Ahmedabad, Gujarat: In a significant event, the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 was inaugurated by the Union Fisheries Minister at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, on Tuesday. The conference, held under the theme ‘Celebrating Fisheries and Aquaculture Wealth,’ aimed to gather key stakeholders for discussions, market insights, and networking.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel, along with Minister of State Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr L Murugan, Minister of State Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, and high-level delegations from about 10 countries, including delegates from international organizations, fisheries associations, fishers, and other dignitaries.
Key figures such as Gujarat Minister for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Cow-breeding Raghavjibhai Patel, Union Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, and India Head of Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara addressed the occasion. The opening session featured the launch of the Inland Reservoir Leasing Policy of Gujarat, the official declaration of the State Fish of Gujarat, and the distribution of various benefits to the beneficiaries.
International Round Table on Fisheries Sustainability:
A major highlight of the conference was the International Round Table Conference chaired by the Union Minister. Representatives from different nations and international agencies participated in a high-level dialogue focused on collaborative efforts to sustain the fisheries sector amidst critical challenges, including the climate crisis. Diplomatic delegates from France, Norway, Australia, Russia, Greece, Spain, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and approximately 50 Indian missions joined through virtual mode.
Diplomatic Participation and Exhibition:
Diplomatic delegations from more than 10 countries confirmed their physical participation, with around 50 other foreign diplomats expected to join virtually. Notable international organizations, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), FAO, GiZ, BOBP-IGO, and MSC, were also present. The conference featured over 210 national and international exhibitors, showcasing products, technology, success stories, and innovative solutions in the fisheries sector.
Event Overview:
The two-day mega event encompassed technical sessions, industry connect, government bilateral meets, and a diverse exhibition showcasing cutting-edge fisheries and aquaculture technologies. More than 5,000 visitors attended, including fishers, fish farmers, fish vendors, foreign delegates, investors, local communities, and representatives of fisheries cooperatives and startups. The conference facilitated interactions among international leaders, technology investors, research institutions, equipment manufacturers, and various stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Over 4,000 fishers from Gujarat and other states actively participated in the event.