The first ever Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 kicked off at Science City in Ahmedabad today in the presence of Union Minister of Fisheries Parshottam Rupala, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Minister of State Fisheries, Dr. L Murugan and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan along with the High-level delegations from about 10 countries, delegates from International Organizations, Fisheries Associations were present at the inaugural session.
The two-day conference is being organised by Department of Fisheries Government of India on the occasion of World Fisheries Day to bring together all the stakeholders for a sustainable fisheries sector.
Addressing the gathering, Gujarat Chief minister Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat which has the highest coastline in the country is one of the leading state in fish production. He said th state holds 17 percent share in the fisheries exports of the country. Mr Patel said the coastal sector will play a pivotal role in achieving the PM’s vision of Self reliant India during Amrit kal.
During the programme, the Inland Reservoir Leasing portal of Gujarat was launched at the hands of CM Bhupendra Patel. Also the Ghol fish was declared as State fish of Gujarat. More than 5000 participants are expected to take part in discussions and deliberations during the conference. Earlier, the Union Minister Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the exhibition showcasing cutting-edge fisheries and aquaculture technologies at Science City today. Later, the Union Minister Parshottam Rupala will also participate in various international Round tables with the foreign missions of France, Norway, Australia, Russia, and International organizations namely the Food and Agriculture Organisation among others. Ministers of various states and UTs including Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa and Andhra Pradesh were also present at the inaugural session today.