India to Host 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum 2025 in New Delhi

14AFAF

11 FEB, 2025: The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” is being organized in New Delhi during February 12-14, 2025. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society with its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This 14th AFAF is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.

The 14th AFAF brings together key players from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and will host around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) has a strong legacy of fostering global collaboration in the sector. Since its inception, the forum has been successfully hosted in multiple countries across Asia. Hosting the 14th AFAF in India after 18 years highlights the country’s growing prominence in global fisheries and aquaculture. With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive government policies, and significant scientific advancements, India has emerged as a key player in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Today, India occupies 2nd position in total fish production and also aquaculture production globally. The forum will provide a platform to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen international partnerships, and promote innovative approaches for sustainable, resilient, and economically viable fish production systems.

The forum will be inaugurated by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India on at 10.00 AM on 12th February 2025 ( WEDNESDAY) at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Dr. Himansu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR; Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India; Dr. S. Ayyappan, Former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR; Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of World Fish, Malaysia will also be present. The event will include over 20 Lead Presentations by internationally acclaimed experts from India and overseas.

On the second day a Symposium on “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness” will be held at 09.00 AM on 13 February 2025 at A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Govt. of India has consented to inaugurate the symposium.

On the third day, the Academia-Industry-Government Meet on ‘De-risking Shrimp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness’ at 9.00 am at Parijat Lecture Hall, Ground Floor, NAAS Block, NASC, New Delhi on 14 February 2025. Dr B. Mastan Rao, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) has consented to inaugurate the Meet.

Closing Ceremony of 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held at 4.30 pm on 14th February, 2025 at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India has consented to be the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.

Source (PIB)