The role of fisheries sector in the national economy is, in general, relatively limited. Fisheries sector as compared to other sectors of the national economy, probably comes under the most complex category. The complexity of fisheries sector stems from the interaction between nature, men and technology.

The fisheries sector has been recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of a number of subsidiary industries and is a source of low cost animal protein to the people particularly to the economically weaker sections of the society and thereby it is an advantageous position to ensure national food security. It is also a major source of foreign exchange in several countries including India. Fish culture is an age-old practice in many states of the country. The fish farming activity in the state of Haryana is of recent origin. In the short span of less than three decades, the fish farming in the state has developed to a status of significance. Haryana stands 2 nd in the average annual fish production per unit area in the Country. The average annual fish production in the state is 4209 Kg. Per hectare against a national average of 2260 Kg. The state has also achieved self-sufficiency in seed production of Indian Major Carp and Common Carp. At the time of creation of the state in November 1966, the total water area under fish farming was 58 hectare, which has increased to 8882.13 hectare by the end of March 2004. Likewise fish seed stocking has also increased from 1.5 lakh to 2470.6 lakh. The farmers of the districts adjoining to Delhi has further evolved a new technique in fish marketing i.e. harvesting the fish at 600 to 700 gm. and to carry in live condition to Delhi Fish market, so as to get high price. The total fish production from all resources was 600 metric tonne during the year 1966-67 which has now increased to 42050 metric tonne in 2004-05 inspite of depletion of fish population in natural water bodies.

Despite limitation of water resources in the state, Department has made notable progress. The main thrust of the department is to bring all available water bodies under fish culture by creating a class of fish farmers through hands on training and providing necessary technical and financial assistance. More than 80% of the village ponds in the state have been brought under fish farming.

The main objectives and activities of the Fisheries Department are as under:

•  To manage and conserve the natural fisheries in rivers, canals, drains and other water bodies.

•  To utilize available village ponds and tanks for fish farming.

•  To provide technical and financial assistance to fish farmers through Fish Farmers Development Agencies.

•  To create a class of trained fish farmers in the state.

•  To increase the production of quality fish seeds of all species.

•  To utilize unused waste agricultural land for fish farming

•  To create additional employment opportunity in rural area.