Uttar Pradesh Aims for Self-Reliance and Export Growth Through Inland Fisheries
The Department of Fisheries in Uttar Pradesh is actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the state's inland fishing sector. In a significant move ahead of the upcoming budget, the department is advocating for substantial subsidies targeted at investors and farmers. This financial support is designed to catalyze growth across three key areas: the general promotion of inland fishing, the focused development of specific high-value fish breeds, and the innovative expansion of freshwater pearl culture.
First State Aqua Summit to Chart Future Course
Marking a milestone in this initiative, the department will organize Uttar Pradesh's inaugural Aqua Summit on February 27 and 28. This event is poised to become a crucial platform, bringing together a diverse group of investors, leading aquaculture experts, and academic researchers. The primary agenda is to engage in detailed discussions and formulate strategies to fully unlock the state's vast potential in inland fisheries and its associated industries.
Additional Chief Secretary Mukesh Meshram outlined the department's ambitious vision. "Our foundational work is centered on first achieving self-reliance for Uttar Pradesh through robust inland fishing practices," he stated. "The subsequent and equally critical goal is to generate such a significant surplus that we can not only supply other Indian states but also establish a strong presence in international export markets."
Focus on Quality, Seed Selection, and Specialized Breeds
To realize these export-oriented ambitions, Meshram emphasized the paramount importance of quality and genetic stock. "Enhancing production volume must go hand-in-hand with ensuring top-tier quality for the global market. This necessitates finding and utilizing superior seeds. Identifying and sourcing high-quality brooders is essential for this purpose," he explained.
The aqua summit will serve as a knowledge hub to address these challenges. "While this year's summit will feature domestic participation, we plan to elevate it to an international-caliber event starting next year. We have invited experts specifically to advise on improving Uttar Pradesh's production efficiency in inland fishing and to provide access to cutting-edge research," Meshram added.
In line with this focus, the department has formally requested subsidies for farmers who establish hatcheries within the state. It has also pinpointed several specific fish breeds for targeted promotion, which include:
- Pangasius
- Tilapia
- Roopchand
- Jayanti Rohu
- Amrit Katla
- Desi Mangur
Furthermore, the promotion of prawn production is a key component of the strategy. This is particularly strategic as prawn farming can be successfully implemented on barren land or in areas with saline water, thereby ensuring optimal utilization of otherwise non-productive spaces.
Freshwater Pearl Culture and a Sector with Immense Scope
Adding a unique dimension to its growth plan, the department is also championing freshwater pearl culture. Currently, an estimated 3 to 4 operational units exist in the state. To accelerate this niche sector, Meshram confirmed that a special subsidy has been proposed in the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
A senior department official highlighted the broader opportunity. "Fisheries represents a sector with tremendous scope for innovation and economic development. We are exploring various new innovations to enhance farmer participation, increase their income, and generate significant revenue for the state. The summit at the end of February is instrumental in this endeavor, as it will convene experts and investors to thoroughly explore Uttar Pradesh's potential and guide our entry into fields that have remained largely untapped until now," the official concluded.
