Between July and December 2025, the government facilitated 499 training events that brought together 22,921 participants. These encompassed short-term and long-duration courses, exposure visits, workshops, conferences and Training of Trainers models to ensure knowledge is cascaded locally.

In a significant push to modernise India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, the department of fisheries under the ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying has rolled out an extensive capacity-building programme that has already trained more than 22,900 fishers, farmers, and allied stakeholders across the country. Officials say this initiative is pivotal to fulfilling the goals of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – geared towards boosting productivity, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening value chains – while aligning with the government’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The initiative’s cornerstone is the Training and Capacity Building Programme Calendar prepared by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in coordination with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) fisheries institutes. Launched on National Fish Farmers Day on July 10, 2025, by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, the calendar outlines structured training sessions, exposure visits, and knowledge-sharing activities planned for 2025 – 27.

“Developing human and institutional capacity is critical for transitioning to modern, science-driven fisheries and aquaculture practices,” a senior official said, describing the calendar as a roadmap for enhancing livelihoods and promoting sustainable growth.

A Broad Spectrum of Skills

The curriculum spans the entire fisheries value chain – from pre-production techniques to post-harvest processing – with an emphasis on integrating scientific methods into traditional practices. Training modules include hatchery operations, advanced grow-out techniques, integrated and composite fish culture, fish health management, feed formulation, seaweed cultivation, and value-added fish processing.

A notable focus of the programme is on modern systems such as:

• Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
• Biofloc technology
• Cage culture
• Ornamental fish breeding

These areas are increasingly recognised for their superior productivity, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability – especially in the context of rising domestic and export demand for fish products.

Livelihood diversification is another key objective. Programmes on ornamental fisheries, fish marketing linkages, and women-centric fish value-added products aim to expand income opportunities beyond traditional food fish production. Specialised topics such as deep-sea fishing techniques, traceability and certification have also been included in modular sections of the training.

Pan-India Reach and Delivery Partners

Between July and December 2025, the government facilitated 499 training events that brought together 22,921 participants. These encompassed short-term and long-duration courses, exposure visits, workshops, conferences and Training of Trainers (ToT) models to ensure knowledge is cascaded locally.

The delivery of these programmes was coordinated by a broad network of institutions, including:

• ICAR fisheries research institutes and regional centres;
• State and Union Territory fisheries departments;
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs);
• Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI);
• Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET); and,
• National Institute of Fish Processing Technology (NIFPHAT)

This decentralised approach ensures training is accessible across diverse ecosystems – from inland freshwater fisheries to coastal aquaculture belts.

Financial Backing and Government Support

The department of fisheries has earmarked ₹2.93 crore (nearly ₹3 crore) to support these skilling programmes under PMMSY and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Saakhsharta evam Suchna Seva Yojana (PM-MKSSY). All training costs for fishers and fish farmers are being fully borne by the government through the NFDB, which serves as the nodal implementing agency.

Officials emphasise that this investment seeks not just to enhance technical competencies but also to catalyse socio-economic transformation in fishing communities that have traditionally struggled with limited market access and outdated techniques.

Impact on Fishers and Communities

Early feedback from participants suggests that exposure to scientific best practices is already yielding results at the grassroots. Many trainees reported improved yields and better quality of produce after applying techniques like balanced feed formulation and systematic health management protocols.

One fish farmer from Odisha, who attended a practical session on biofloc systems, said: “The training opened my eyes to new ways of culturing fish that are more cost-effective and environmentally sound. I am now planning to expand my farm using these methods.” While anecdotal, such stories underscore the potential of capacity building to translate into real economic benefits.

Linking Markets and Promoting Consumption

To ensure training translates into better market outcomes, the programme also emphasises market linkages and consumer engagement. Fish festivals and melas are being organised across states to stimulate demand for local varieties and value-added products, further embedding fish producers into broader value chains.

A Fishers’ cooperative leader from West Bengal highlighted that these events help farmers connect directly with buyers and processors, reducing dependency on middlemen and improving returns.

Future Outlook: Sustainability and Growth

The department of fisheries contends that building institutional and human capacity is essential for India to emerge as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture. With the sector’s contribution to food security, nutrition, and employment increasingly recognised, skilling programmes are seen as foundational to achieving long-term resilience and growth.

As India integrates technological advances into traditional fisheries practices, the government hopes the framework established under the PMMSY skilling initiative will serve as a scalable model – fostering innovation while ensuring equitable opportunities for fishers nationwide.

Fish farmers, policy experts and stakeholders say the investments in skill development are timely, coming amid a global push for sustainable protein sources and climate-adaptive food systems. By equipping local communities with advanced technical know-how and market awareness, the capacity-building effort could significantly raise productivity and incomes, boosting the sector’s contribution to the national economy.