Explore ‘emerging’ opportunities in Arunachal: Wangsu to investors
GUWAHATI, Jun 12: The two-day Aquaex Northeast 2026, one of the region’s largest fisheries and aquaculture expos and seminars, commenced at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati on Friday, bringing together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, fish farmers and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the future of fisheries and aquaculture in Northeast India.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof S P Singh Baghel inaugurated the event as chief guest, while Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu attended as guest of honour. Assam Fisheries Minister Nilima Devi was also present on the occasion along with senior government officials, researchers and representatives from leading fisheries institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Baghel highlighted the remarkable transformation of India’s fisheries sector over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that India’s fish production has nearly doubled from about 95 lakh tonnes to 198 lakh tonnes, making the country the world’s second-largest fish producer and a leading force in aquaculture.
Describing fisheries as a key pillar of India’s blue economy, Baghel said the sector today supports the livelihoods of nearly three crore people while contributing significantly to economic growth, nutrition security and rural prosperity.
The Minister noted that despite global trade challenges and market uncertainties, India’s fisheries exports recorded impressive growth, with marine product exports increasing by nearly 16 percent in volume and 18 percent in value. He attributed the achievement to the hard work of fish farmers, fishermen, entrepreneurs and exporters, supported by proactive government policies and expanding international market access.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Northeast, Baghel said the region’s abundant water resources and favourable ecological conditions position it as a major growth centre for fisheries and aquaculture. He informed that fisheries projects worth Rs 1,776 crore have been sanctioned for Assam under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), alongside major investments in infrastructure, cold-chain development and Integrated Aqua Parks.
Speaking on the occasion, Wangsu projected Arunachal Pradesh as one of India’s most promising frontiers for fisheries development and investment.
He credited flagship initiatives such as the PMMSY and the Atma Nirbhar Matsya Palan Yojana for driving significant progress in the sector.
The Minister further noted that the State’s hatchery infrastructure has expanded from nine to sixteen hatcheries, strengthening fish seed production capacity and supporting sustainable sectoral growth.
Emphasising Arunachal Pradesh’s unique advantages, Wangsu said the State has emerged as a leading destination for cold-water fisheries, particularly trout farming. He observed that high-value trout aquaculture is creating new livelihood opportunities in remote and border areas while demonstrating the economic potential of niche fisheries enterprises.
Calling for stronger market integration, Wangsu stressed the need for improved cold-chain logistics, branding support, organised marketing systems and export linkages to help fish farmers realise greater value from their produce.
He also outlined the State’s vision of developing a comprehensive fisheries value chain encompassing hatcheries, fish seed production, feed manufacturing, processing facilities, cold storage, transportation, value addition and export-oriented enterprises. In addition, he 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 strong policy support make it an emerging destination for fisheries, aquaculture and allied sector investments.
The Department of Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, actively participated in the expo by setting up an exhibition stall showcasing the State’s fisheries achievements, investment opportunities, trout farming success stories and various government-supported initiatives aimed at accelerating fisheries development.
The two-day conclave is expected to serve as an important platform for fostering innovation, investment and collaboration while strengthening the Northeast’s role in India’s rapidly expanding fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Later in the day, Wangsu visited the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) 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 crop’s commercial viability, value-addition potential, market opportunities and farmer profitability.