NCB launches 'Operation Trident', with 38 teams striking 38 locations (See 'Corp Brief') IBC - Admission u/s 7 IBC requires summary finding of debt & default above statutory threshold, and not exact reconciliation or forensic reconciliation of accounts: SC (See 'Legal Desk') NIFTEM-K hosts India's First AI × Food Tech Hackathon, 'Hack the Fork' (See 'Corp Brief') GeM promotes 'The AABHAR Collection' to showcase India's Cultural Heritage (See 'Corp Brief') Misc - Administrator could neither assume RBI's write-down power at point of non-viability nor exercise it after reconstruction scheme took effect: SC (See 'Legal Desk') National Conclave 2026: Technical sessions outline reforms for future-ready cities (See 'Corp Brief') PM's appeal has given a new identity to Khadi: KVIC Chairman (See 'Corp Brief') SARFAESI - Secured creditor stepping into shoes of borrower/lessee cannot claim rights superior to those of original lessee: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Three-day event 'India Chem-2026' concludes in Mumbai (See 'Corp Brief') Agricultural Biological Resources generate ABS Benefits for Biodiversity (See 'Corp Brief') BHASHINI Division showcases Multilingual AI Solutions for Accessible Research at IIT Delhi (See 'Corp Brief') Capital Market - Sec 12A of Commercial Courts Act is mandatory and strict condition precedent for maintaining commercial suit where no urgent interim relief is contemplated: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Fisheries Investors & Exporters Conclave 2026 to boost Investment and Exports from Inland Fisheries (See 'Corp Brief') India's First Maritime NBFC SMFCL scales up with Rs 5,107 Crs disbursed (See 'Corp Brief') India advances Agrivoltaics Cooperation for Global South (See 'Corp Brief') RTI - Information regarding public orders & ongoing court proceedings is already accessible in public domain - falls outside disclosure obligations of public authority under statute: SEBI (See 'Legal Desk') Nadda reviews Healthcare Services and Infrastructure Development at ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital (See 'Corp Brief') India moves to development phase of national action plan for inland small-scale fisheries (See 'Corp Brief') NAAS showcases India's Agricultural Excellence at World Food Prize Foundation Symposium 2026 (See 'Corp Brief') CCI approves acquisition of shares of Universal Nutriscience by Integrace Private Ltd (See 'Corp Brief') CCI approves acquisition of 100% equity of Sahrudaya Health Care by Maybach Asia Holdings (See 'Corp Brief') IICA signs MoU with Association of ARCs (See 'Corp Brief') Chouhan launches nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' from Taraori in Karnal (See 'Corp Brief') IPR - Religious significance of name 'Annapurna' cannot, by itself, render its use as trademark incapable of protection: HC (See 'Legal Desk') India Post Creates History, Crosses Rs 4,000 Crore Revenue Mark (See 'Corp Brief') Joshi launches Registration Portal for KTS 5.0 (See 'Corp Brief') SAEINDIA to host APAC 23 in New Delhi (See 'Corp Brief') Secretary DARE calls for reimagining Agricultural Higher Education through Global Partnerships (See 'Corp Brief') PMLA - Payment of compensation pursuant to Apex Court's directions for environmental & forest violations is not payment or compounding of proceeds of crime; does not preclude attachment of proceeds of crime arising from alleged scheduled offences: SAFEMA Tribunal (See 'Legal Desk') Veep to inaugurate Conference on ‘Co-operative Federalism and Law Reforms' (See 'Corp Brief') A&C - Arbitrator has wide discretion u/s 31(7) of Arbitration Act to award pre-reference, pendente lite, and post-award interest at such rate as it deems reasonable: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Chouhan to launch 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan - Rabi 2026' today (See 'Corp Brief') IBC - Right to withdraw CIRP application u/s 12A is governed by provisions in force on date when complete Form FA is submitted to IRP: NCLT (See 'Legal Desk') CSIR-NIScPR successfully concludes Two-Week Skill Training Programme on Library Automation (See 'Corp Brief') India, Saudi Arabia discuss bilateral Electrical Interconnection Initiative (See 'Corp Brief') DRI seizes 13 kg foreign-origin gold worth around Rs. 19.41 crore (See 'Corp Brief') PMLA - Statutory twin conditions under Section 45 of the Act can override the fundamental constitutional safeguards of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution: SC (See 'Legal Desk') Saturation Campaign of Financial Inclusion to cover 2.7 Lakh Gram Panchayats and ULBs (See 'Corp Brief') DRI seizes 7 kg amphetamine and 3kg cocaine (See 'Corp Brief') IBC - Mere reason that some facts may have already been into existence but continue to exist would not mean that the application u/s 9 becomes retrospective: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Uttarakhand becomes first State to export Trout to Nepal (See 'Corp Brief') BIS organises Interactive Sessions to promote AYUSH with Quality Standards (See 'Corp Brief') PMLA - In absence of money trail connecting attached properties with proceeds of crime, subject properties cannot be attached merely as properties of equivalent value: Tribunal (See 'Legal Desk') Clarification on Legislative Developments concerning Govt's stake in IDBI (See 'Corp Brief') SEBI - The fact that criminal proceedings were subsequently initiated against appellants does not confer sanction under Section 15T of the SEBI Act to reopen a penalty order which attained finality: SAT (See 'Legal Desk') Efforts underway to develop one lakh young leaders: Mandaviya (See 'Corp Brief') IITM hosts consultation on Climate Science into Services for India Forum (See 'Corp Brief') IPR - Continued use of mark after express acknowledgment of proprietor's rights and undertaking to cease such use is strong indicator of dishonest intention and constitutes infringement: HC (See 'Legal Desk') IBC - Successful Resolution Applicant is entitled to pursue dues of Corporate Debtor against its debtors in arbitration even after conclusion of CIRP: SC (See 'Legal Desk') IBC - Express forfeiture clause in e-auction notice binds bidder despite absence of express forfeiture stipulation in Schedule I of Liquidation Process Regulations, 2016: SC (See 'Legal Desk') An unsuccessful 'success fee' litigation (See CORP EINSICHT)

Print

Fisheries Investors & Exporters Conclave 2026 to boost Investment and Exports from Inland Fisheries

Published: Oct 26, 2026

By TIOLCorplaws News Service

NEW DELHI, OCT 26, 2026: THE Department of Fisheries, Government of Madhya Pradesh, in association with the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India (GoI) & NFDB, organised the Fisheries Investors & Exporters Conclave 2026 in Bhopal on 23 October 2026 to strengthen investment, processing, value addition and export opportunities in inland fisheries.

The Conclave was graced by Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj; Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon'ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj; and Narayan Singh Pawar, Hon'ble Minister, Department of Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Ashok Barnwal. Investors, exporters, fish farmers, entrepreneurs from India and abroad along with senior officials of the Central and State Governments and other stakeholders across the fisheries value chain, were also present.

The Conclave brought together investors, exporters, fishers, more than 1,000 fish farmers from across Madhya Pradesh, fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), entrepreneurs, start-ups, processors, financial institutions, research organisations and other stakeholders across the fisheries value chain.

India's fish production reached 197.75 lakh MT in 2024-25, of which inland fisheries contributed 151.60 lakh tonnes, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the country's total fish production. India's seafood exports were valued at Rs 73,890 crore in 2025-26. The Conclave focused on connecting this production base with processing, cold-chain infrastructure, quality assurance, market access and exports.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, and Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, released the Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Investment and Export Guidelines, 2026, and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of Inland State Export Potential. These aim to facilitate investment across hatcheries, fish seed and feed, reservoir and cage fisheries, aquatic animal health, processing, cold-chain infrastructure, logistics, value addition and market development. Madhya Pradesh has been notified by the Central Government as a Reservoir Fisheries Cluster.

The programme also featured the virtual inauguration of integrated cage culture units and the handover of administrative approval for the Integrated Development of Reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars in Madhya Pradesh.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Hon'ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh handed over the Administrative Approval for the Integrated Development of Reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh, under the Union Budget Announcement 2026-27, to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. The initiative envisages the development of 49 reservoirs in the State at an approved project cost of Rs 8755.60 Lakh, and 5 Amrit Sarovar at an approved project cost of Rs 69 Lakhs.

The initiative aims to harness the fisheries potential of reservoirs, enhance fish production and productivity, strengthen infrastructure, generate livelihood and employment opportunities, and improve the socio-economic well-being of fishers and fish farmers in the state.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, and Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, distributed certificates to beneficiaries under various fisheries-related initiatives, including the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for fisheries, fisheries cooperatives, fisheries start-ups and the Performance Grant under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh , highlighted the fisheries sector's growing potential as a driver of investment, entrepreneurship, industrial development and exports, noting the increasing participation of investors, exporters, entrepreneurs and start-ups. Emphasising water resource management, he stated that the State's irrigation potential had increased to 60 lakh hectares over the past two and a half years, with a target of 100 lakh hectares by the end of the State Government's tenure. He highlighted the Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal river-linking projects, alongside efforts to develop reservoirs and conserve traditional water bodies, to strengthen water availability and create opportunities for fisheries.

Announcing three key initiatives, he outlined the integration of fisheries with the food processing industry to promote processing, value addition, packaging, cold-chain infrastructure and distribution; support and incentives for fisheries enterprises under the MSME framework, including land and other facilities; and the launch of the Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Policy 2026, providing for land allocation and facilities for fisheries enterprises. These measures aim to attract investment, generate employment and unlock the State's fisheries and aquaculture potential.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, noted that India exports fish to 130 countries, but inland states contribute only 2% of total fisheries exports, despite a 147% increase in fish production in these states. He emphasised the need to develop reservoirs and large ponds through scientific cage and pen culture, improve productivity and connect fish farmers with investors, processors and exporters. Welcoming the Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Investment and Export Promotion Policy 2026, he stressed that fisheries must be recognised and developed as an industry to attract investment, generate employment and enhance incomes.

He underscored the importance of quality fish production, efficient logistics, value addition, ready-to-cook products and reliable supply chains to meet international market demand. Highlighting traceability as essential for export competitiveness, he referred to the National Framework for Aquaculture Traceability 2025 and the National Fisheries Digital Platform, which support digital documentation across the aquaculture value chain. He also noted that MPEDA would support inland-state exporters with market intelligence.

Outlining five priorities for export promotion, the Union Minister called for identifying export-suitable freshwater fish species and target markets; developing fish collection centres and large-scale processing hubs; strengthening partnerships among farmers, cooperatives, investors and exporters; ensuring quality certification and traceability from the outset; and maintaining continuous engagement with international buyers and clear export targets.

He further urged stakeholders to follow the SOP released at the conclave, which provides guidance across the value chain, from fish seed stocking and production to export requirements. He called upon the State Government and industry stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner to position Madhya Pradesh as a leading contributor to India's inland fisheries exports.

Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, GoI emphasising Madhya Pradesh's vast inland fisheries potential, noted that the State's extensive river network, reservoirs and favourable water quality provide significant opportunities for fisheries development. He highlighted the potential of Indira Sagar Reservoir for large-scale cage culture, noting that the development of one lakh cages could set a unique example for the country.

The Minister observed that the creation of an independent Department of Fisheries in 2019 had accelerated the sector's growth and strengthened its development vision. He emphasised that inland fisheries, which account for approximately 75% of India's fish production, offer substantial opportunities for investment, exports and livelihood generation. He underlined the important role of inland states, particularly Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Chhattisgarh, in driving the next phase of fisheries sector growth.

Narayan Singh Panwar, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the State Government's efforts to transform fisheries from a livelihood activity into a growth-oriented sector driven by modern technology, investment, entrepreneurship, employment and higher incomes. In this direction, the Integrated Fisheries Industry Policy 2026 has been launched to enhance fish production through better utilisation of water resources and large-scale promotion of modern cage culture in suitable districts.

Emphasising the importance of translating investment and technology into local benefits, he noted that increased production would enhance incomes and create employment opportunities for fisher families. With the support of the Government of India, the Sardar Sarovar, Indira Sagar and Vindhyavasini clusters are being developed, with efforts to replicate successful models across other districts and establish an integrated system from production to market.

He further stated that the Department would act as a facilitator and partner, connecting investors, fish farmers and fishing communities to enable viable investments at the grassroots level. Inviting investors and entrepreneurs to participate in Madhya Pradesh's inland blue economy, the speaker reaffirmed the State's commitment to increasing production, attracting investment, generating employment and ensuring the prosperity of fisher families.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, highlighted the untapped export potential of inland fisheries. He noted that freshwater species such as Pangasius and Tilapia currently account for only 2% of seafood exports, with a target to increase their share to 10% over the next five years. States such as Madhya Pradesh can play a key role by utilising reservoirs, ponds, lakes and rivers, alongside investments in infrastructure, cold chains, certification and export market access.

Dr Likhi further highlighted the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cargo handling, prepared by the Government of India with MPEDA's support, to facilitate inland fish exports. The Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Investment and Business Promotion Policy 2026 was also noted as an important initiative. Over the next five years, a cluster-based approach under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), in collaboration with State Governments, will support training, value addition, packaging, branding and export logistics for inland fish and seafood, he added.

Ashok Barnwal, Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the State's ambitious plan to increase fish production from 4.5 lakh tonnes to 10-11 lakh tonnes over the next two to three years through the adoption of modern fisheries technologies under the Blue Revolution.

He stated that the proposed expansion could generate an estimated Rs 5,000 crore in additional annual income for the fisheries sector, benefiting at least 50,000 people. Emphasising the sector's transformation from a supplementary livelihood activity into a driver of investment and full-time employment, he invited investors and industry stakeholders to partner with Madhya Pradesh in developing fisheries exports, processing and backward linkages.

The Conclave highlighted the need to move beyond a production-oriented approach towards integrated fisheries value chains that connect production with processing, value addition, branding and markets. Stronger cold-chain connectivity, quality standards, certification and logistics can help inland fish products reach wider domestic and international markets.

The discussions and initiatives are expected to strengthen collaboration among Central and State Governments, investors, exporters, financial institutions, research organisations, fisheries cooperatives and entrepreneurs, translating Madhya Pradesh's inland fisheries potential into investment opportunities, stronger value chains and improved livelihood opportunities for fishers and fish farmers.

Background Note

Madhya Pradesh has 4.50 lakh hectares of inland water area, including 3.75 lakh hectares of reservoirs, providing a substantial production base for inland fisheries and aquaculture. Major species produced in the State are Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Tilapia, Pangasius, Common Carp and Grass Carp.

Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has accorded approvals to Madhya Pradesh at a total project cost of Rs 910.81 crore, with a Central share of Rs 305.50 crore, and released Rs 301.27 crore, equivalent to about 98.61per cent of the approved Central share. As a result, fish production in Madhya Pradesh increased from 2.00 lakh MT in 2019-20 to 4.45 lakh MT in 2024-25, registering an increase of about 123 per cent.

The major production-related interventions approved under PMMSY include 78 hatcheries, 1,157 RAS and biofloc units, expansion of pond area by more than 5,700 hectares and one Integrated Aquapark.

Under the Budget Announcement 2026-27, integrated development of 49 reservoirs and 5 Amrit Sarovars are approved to Madhya Pradesh with an investment of Rs. Rs 88.25 crore. Madhya Pradesh has established 316 cages in Halali Reservoir notified as a Reservoir Fisheries cluster. The Integrated Cage Culture units being inaugurated during this programme will further support planned production and marketing of fish.

Under FIDF, five projects have been approved in Madhya Pradesh:(i) fisheries training centre at a cost of Rs 5.00 crore, (ii) cold storage at a cost of Rs 1.21 crore, (iii) two innovative Projects at a cost of Rs 0.44 crore and (iv) Establishment of Disease Diagnostic lab at a cost of Rs 0.27crore. so far out of 5 projects 1 project related to fisheries training centre is ongoing while 4 yet to start.

TIOL CORP SEARCH

TIOL GROUP WEBSITES

taxindiaonline
taxindiainternational
TKF
TIOLawards
A TIOL Website. Copyright © 2025 TIOLcorplaws.com All rights reserved.