Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana Fisheries Minister Shyam Singh Rana highlighted the rapid growth of inland fisheries in the state, stating that Haryana has emerged as one of the country’s leading fish-producing landlocked states, with a total production of 2.04 lakh metric tonnes of fish from 23,850 hectares of water area.
Addressing a national-level fisheries conference at Hyderabad, Rana said that Haryana has produced 166 crore fish seeds, reflecting the strengthening of the state’s fisheries infrastructure and scientific practices. He pointed out that among landlocked states, Punjab ranks first in fish production, while Haryana stands second, despite having no coastline.
The minister stressed that landlocked states like Haryana contribute significantly to India’s fisheries output through pond-based and inland water aquaculture, but receive less financial assistance compared to coastal states, which directly impacts fish farmers and state GDP.
Rana informed the gathering that Haryana has been actively promoting fisheries as an alternative livelihood, with many farmers shifting from traditional agriculture to fish farming due to better returns. He added that fish farming has also helped address the problem of crop residue management, particularly stubble burning, by providing farmers with an additional income source.
To strengthen seed quality, Rana said Haryana has ensured fish seed banks at block level across all districts. He added that genetically improved fish varieties were procured from CIFA, Bhubaneswar, enabling the state to produce high-quality brood stock and improve overall productivity. He urged the Centre to issue national guidelines and schemes for fish seed management to ensure uniform availability of quality seed across states.
Highlighting infrastructure development, the minister said that fish farmers and entrepreneurs have been provided dedicated space at the India International Horticulture Market, Gannaur (Sonipat), on the lines of Delhi’s Ghazipur and Azadpur mandis.
Rana also placed several proposals before the Union government, including the establishment of modern wholesale fish markets in Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Yamunanagar and Panchkula at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore and Setting up of a fish processing unit in Karnal and a shrimp processing plant in Sirsa with an investment of around ₹200 crore. The minister also informed that Haryana also envisions to create a World Class Aquarium House in Panchkula with an estimated investment of ₹1,000 crore.
The minister further revealed that five acres of land have been transferred in village Sultanpur, Gurugram, for setting up a regional centre of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), which will benefit Haryana and neighbouring states.
Seeking greater policy support, Rana urged the Union Fisheries Ministry to give special focus to landlocked states in the 2026–27 financial year and to consider holding a special national conference in Haryana to address their specific challenges.
He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for providing enhanced budgetary support to fisheries in Haryana, and thanked Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh for his continued cooperation.