The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) held its 13th Governing Body Meeting on November 5, 2026, at its headquarters in Hyderabad. The meeting was chaired by Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, and brought together fisheries ministers and senior officials from the Centre and different states.
The discussions focused on the progress of NFDB’s activities, implementation of ongoing fisheries programmes and the challenges affecting the development of India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Fisheries Ministers from Three States Attend
The meeting was attended by Telangana Fisheries Minister Vakiti Srihari, Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Minister Gabriel Denhang Wangsu and Tripura Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and Smt. Gunjan Krishna, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), were also present.
Fisheries Secretaries from various states, non-official members of the NFDB Governing Body, and NFDB officers and staff participated in the meeting.
The participation of representatives from multiple states provided an opportunity to discuss fisheries development priorities at both national and state levels.
NFDB Presents Its Achievements and Ongoing Initiatives
During the meeting, Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive of NFDB, presented an overview of the Board’s activities, major achievements and ongoing initiatives across the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The presentation covered progress under key government schemes and programmes, infrastructure development, capacity-building activities and NFDB’s interventions to strengthen fisheries development across states.
These initiatives form part of the Board’s efforts to support the growth of fisheries and aquaculture through improved infrastructure, institutional support and development programmes.
Union Minister Highlights Implementation and Future Priorities
Addressing the Governing Body, Rajiv Ranjan Singh discussed key issues affecting the fisheries sector and reviewed challenges in implementing various initiatives.
He emphasised the need to strengthen NFDB’s role in advancing fisheries and aquaculture development and provided guidance on priority areas and the future course of action.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi also addressed the meeting, highlighting the importance of coordination between the Centre and state governments, effective implementation of ongoing schemes and focused efforts to address sectoral challenges.
Strengthening India’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector
The 13th Governing Body Meeting brought together policymakers and officials responsible for fisheries development across the country.
With discussions covering scheme implementation, infrastructure, capacity building and state-level coordination, the meeting highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between the Centre, state governments and NFDB.
The priorities identified during the meeting are expected to guide the Board’s future efforts towards strengthening India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.