Odisha Govt Signs MoU with CIFRI to Protect State Fish “Mahanadi Mahaseer”

Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: The Odisha government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) to promote research, conservation, and increased production of the “Mahanadi Mahaseer,” recently recognized as the State Fish of Odisha. The MoU was formalized during the state-level observance of World Fisheries Day–2025 in Bhubaneswar.

Odisha, with a 574.7 km coastline, 4.18 lakh hectares of brackish water resources, and 7.12 lakh hectares of freshwater areas, offers immense potential for fisheries development, said Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Gokulananda Mallik. He noted that over 16 lakh fishers, fish farmers, women self-help groups, entrepreneurs, and youth are actively engaged in the sector, which remains a key priority for the State Government.

Highlighting Odisha’s fisheries achievements, Mallik said the State produced 11.92 lakh metric tonnes of fish in 2024–25, securing the 4th rank nationally. With 94 percent of the population consuming fish and an annual per capita consumption of 19.16 kg—more than double the national average—Odisha’s demand for fish continues to rise. Marine product exports have surged twelvefold over the past two decades, reaching 91,930 metric tonnes in 2024–25, earning Rs 4,710 crore in foreign exchange.

During the programme, the Minister virtually inaugurated key infrastructure projects, including the healthy fish market at Talabania (Lower Mall) in Puri, the dry fish market at Humma in Ganjam, the Fisheries Training Centre in Angul, and the BFO Office at Talachua in Kendrapara. He also laid the foundation stone for the Directorate of Fisheries building at Khapuria in Cuttack and launched the “Odisha Fisheries Web Portal.” Additionally, the Department’s “Annual Activity Report” and “Fisheries Sector Handbook” were released.

Subsidies were provided to 10 beneficiaries under various schemes, and Turtle Excluder Devices were distributed to support turtle protection. An awareness vehicle was also flagged off to promote public education on fisheries and conservation.

Secretary of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Suresh Kumar Vashistha, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to fisheries development, emphasizing the importance of exports and effective management of seed, feed, and weed for boosting fish production.

World Fisheries Day, observed annually on November 21, celebrates the contributions of fishers, fish farmers, fisheries entrepreneurs, and those engaged in the global fisheries trade.