Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated a two-day Conclave on the Development of the Fishery Sector in Assam, 2025, at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati on May 5.
Planned by Raj Bhavan, Assam, in association with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Assam, the event aims to chart a sustainable and planned roadmap for fisheries development in the state.
Speaking at the gathering, the Governor emphasised Assam’s huge potential to become a hub of fish cultivation and a key supplier to Southeast Asian nations. “With its abundant water resources—rivers, wetlands, ponds, and reservoirs—Assam is uniquely located to transform its fishery sector into a profitable and self-reliant industry,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of mixing modern science, technological innovations, and sustainable practices into fish farming. “Fishery is no longer a traditional occupation; it is an evolving industry that offers both nutrition and livelihood. We must bring youth into this sector through novelty and new-age models that can place Assam on the global aquaculture map,” he stated.
Acharya also emphasised the influence of central government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) in reshaping India's fishery ecosystem. He lauded Assam’s state initiative, Ghore-Ghore Pukhuri, Ghore-Ghore Maach, under the Matsya Jagaran Abhiyan, for promoting small-scale aquaculture at the household level.
He called for greater focus on species diversification and the development of native breeding technologies. “Our aquaculture still revolves around major Indian carps like Katla, Rohu, and Mrigal. Indigenous species with cultural and culinary importance are underutilised due to technological limitations. Addressing this gap is vital,” he said.
The Governor articulated hope that the conclave would lead to joint policy formulation and scientific exchange, paving the way for Assam to rise as the ‘Aqua Hub’ of Southeast Asia. He said that with strategic implementation of the conclave’s references, the state could boost its fish production by up to 50 per cent over the next two to three years.
Assam Fisheries Minister Krishnendu Paul, speaking at the event, outlined the state’s target of achieving 7 lakh tonnes of fish production by 2030. He also stressed solving the aquaculture potential within tea estates, developing Beel fisheries, and using forest water bodies as brood banks and breeding grounds for native fish species.
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Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam Ravi Kota, OSD to the Governor Bechan Lal, Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor S. S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Fisheries Department Commissioner and Secretary Rakesh Kumar, and Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, Joy Krishna Jena, were among the key luminaries attending the programme.
The first day of the conclave featured five thematic sessions, focusing on Water Resource Management, Diversification of Fish Culture, Fish Seed Production and Breeding, and Marketing Systems.
These sessions were led by prominent fishery experts from across the country, along with participation from local practitioners.
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