Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has announced a major development in the state's fisheries sector.
Under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, the state’s first Reservoir Fisheries Production and Processing Cluster will be set up at Halali, near Bhopal.
The formal inauguration will take place on June 13 in Indore, led by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh, as part of the National Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Meet.
This cluster is one of 17 such facilities identified across India under the scheme, tailored to the unique fisheries potential of each region.
Dr. Yadav noted the significance of the event, especially in a landlocked state like Madhya Pradesh. "This will be the first-ever national-level meeting on inland fisheries in a landlocked state like Madhya Pradesh, which does not have access to the sea," he said. The goal of the meet is to strengthen fish production in states without a coastline. Only non-coastal state representatives will be participating.
20 State Ministers to Attend Indore Meet
The national meet in Indore will gather fisheries ministers from 20 different states. Notable attendees include Shri Narayan Singh Panwar (MP Fisheries), Shri Sanjay Kumar Nishad (UP), Ms. Renu Devi (Bihar), Shri Shyam Singh Rana (Haryana), and Shri Jawahar Singh Bedham (Rajasthan). Senior central officials such as Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi and Joint Secretary Shri Sagar Mehra will also be present.
In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to boost fish exports, the event will feature technical sessions by reputed national institutions including ICAR-CIFRI, ICAR-CIFA, and the NFDB. Presentations will cover advanced topics such as ‘Reservoir lease policies’, ‘Modern fish farming in rivers and ponds’, and ‘Potential for cold-water fish farming’.
Empowering Fishers Through Innovation and Financial Support
As part of the event, Union Minister Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh will distribute certificates to various beneficiaries—ranging from fisheries cooperatives to start-ups and traditional fishermen. Support will also include Kisan Credit Cards and Aquaculture Insurance for added financial and digital security.
CM Dr. Yadav emphasized the state’s proactive steps in managing water resources to strengthen the fishing community. “Continuous efforts are being made toward efficient water resource management to empower fishermen and make them self-reliant,” he said.
An exhibition will be held at Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore, showcasing innovations such as Aqua parks, Cage culture systems, and RAS (Recirculatory Aquaculture System) technologies.
These developments are steadily improving fisher incomes across the state. In pursuit of Vision 2047, the state is focusing on end-to-end fisheries development—from input supply to post-harvest management, processing, and exports.
Madhya Pradesh’s achievements have already been recognized nationally. Seoni district was named Best Inland Fisheries District, and Balaghat’s Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society earned national honors for its efforts in empowering local fishers.