PM Modi to Lay Foundation Stones for Major Fisheries and Agriculture Projects in Odisha on October 11
New facilities in Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur to boost aquaculture, farmer income, and food security
Bhubaneswar : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually lay the foundation stones for two major fisheries and aquaculture projects in Odisha — a state-of-the-art wholesale fish market at Pandara in Bhubaneswar and an integrated aqua park at Hirakud in Sambalpur district — on October 11 (Saturday).
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, made the announcement on Thursday during a virtual meeting with agriculture ministers of all states from New Delhi. The prime minister will also use the occasion to launch the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening food security and enhancing farmers’ incomes.
Chouhan said the programme will be broadcast live across all Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Odisha, ensuring that farmers across the state can participate virtually. He noted that Prime Minister Modi will address the nation and interact directly with farmers as part of the launch event.
Highlighting the central government’s focus on improving agricultural productivity, Chouhan stated that multiple schemes are being implemented to secure nutritious food supply, promote sustainable farming, and raise the incomes of cultivators. “More than 50 lakh farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across the country will benefit from this initiative,” he said.
The Union minister further revealed that India has achieved record production levels in both vegetables and food grains compared to previous years. However, he emphasized the importance of achieving self-reliance in the production of pulses and oilseeds to reduce dependence on imports.
One of the key highlights of the upcoming event is the proposed modern wholesale fish market at Pandara in Bhubaneswar. The facility, to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is designed to modernize the state’s fish trade infrastructure.
The new market will feature hygienic storage, processing, and retail facilities, ensuring better handling and distribution of fish products. It will also create new livelihood opportunities for fishers and traders while contributing to the growth of Odisha’s aquaculture sector.
Another major project — the integrated aqua park at Hirakud in Sambalpur district — is expected to serve as a model facility for inland aquaculture development. The park will support fish farming, hatchery operations, feed production, and value addition, thus boosting rural employment and export potential.
Officials said that both projects are aligned with the central government’s “Blue Revolution” initiative, which focuses on sustainable fisheries development, improving post-harvest management, and strengthening the value chain for aquatic products.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture K.V. Singh Deo and Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik attended the virtual meeting from Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Principal Secretary of Agriculture Arabinda Padhee, Director of Agriculture Shubham Saxena, and senior officials from both the Agriculture and Fisheries departments were also present.
The upcoming projects mark a significant step in Odisha’s efforts to modernize its agri-fisheries infrastructure and empower local communities. By integrating technology, training, and infrastructure support, the new initiatives are expected to drive sustainable rural growth and strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and fishers across the state.
