On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated two groundbreaking fishery projects in Odisha, representing a substantial investment of approximately ₹160 crore.
These fishery initiatives were unveiled alongside the larger ₹24,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) and a ₹11,440-crore Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses, both launched from Delhi. This highlights a broader national focus on agricultural advancement.
Specifically, the fishery projects include a state-of-the-art integrated aqua park in Basantapur, Sambalpur district, with a budget of ₹100 crore, and a modern fish market in Pandara, Bhubaneswar, valued at ₹59.13 crore.
Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, and other dignitaries participated in the virtual event from a state-level ceremony held at the OUAT premises in Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that the Bhubaneswar fish market project is a vital component of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a scheme designed to boost the fisheries sector.
He noted that for this specific project, the Central government will contribute ₹30 crore, with the state covering the remaining costs of the total ₹59.13 crore.
The implementation of this project will be a collaborative effort between the state’s Fisheries and Animal Resources Department and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). It is anticipated to directly support 143 traders and create indirect employment opportunities for over 2,000 individuals.
The Chief Minister added that the new fish market is strategically planned to cater to the significant demand from consumers in both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been formalized with the BMC, setting a target for the project’s completion by November 2027.
Regarding the integrated aqua park at Hirakud, which will span 95.47 acres of government land, the Chief Minister stated that it is poised to significantly advance modern fish farming techniques in the region.
The ₹100 crore investment for the aqua park will see the central government contributing ₹60 crore, with the Odisha state government providing the remaining ₹40 crore.
Mr. Majhi proudly announced that this will be the first aqua park of its kind in eastern India. Scheduled for completion by January 2027, the project is expected to establish Sambalpur as a leading center for modern fish farming excellence.
Chief Minister Majhi further highlighted that the PM-DDKY scheme is being rolled out nationwide in 100 districts, with four districts in Odisha—Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Sundergarh, and Nuapada—among the beneficiaries.
He also acknowledged that the Modi government has consistently introduced new farmer-centric initiatives since assuming power in 2014.
Majhi underscored the nation’s journey towards self-reliance over the past 11 years across various sectors. He emphasized the critical need for India to achieve self-sufficiency in key food grains, oilseeds, and pulses, noting the current reliance on imports for pulses and edible oils, a dependency he stated must be reduced.
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to highlight key initiatives undertaken by the State BJP government over the last 15 months.
He expressed confidence that the successful implementation of PM-DDKY and the Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses will significantly boost farmer prosperity.
This scheme, he explained, will empower farmers in Odisha to move beyond sole reliance on paddy cultivation, encouraging diversification into pulses, oilseeds, and other lucrative cash crops, thereby increasing their income potential.
Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo added that while Odisha has already achieved self-reliance in rice production, the immediate focus is now on extending this success to pulses and oilseeds.