Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave 2026 in Bhopal to Boost Inland Fisheries Investment and Exports

Madhya Pradesh will host the Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave 2026 to attract investment, improve processing infrastructure, expand export opportunities and strengthen inland fisheries value chains.

Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave 2026 to Boost Inland Fisheries Investment and Exports

The Government of Madhya Pradesh and the Government of India are organising the Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave 2026 in Bhopal on October 23, 2026. The event is being organised by the Madhya Pradesh Department of Fisheries and the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

The conclave aims to strengthen the inland fisheries sector by connecting fish production with investment, processing facilities, cold-chain infrastructure, value addition and export markets. It will provide a platform for industry stakeholders to explore business opportunities and develop partnerships across the fisheries value chain.

Conclave to Bring Together Investors, Exporters and Fish Farmers

The event is expected to bring together a wide range of participants, including investors, exporters, entrepreneurs, start-ups, fisheries cooperatives, processors, financial institutions and research organisations.

More than 1,000 fish farmers from Madhya Pradesh are expected to participate, alongside Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and other industry representatives.

Discussions will focus on enterprise development, financing options and market access. By connecting producers with investors and buyers, the conclave aims to identify opportunities for expanding fisheries businesses and improving commercial linkages.

The participation of financial institutions and research organisations is also expected to support discussions on funding, innovation and the development of sustainable fisheries enterprises.

Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Investment and Export Guidelines 2026

A key highlight of the conclave will be the release of the Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Investment and Export Guidelines, 2026.

The guidelines are intended to encourage investment across several parts of the inland fisheries sector, including:

• Hatcheries and fish seed production

• Fish feed manufacturing and supply

• Reservoir fisheries and cage culture

• Aquatic animal health services

• Fish processing and value addition

• Cold-chain infrastructure and logistics

• Market development and export promotion

These areas are important for building a stronger fisheries supply chain, from production to distribution and sale.

Investment in hatcheries, seed and feed can support production, while improved processing and cold storage can help preserve product quality and facilitate access to distant markets. Better logistics and market connections can also create opportunities for businesses to reach a wider customer base.

Export Guidelines and New Fisheries Infrastructure Initiatives

The programme will also feature the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) addressing the export potential of inland States. These procedures are intended to support efforts to develop export opportunities beyond coastal fisheries regions.

Another major activity will be the virtual inauguration of Integrated Cage Culture Units. Cage culture allows fish to be raised in designated enclosures within water bodies and can contribute to the productive use of suitable reservoirs.

The event will also include the handover of administrative approval for the Integrated Development of Reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars in Madhya Pradesh.

These initiatives will be undertaken by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, as part of the conclave's programme.

Together, the initiatives highlight efforts to improve fisheries infrastructure, encourage investment and expand the productive use of inland water resources.

India’s Fisheries Sector Records Strong Production

India’s fisheries industry has recorded substantial production, with inland fisheries accounting for a significant share of the national total.

According to the figures provided for the conclave, India’s fish production reached 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY25. Inland fisheries contributed 151.60 lakh tonnes, demonstrating their importance to the country’s overall fish production.

The sector also contributes to livelihoods, food supply and economic activity across different regions. Strengthening inland fisheries can create opportunities for fish farmers, processors, transport operators and other businesses involved in the supply chain.

Improved infrastructure, access to finance and stronger links between producers and markets can help the sector increase its commercial potential.

Seafood Exports Create Opportunities for Value Addition

India’s seafood exports were valued at ₹73,890 crore, or approximately US$8.36 billion, in FY26, according to the supplied figures.

Expanding processing capabilities and value addition could help businesses explore new opportunities in domestic and international markets. Value-added products can require specialised processing, packaging, storage and transportation, making infrastructure investment an important part of export development.

The proposed focus on cold-chain facilities, logistics and market development is intended to strengthen these connections. For inland fisheries producers, improved access to processing and distribution networks could support better market reach and additional business opportunities.

Madhya Pradesh Has Significant Inland Fisheries Potential

Madhya Pradesh has nearly 4.50 lakh hectares of water area, giving the state considerable scope to develop inland fisheries.

Suitable water bodies can support activities such as reservoir fisheries and cage culture, while investment in hatcheries, feed, processing and storage can strengthen the wider industry.

The state’s investment and export guidelines are intended to help channel resources into these areas. Greater coordination among fish farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and buyers could help address gaps between production and market access.

The conclave is expected to bring these stakeholders together to discuss practical ways of expanding enterprise opportunities and improving income prospects for fishers and fish farmers.

Conclusion

The Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave 2026 aims to strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s inland fisheries sector by encouraging investment, improving infrastructure and expanding market access. The release of investment guidelines, export-related SOPs and new fisheries initiatives will form key parts of the programme. With substantial water resources and a growing national fisheries industry, Madhya Pradesh has opportunities to develop stronger value chains and improve livelihood prospects for fishers and fish farmers.