National Plan of Action for inland small-scale fisheries launched
Why in the news
On 23 October 2026, the Department of Fisheries formally launched the development phase of a National Plan of Action for inland small-scale fisheries, following a two-day national workshop in Bhopal.
Key facts
- Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy (Department of Fisheries).
- Framework: prepared under the FAO framework in cooperation with the BOBP-IGO.
- Coverage: rivers, canals, reservoirs, lakes, floodplains, wetlands, ponds and cold-water systems.
- Priority areas: fishing rights and resource management, decent work, gender equality, value chains and post-harvest trade, and disaster risk and climate change.
- Challenges flagged: climate change, poorer water quality and falling oxygen levels in water bodies.
- Next steps: the plan is to be released publicly next month, followed by stakeholder consultations.
Fisheries at a glance
| Indicator | Current | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fish production | 19.7 million tonnes | 30 million tonnes in five years |
| Seafood exports | Over ₹70,000 crore | ₹1.25 lakh crore |
Inland fisheries account for about three-quarters of national fish output.
About the people and bodies
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi is Secretary, Department of Fisheries. Dr. P. Krishnan is Director of BOBP-IGO.
Exam angle
- NPOA for inland small-scale fisheries: FAO framework, BOBP-IGO partner, workshop at Bhopal.
- Remember production (19.7 million tonnes) and target (30 million tonnes).
- Inland fisheries dominate India’s fish production.