Assam Governor opens conclave to transform state into aquaculture powerhouse

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 5, 2025

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Monday inaugurated a two-day Conclave on the Development of the Fishery Sector in Assam, 2025 at the Assam Administrative Staff College. The event, organized by Raj Bhavan Assam in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, brings together national experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to chart a roadmap for the sustainable and profitable growth of Assam’s fishery sector.

In his inaugural address, Governor Acharya emphasized the immense potential of Assam’s rich water resources—rivers, wetlands, ponds, and reservoirs—to turn the fisheries sector into a self-reliant, profit-generating industry. He called for leveraging scientific innovation and sustainable practices to create livelihoods and ensure food security for lakhs of rural families.

“Fishery is no longer a traditional occupation; it is an emerging industry. With the right strategies, Assam can position itself on the global aquaculture map,” said the Governor.

He highlighted the need for species diversification, development of indigenous breeding technologies and youth participation through new-age models.

The Governor also acknowledged the transformative role of Central government schemes like PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), FIDF, Blue Revolution, and PM-MKSSY. He lauded Assam’s own flagship initiative, “Ghore-Ghore Pukhuri, Ghore-Ghore Maach”, for promoting household-level aquaculture under the Matsya Jagaran Abhiyan.

Assam Fisheries Minister Krishnendu Paul outlined a vision of reaching 7 lakh tonnes of fish production by 2030. He emphasized utilizing aquaculture potential in tea estates, beel fisheries, and forest water bodies, which serve as vital breeding grounds for indigenous fish stock.

Key attendees included Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, OSD to the Governor Prof. Bechan Lal, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Fisheries Secretary Rakesh Kumar, and ICAR Deputy Director General Dr. Joy Krishna Jena.

The conclave’s opening day featured five thematic sessions covering water resource management, diversification of fish culture, fish seed production & breeding and marketing systems.

Led by national and local experts, these sessions aim to drive actionable strategies for holistic growth in the sector.

Governor Acharya expressed confidence that the conclave would catalyze policy reform, innovation, and collaboration—setting the stage for Assam to emerge as the Aqua Hub of Southeast Asia, with fish production capacity potentially increasing by 50% in the next 2–3 years.