Report by Orissadiary correspondent; Bhubaneswar: India has been playing an important role in global fisheries as the third largest producer of fish in the world and the second largest producer from aquaculture. With a contribution of 2.9 million tonnes from marine sector and 4.2 million tonnes from inland sector, Indian fisheries sector has continued to make a significant contribution to nutritional security in the country informed Sri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister of Agriculture, Food & Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution. He inaugurated the third National Conference of State Fisheries Ministers at Hotel Swosti Plaza today. Many States and Union Territories are taking part in it. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and Indian Council of Agricultural Research are convening the meeting under the auspices of Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Commissioner/Secretaries/Directors of State Fisheries Department and Union Territories and Senior officials of Govt. of India are attending the conference. Directors of ICAR fisheries research institutes, NGOs, Progressive farmers and other stakeholders are also attending the two days meeting. 
The primary objective of the present meeting is to develop a road map enhancing food fish production to 10 million tonnes by 2012. In addition to meeting the domestic demand, the meet would also explore ways to enhance our export earning potential in terms of value added products and ornamental fish trade said Shri Pawar. Bulk of our fish is consumed fresh at or near the source of production. Hence the emphasis is on setting up of forward linkages like cold chain. While the government would continue to support livelihood promotion of traditional fishers and small traders, the corporate sector would be encouraged to invest in infrastructure in domestic marketing and commercial operation through PPP model.
Sri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Orissa graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
He urged the union minister to consider the proposal for improving infrastructure and transferring Paradip fish harbour to the state government. He suggested to develop and disseminate hatchery technology of newly identified diversified fish specis for aquaculture. He urged that aquaculture be accorded the status at par with agriculture so as to flow adequate support to the sector.  He emphasized the need for better linkage between research institutes and state departments for research and development of the sector.
Prof. K.V. Thomas, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Food & Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution stressed on strengthening fisheries extension to meet the targeted growth rate of 6% in XI Five Year Plan. He urged the States, as implementing agencies of fisheries sector projects, to tap the resources from various on-going programmes. Financial resources could be dovetailed from various organizations like NFDB, RKVY, and NREGS etc. through a viable strategy to alleviate the poor economic condition of the fishermen.
A book entitled “Aquaculture technologies for farmers” and the annual training calendar of National Fisheries Development Board were also released at the meet. An exhibition captioned “Towards blue revolution” was also organized wherein 13 organisations dealing with fisheries and aquaculture showcased their products and technologies.
Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research and Education, Min. of Ag., Govt. of India and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi; Dr. S. Ayyappan, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR; Dr. A.E.Eknath, Director, CIFA, Bhubaneswar and Sri Tarun Sridhar, Joint Secretary, DADF, Ministry of Agriculture also spoke.