Under the guidance of Punjab Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, and as per the directions of Director-cum-Warden, Fisheries Department, Punjab, S. Hardev Singh Gill, the Fisheries Department, Patiala celebrated National Fish Farmers Day on July 10, 2026, at the Office of the Assistant Director, Fisheries, Patiala.
Assistant Director, Fisheries, Patiala, Shri Gurjeet Singh said that the significance of this day lies in the fact that on July 10, 1957, two Indian scientists, Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri and Dr. K. H. Alikunhi, discovered the induced breeding technique in fish. The day is observed every year in their memory.
Fish farmers, farmers and fish vendors from Patiala district participated in the programme. Welcoming the participants, the Assistant Director extended greetings on National Fish Farmers Day and explained how adopting fish farming can help farmers double their income. He also highlighted that cultivating vegetables on the embankments of fish ponds can generate additional profits.
During the programme, the participants visited a fish seed farm and learned about fish seed production techniques. Senior Fisheries Officer Mrs. Veerpal Kaur Jora provided detailed information about the technical and financial assistance offered by the Fisheries Department. She explained the various projects covered under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), including Biofloc Units, construction of new fish ponds, motorcycles with ice boxes, and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems. She informed the participants that the government provides 40% financial assistance for the General Category and 60% for Scheduled Castes and women, enabling more fish farmers to benefit from these schemes.
Senior Fisheries Officer Shri Ram Ratan Singh shared information on fish breeding techniques. During the event, a message sent by Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on the occasion of National Fish Farmers Day was read out to the fish farmers by Fisheries Officer Shri Jagjit Singh.