundation stone for the Directorate of Fisheries building at Khapuria in Cuttack. Along with this, the Minister launched the “Odisha Fisheries Web Portal.” The Department’s “Annual Activity Report” and “Fisheries Sector Handbook” were also released during the event.
On this occasion, subsidies were provided to 10 beneficiaries for projects implemented through various schemes. Turtle Excluder Devices were distributed for turtle protection, and the Minister flagged off an awareness vehicle to promote public awareness.
Secretary of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Suresh Kumar Vashistha, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to the development of the fisheries sector. In his address, he emphasised prioritising export along with improved management of seed, feed, and weed (factors affecting fish production).
World Fisheries Day is observed every year on 21 November to acknowledge the contribution of fishers, fish farmers, fisheries entrepreneurs, and people engaged in the global fisheries trade.