NFDB 13th Governing Body Meet in Hyderabad Chaired by Lalan Singh

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) held the 13th meeting of its Governing Body on 5 November 2026 at its headquarters in Hyderabad, in the Padma Shri Dr. Ayyappan Conference Hall. The chair was Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, who also holds the Panchayati Raj portfolio.

Who attended

Three State ministers joined the Union Minister: Vakiti Srihari, who looks after animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries in Telangana; Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, Fisheries Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; and Sudhangshu Das, Fisheries Minister of Tripura. Officials of State and UT fisheries departments and 13 non-official members of the Governing Body were also present.

Figures discussed

The Union Minister's directions

Lalan Singh asked the Board to act as a proactive development institution that reaches fish farmers at the last mile and works closely with States and UTs. He wanted projects started and finished on time and funds used well, so that fishers earn more and have secure livelihoods. He told the Board to give focused support to the North-Eastern and inland States, where production, supply and consumption do not match, so they can move towards self-sufficiency. Pointing to the rise in output since 2019-20, he asked for still higher production and productivity, with measurable results guiding the Board's future work.

The Secretary's points

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, spoke about the growth of aquaculture and seafood exports. He urged a stronger digital presence for NFDB and simpler support and feedback systems for stakeholders to improve ease of doing business. He also called for more private investment through cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), start-ups and entrepreneurs.

What the States asked for

The State ministers sought continued Central help for fish markets and Integrated Aqua Parks. They want fisheries and rural development schemes to work together so that Amrit Sarovars, reservoirs and other water bodies are used for fish farming. They also asked for more training, including for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and for awareness drives on the nutritional value of fish.

Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive of NFDB, presented the Board's activities and achievements.