Bhubaneswar: Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (F&ARD) Minister Gokulananda Mallik on Thursday announced plans to establish an Animal and Fishery Sciences University in the state during an event here to mark World Fisheries Day.
The proposal for the university has been submitted to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for approval, Mallik added.
The Minister said that the state government is set to establish a state-of-the-art aqua park in Sambalpur, with an investment of ₹100 crore. The park will span approximately 100 acres of land in Basantpur and is part of the government’s broader initiative to make Odisha self-reliant in freshwater fish production.
He revealed that the state currently produces 11.24 lakh tonnes of fish annually, positioning it as the fourth-largest fish producer in India. Odisha exports 2.92 lakh tonnes of fish and 84,000 tonnes of processed seafood annually while procuring 33,000 tonnes of fish from other states to meet domestic demand.
Looking ahead, the government aims to export freshwater fish internationally within the next five years. Minister Mallik highlighted the state’s current per capita fish consumption at 18 kg and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving production and self-sufficiency in the sector.
In collaboration with the Central Government, Odisha will invest ₹2,300 crore in the fisheries sector. This development program includes the construction of new fish markets, modern jetties, and other infrastructure to bolster the fisheries ecosystem across the state.
These initiatives aim to enhance livelihoods, boost exports, and solidify Odisha’s position as a major hub for fish and seafood production in India.
