Commemorating National Fish Farmers Day (NFFD) in alignment with United Nations Internationa
l Year of the Women Farmer (IYWF-2026), College of Fisheries (COF) honored six promising women entrepreneurs, involved in assorted traditional as well as modern intensive aquaculture activities. These activities involve Fish Farming; Shrimp Farming in inland saline areas; Ornamental Fisheries; Fish Farming cum Aqua-Tourism, Integrated fish farming and Biofloc Aquaculture. NFFD is celebrated every year on 10th of July, the date on which fresh water carp fish was successfully bred in captivity through induced breeding technique by Dr. H. L. Chaudhary & Dr. K. H. Alikunhi in 1957, which triggered the Blue Revolution in India. It demonstrates solidarity with all fish farmers, fisher folks and other stakeholders contributing to the fastest 
growing food production sector.
The honored Aquaculture Sheroes shared their overwhelming inspiring stories of self-reliance with the graduating fisheries professionals of COF, highlighting the entrepreneurial potential of the fisheries sector and the right mindset to overcome teething challenges in the journey of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Applauding women’s vital role in global agri-food systems, including fisheries, Dr. J. P. S. Gill, Vice Chancellor informed that in India, out of total fishers’ population (Fishermen & Fish Farmers) of 2.80 crore, 44.28% (1.24 crore) are women, who contribute significantly in the fisheries value chain from Farm-to-Fork. University is consistently promoting women entrepreneurship through its free of cost capacity building programs, including technical handholding and specialized training programs from production to value addition, he added.
An education corner, along with an att
ractive live food and ornamental fish exhibition, was also set up to educate the senior secondary science students, apprising them about the role of fisheries sector in food and nutritional security; Livelihood security; employment generation; and socio- 
economic growth of the nation through revenue generation. About 250 avid students visited the event, who were also acquainted with the prospective academic programs in fisheries; promising career opportunities for fisheries professionals in India and abroad; and entrepreneurial scope in fisheries value chain. Various fun games and competitions themed on “Contribution of Women in Blue Revolution” & “Promote Fish Consumption to Empower Fish Farmer” were organized to make the event an engaging learning experience for the participants and the visitors.
