Anantnag District, situated in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir, has earned national acclaim by securing the top position among districts nationwide for its remarkable dedication to the advancement of fish and fisheries. This recognition was bestowed on the district during the celebrated World Fisheries Day at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad. Jammu and Kashmir, as a Union Territory, takes pride in its unparalleled advantage over other regions, with its colossal cold-water rivers serving as exceptional breeding grounds for superior fish species. The unique geographical advantage, coupled with distinctive climatic conditions, sets Jammu and Kashmir apart. The diligent population of this region demonstrates unwavering commitment, seizing every available opportunity to transform the economic landscape. The Fisheries Department, guided sagaciously and supported comprehensively by various Centrally sponsored schemes, has translated vision into tangible results on the ground. Managed with precision, fish farms in the Anantnag district have become hubs for cultivating top-tier fish, yielding substantial economic benefits. This exemplary performance serves as motivation, encouraging both the department and youth in other districts to capitalize on the abundant opportunities within their grasp. Buoyed by such success, the administration can contemplate diversifying fisheries-related industries, including packaging adhering to international standards. Strategic engagement in export ventures with developed countries could further amplify economic gains. Each region within the Union Territory is blessed with frigid watercourses, a natural gift awaiting full exploitation. The prevailing tranquility in the region has acted as a catalyst, redirecting focus towards robust economic development. Transformative schemes have altered fixed income paradigms, with fisheries emerging as a pivotal prospect capable of being a transformative force for the entire region. Requiring nominal investment and benefiting from a climate ideally suited for pisciculture, it stands as an opportune arena for the youth to decipher and harness, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.

In a significant achievement, Uttar Pradesh has been honored with the prestigious Best State Award in the inland fisheries category. The announcement was made by Prashant Sharma, Special Secretary to the Fisheries Department, and the award will be formally presented during the Global Fisheries Conference 2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on November 21—observed as World Fisheries Day. Nishad, speaking at Lok Bhavan, highlighted that the state’s success is attributed to the strategic implementation of fishery-related schemes under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Over the past six-and-a-half years, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable surge in fish production due to these initiatives. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s visionary leadership has propelled the state to the forefront of inland fish rearing. Nishad shared that the fish production has seen a substantial increase from 8.09 lakh metric tonnes last year to an impressive 9.15 lakh metric tonnes this year. Additionally, in terms of fish seeds, there has been a commendable rise from 27,128 lakh metric tonnes last year to 36,187 lakh metric tonnes this year. This remarkable growth underscores the effective and visionary approach of Uttar Pradesh in the field of inland fisheries. The award is a testament to the state’s commitment to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector and positions Uttar Pradesh as a leading force in promoting responsible and productive inland fisheries practices.