Governor inaugurates conclave on development of Fishery Sector in Assam, 2025
Assam has potential to become hub of fish cultivation and meet demands of South East Asian nations: Governor
Guwahati,Rongili Barta: Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, inaugurated a two day Conclave on ‘Development of the Fishery Sector in Assam, 2025’ held at Assam Administrative Staff College here today. The event was organized by Raj Bhavan, Assam in collaboration with the Dept. of Fisheries, Government of Assam.
The conclave has been organised to bring together key stakeholders including renowned fishery experts from across India including Heads of CIFRI, CIFA, NFDB, senior academicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across Assam to deliberate on strategies for holistic development of the fishery sector in Assam.
Inaugurating the conclave, the Governor said that the fishery sector in Assam has the potential, which can transform the state’s fisheries sector into a profit making and self-reliant industry. “With its rich water resources—rivers, wetlands, ponds, and reservoirs—Assam holds vast potential in fisheries. The conclave aims to channelize the immense potential of fisheries by empowering the fishery sector to provide sustainable livelihood, food security, and economic prosperity to lakhs of families, especially in rural areas,” he said.
Highlighting the fishery sector as a major pillar of the Blue Economy, the Governor stressed the importance of integrating modern science, technological innovation, and environmentally sustainable practices into fish farming. “Fishery is no longer a traditional occupation; it is an emerging industry which gives nutrition as well as livelihood. We must attract youth to this sector with new-age models and technologies that can place Assam on the global aquaculture map,” he stated.
Shri Acharya also acknowledged the significant role of Central government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Blue Revolution, and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) in reshaping the fishery landscape of India. In Assam, the flagship program “Ghore-Ghore Pukhuri, Ghore-Ghore Maach” under the Matsya Jagaran Abhiyan is encouraging households to adopt small-scale aquaculture.
He called for a focused push towards species diversification and the development of indigenous breeding technologies to improve both quality and production. “Currently, our aquaculture is centered around major Indian carps like Katla, Rohu, and Mrigal. Indigenous species, known for their cultural and culinary significance, remain underutilized due to technological gaps. Bridging these gaps is crucial,” he said.
The Governor expressed confidence that the conclave would serve as a catalyst for collaborative policy-making and scientific exchange, paving the way for Assam to emerge as the ‘Aqua Hub’ of Southeast Asia. He noted that with strategic implementation of the recommendations made at the conclave, Assam could increase its fish production capacity by up to 50 per cent within the next 2–3 years and become a major fisheries export hub for the Northeast.
Minister, Fisheries, GoA Shri Krishnendu Paul said that a targeted fish production of 7 lakh tonnes is envisaged from the state by 2030. He also said that there is a need to tap the aquaculture potential inside tea estates of Assam and development of Beel fisheries to be given due importance. The Minister also stressed on the need for harnessing the water bodies in Forest areas which play the role of brood banks and breeding ground for natural and wild breed stock.
Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Assam Dr. Ravi Kota, OSD to the Governor Prof. Bechan Lal, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor S. S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Commissioner & Secretary, Dept of Fisheries, Rakesh Kumar, and Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. Joy krishna Jena along with a host of other dignitaries were present at the conclave.
The conclave featured five thematic sessions on the first day focussed on critical aspects of the sector: Water Resource Management, Diversification of Fish Culture, Status of Fish Seed Production and Breeding, and Marketing Systems. These sessions were led by eminent fishery experts and practitioners from across India and also involved local experts.