To mark the World Fisheries Day, a two-day Global Fisheries Conference was organized in Ahmedabad, India, on 21-22 November 2023 by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India (MoFAH&D, Gol). The conference aimed to bring together stakeholders from both domestic and global fisheries sectors, build partnerships, foster collaborative efforts to promote the Indian fisheries sector.

The conference was inaugurated by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister, MoFAH&D, Gol, and was attended by Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Ministers of various states, Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, ambassadors of various countries, and representatives from various national and international organisations working on fisheries, and academicians and researchers.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Union Minister praised the efforts for bringing together diverse national and international experts and stakeholders for the event and encouraged innovations for blue transformation. The keynote address was delivered by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, who highlighted the progressive programmes and initiatives of Gujarat in prioritizing the ‘blue economy’ as a key focus area.

FAO Representative in India, Takayuki Hagiwara was invited to deliver an inaugural address at the conference where he emphasised the critical role of fisheries in India and how the country can champion the cause of blue transformation. “The blue transformation aims to expand aquatic food systems, enhance their contributions to nutrition, ensure environment stewardship and promote inclusive growth, particularly for communities dependent on fisheries and aquaculture. This vision aligns with FAO’s roadmap to ensure the aquatic food system contributes fully to food security, nutrition, and sustainable development goals,” he added.

The conference facilitated much-needed commitment in the fisheries sector and created a unique platform for various value chain players (fishers, fish farmers, FFPOs, SHGs, input suppliers, processors, marketers etc.), policymakers, researchers, academicians, sector experts, enthusiasts to chart the course for the future. It served as a platform to delve into research, development, and the evolving challenges and prospects influencing the fisheries domain.

Image credit: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India

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