The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was established in 2006 as an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India to enhance fish production and productivity in the country and to coordinate fishery development in an integrated and holistic manner. A wide range of fishery development activities viz., intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks, culture based capture fisheries in reservoirs, coastal aquaculture, Mariculture, sea weed cultivation, establishment of infrastructure, fishing harbours and fish landing centres, fishing dressing centres and solar drying of fish, domestic marketing, deep sea fishing and tuna processing, ornamental fisheries, trout culture, artificial reefs technology upgradation and capacity building of fishermen and fish farmers are being supported through the State Governments/Implementing agencies. The activities of NFDB are overseen by a Governing Body under the Chairmanship of the Union Agriculture Minister. The Governing Body and the Executive Committee consider and decide the activities of the Board and provide periodic guidance. The Executive committee, with the Secretary in charge of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries as its Chairman, provides the general superintendence, direction and the control of the affairs and functions of the Board. The NFDB is headed by a Chief Executive.
Vision : To develop fisheries and aquaculture in a big way by adopting new and innovative production technologies, management and utilization of unutilized and underutilized water resources, establishment of adequate infrastructure for post harvest operations and proper market tie-ups.
Mission : Holistic development of the fisheries sector through enhancement of fish production and productivity; to supplement nutritious protein for the growing population; to accelerate the overall economy of the country, besides improving health, economy, exports, employment and tourism in the country.
Objectives :
• To provide focussed attention to fisheries and aquaculture (production, processing, storage, transport and marketing.
• To achieve sustainable management and conservation of natural aquatic resources
• To apply modern tools of research and development for optimizing production and productivity from fisheries.
• To provide modern infrastructure mechanisms for effective fisheries management and optimum utilization
• To train and empower women in the fisheries sector and also generate substantial employment
• To enhance the contribution of the fish toward food and nutritional security
To achieve the above objectives, NFDB is implementing various production oriented schemes which have direct impact on the enhancement of fish production and productivity. Schemes of NFDB are mainly implemented through the Departments of Fisheries of the respective States / UTs. NFDB also implements various technology up-gradation programmes through Fisheries research institutes of ICAR, Fisheries Colleges, and other research institutes for up-scaling of several technologies for development of fisheries.
Schemes of NFDB are broadly categorized under 12 major activities :
(1) Reservoir Fisheries Development
(2) Hygienic Fish Marketing
(3) Infrastructure for Postharvest Processing
(4) Intensive Aquaculture in Ponds and Tanks
(5) Ornamental Fisheries and other activities
(6) Cold Water Fisheries
(7) Coastal Aquaculture
(8) Mariculture
(9) Deep Sea Fishing and Tuna Processing
(10) Seaweed Cultivation, Fish Dressing Centers and Solar Drying of Fish
(11) Implementation of Technology Upgradation Schemes
(12) Human Resource Development. So far, NFDB has released Rs. 837.99 crore for implementation of these activities.
Scheme : Financial assistance for skill development training programme to fisheries officials of Punjab State (under identification and capacity building of master trainers)
| Sr. No. | Year | Funds received | Expenditure | Balance |
| 1 | 2015-16 | 0.413 | 0.413 | - |
Scheme : Training to fish farmers (at tehsil level) under training and demonstration programme.
| Sr. No. | Year | Funds received | Expenditure | Balance |
| 1 | 2015-16 | 6.375 | - | 6.375 |
Scheme : Establishment of one Aquatic Animal Health Management laboratory in the state.
| Sr. No. | Year | Funds received | Expenditure | Balance |
| 1 | 2015-16 | 9.00 | - | 9.00 |
Scheme : Organization of State level fish farmers mela during 2015-16
| Sr. No. | Year | Funds received | Expenditure | Balance |
| 1 | 2015-16 | 25.00 | - | 25.00 |
Scheme : Financial assistance for training programme on Soil & Water analysis from CIFA Bhubneshwar to 6 officials of the state.
| Sr. No. | Year | Funds received | Expenditure | Balance |
| 1 | 2015-16 | 0.528 | 0.528 | - |
Scheme : Financial assistance for Exposure visit of 10 officers to cage culture practices in reservoirs of Jharkhand
| Sr. No. | Year | Funds received | Expenditure | Balance |
| 1 | 2015-16 | 0.864 | 0.864 | - |