GUWAHATI : Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu showcased the state’s vast fisheries and aquaculture potential at Aquaex Northeast 2026, one of the region’s largest fisheries and aquaculture expos, which commenced at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati on Friday.
The two-day event was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Prof SP Singh Baghel and attended by Assam Fisheries Minister Nirmala Devi, policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and fish farmers from across the country.
Addressing the inaugural session, Prof. Baghel highlighted the remarkable growth of India’s fisheries sector over the past decade, stating that fish production has nearly doubled from about 95 lakh tonnes to 198 lakh tonnes, making India the world’s second-largest fish producer and a global leader in aquaculture. He described fisheries as a key pillar of the country’s Blue Economy, supporting the livelihoods of nearly three crore people and contributing significantly to economic growth and nutrition security.
The Union Minister noted that despite global trade challenges, India’s fisheries exports have continued to grow, recording a nearly 16 per cent increase in volume and an 18 per cent rise in value. He also underscored the strategic importance of the Northeast, citing its abundant water resources and favourable ecological conditions. He informed that fisheries projects worth ₹1,776 crore have been sanctioned for Assam under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), alongside investments in infrastructure, cold-chain development and Integrated Aqua Parks.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, Wangsu projected Arunachal Pradesh as one of the country’s most promising frontiers for fisheries development and investment. He credited flagship schemes such as PMMSY and the Atma Nirbhar Matsya Palan Yojana for driving growth in the sector and noted that the state’s hatchery infrastructure has expanded from nine to 16 units, significantly strengthening fish seed production capacity.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s strengths, Wangsu said the state has emerged as a leading destination for cold-water fisheries, particularly trout farming, which is creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in remote and border areas. He stressed the need for improved cold-chain infrastructure, branding support, organised marketing systems and export linkages to help fish farmers secure better returns.
The Minister also outlined the state’s vision of developing an integrated fisheries value chain encompassing hatcheries, fish seed production, feed manufacturing, processing facilities, cold storage, transportation, value addition and export-oriented enterprises. He further highlighted opportunities in reservoir fisheries, ornamental fisheries, recreational angling, eco-tourism and Integrated Aqua Parks.
Inviting investors and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh, Wangsu said the state’s strategic location, improving connectivity and supportive policy environment make it an attractive destination for fisheries and aquaculture investments.
The Department of Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, also participated in the expo through an exhibition stall showcasing the state’s fisheries achievements, trout farming success stories and investment opportunities.
The conclave featured technical sessions on aquaculture technologies, fish health management, seed production, value addition, processing, marketing, export opportunities and sustainable fisheries practices, with experts sharing insights on emerging trends shaping the sector.
Later, Wangsu visited the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Research Centre and the Horticultural Research Station of Assam Agricultural University at Kahikuchi to assess the prospects of cocoa and black pepper cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh.
The visit focused on studying the crops’ commercial viability, value-addition potential, market opportunities and profitability for farmers.
Among those present at the inaugural session were Assam Fisheries Department Secretary Manvendra Pratap Singh, former Fisheries Secretary Tarun Shridhar, Assam Fisheries Director Gauri Shankar Das, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj–North Eastern Regional Centre Director Dr. Murugesan Ramasamy, ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region Director Dr. Kadirvel Govindasamy, National Fisheries Development Board representative Dr. Deepa Suman, Aquaex Chairman Venu Dantuluri and Convener Rajnish Kumar.
