The Department of Fisheries, Government of India is organizing a review meeting on development of fisheries and aquaculture in West Bengal on September 21, 2026 in Kolkata. The meeting will be co-chaired by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari, with participation from Minister of State Shri Rajesh Mahata and officials from various central and state departments, research institutions, and financial organizations including NFDB, ICAR, NBFGR, CIFE, NABARD, NCDC, CAA, EIC, and MPEDA.
This apex-level fisheries review meeting, the first in over a decade, aims to chart a roadmap for tapping West Bengal's significant fisheries potential. The state produced 25.43 lakh tons of fish in 2025-26, supported by an investment of Rs 617 crore under various schemes that have strengthened production technologies, post-harvest infrastructure, processing facilities, and capacity building. These initiatives provide livelihood opportunities to over 30 lakh fisher folks and have developed a robust fisheries ecosystem with value chain and market access.
The meeting will review progress of various schemes and programs, with presentations from both central and state governments. Discussions will focus on production enhancement, aquaculture expansion, technology adoption, infrastructure development, institutional support, and investment promotion. A key agenda item includes handing over Administrative Approval for Integrated Reservoir Development in West Bengal.
The Government of India has notified 34 fisheries production and processing clusters in the state, including a dry fish cluster in Purba Mednipur. Special emphasis is being given to strengthening fisheries farmer producer organizations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives, along with digitization initiatives for the fisheries sector. As an international border state, West Bengal maintains security sensitivities with continued presence of customs and other security agencies.
The deliberations are expected to identify priority interventions, strengthen Centre-State collaboration, accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth, improve fisher livelihoods, increase production and productivity, strengthen market linkages, and advance the vision of a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive fisheries sector in West Bengal.