Aquaex Northeast Expo 2026 to highlight farmer empowerment

In a bid to boost aquaculture development and reduce the Northeast’s dependence on imported fish, the Aquaex Northeast Expo 2026 will be held in Guwahati from June 12–13, bringing together farmers, entrepreneurs, investors and experts from across the region.
Addressing a press conference, director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Rongsennungba, informed that the expo, organised by the National Fisheries Development Board in association with Aquaex India, would showcase sustainable fisheries development across the Northeastern states with emphasis on farmer empowerment, technology adoption, market linkages and investment opportunities.
He said the expo would bring together fish farmers, hatchery operators, feed manufacturers, equipment providers, financial institutions and researchers from all eight northeastern states. Governing body members of the National Fisheries Development Board, Rajnish Kumar and Anup Sarmah, also attended the briefing.
Rajnish Kumar stated that Aquaex India functioned as an aggregator platform connecting farmers, scientists, state agencies and NFDB with the objective of enhancing fish production and consumption. He observed that India faced a protein deficit, with nearly 73% of the population lacking adequate intake, while per capita fish consumption remained around 11–12 kg—nearly half the global average.
Highlighting government initiatives such as the Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Kumar said fish production had reached 197 lakh tonnes, with inland fisheries contributing about 75%. He informed that the Guwahati expo would be the first of its kind in the Northeast, featuring exhibitions, seminars and investor meets, with over 50 exhibitors expected to participate.
Anup Sarmah, aquaculture entrepreneur and NFDB governing body member, noted that despite abundant water resources, the Northeast continued to import fish worth several thousand crores annually.
He said utilising local water bodies for productive fisheries could boost the rural economy, generate employment and reduce dependence on imports.
Sarmah added that aquaculture could generate annual returns of Rs 5–10 lakh per hectare, making it a promising avenue for youth. He said 5,000–6,000 participants were expected at the expo, which would also feature sessions on advanced practices such as recirculatory aquaculture systems and biofloc technology.
He further emphasised the need for infrastructure development in the region, including feed mills and modern aquaculture facilities, estimating that establishing feed manufacturing units would require investments of around Rs 200 crore.
Concluding the briefing, Rongsennungba urged interested farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers and fisheries graduates from Nagaland to register with the department by the second week of May for nomination to attend the expo, describing it as an excellent platform to gain exposure to the latest developments in fisheries and explore business opportunities.