Bengaluru: The three-day Fish Fair, organized by the Fisheries Department of the Karnataka government, concluded on Sunday. A large number of people participated in the fair, providing a closer understanding of fisheries. Organized as part of World Fisheries Day 2025, the fair featured participation from government agencies, private companies, aquaculture service providers, and research institutions. A total of 52 stalls showcased products, technologies, and information, ranging from ornamental fish and feed to modern aquaculture solutions and research results.
Speaking to ETV Bharat at the conclusion of the fisheries fair, Deputy Director of the Fisheries Department, Babin Bopanna, said that the attendance exceeded expectations across all three days. He reported that approximately 100,000 people attended the event. The food stalls and aquarium sections saw the largest crowds. Bopanna said, “The fish fair was a success. Several food stalls generated revenue of between 50,000 and 70,000 rupees during the fair.” He further stated that such events help people connect with fisheries in the right way.
Vasudevappa C, former Vice Chancellor of Keladi Shivappa Nayak University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (KSNUAHS), Shimoga, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest. Several senior officials, including former Director of the Fisheries Department Chandrashekhariah HN, Joint Directors Shama Bhat, Ramakrishna NR, and Ganagadhar Maddikere, were honored for their service.
CM Siddaramaiah Highlights Government Initiatives
In his address during the inauguration of the fish fair, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the government was preparing to establish a fisheries university in the state. He stated that the department and the fishing community were being given priority, including appointing a minister from the coastal community to better understand the challenges facing the fisheries sector.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Karnataka has a 320-kilometer coastline and 5.5 lakh hectares of inland water resources. Karnataka ranks fourth in the country in fish production and third in total production, which provides livelihoods to approximately 1 million people. He highlighted recent decisions, including increasing the annual diesel limit for mechanized boats and providing industrial oil at subsidized rates to traditional boats. He said, “Every year, our government announces schemes in the budget to help the fishing community thrive.” Support announced for fishing and tourism
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who attended the fish fair, said that under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership, the government has filled 10,000 ponds and lakes and fishing has now been permitted in them. He said that smaller ponds will be handed over to cooperative societies, and the remaining ponds will be auctioned, creating employment in rural areas and generating revenue for the government. “Fishing is not based on caste. It is based on interest, determination and ideals,” he said. He also said the government is planning to formulate a separate tourism policy for coastal Karnataka, which will include schemes to promote fishing and related employment.
