Assam has achieved a major milestone in India’s aquaculture sector. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently inaugurated the country’s first Aqua Tech Park in Assam. Located in Barhampur, Nagaon district, the park aims to revolutionize fish farming, improve farmer incomes, and introduce cutting-edge aquaculture technology.
The Aqua Tech Park is designed to serve as a central hub for fish seed production, disease management, modern farming training, and innovation in fisheries. During the launch event, CM Sarma emphasized that this initiative will make Assam a leader in India’s blue economy.
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India’s First Aqua Tech Park: A Game-Changer for Fisheries
This is the first project of its kind in India. The Aqua Tech Park in Assam will act as a one-stop solution for aquaculture needs—offering infrastructure, research support, and training under one roof.
Spread across 25 acres, the park features hatcheries, breeding labs, rearing ponds, feed processing units, and water testing facilities. It will also host training centers for local farmers and fishery students.
CM Sarma highlighted that the project aims to reduce dependence on fish imports from other states and increase Assam’s self-sufficiency in fish production.
Empowering Fish Farmers in Assam
With over 3 lakh families engaged in fish farming, Assam has huge untapped potential. The state imports around 14,000 metric tonnes of fish each year to meet its demand.
By setting up the Aqua Tech Park in Assam, the government seeks to bridge this supply gap. The facility will provide farmers with improved fish varieties, disease-resistant seeds, and technical guidance.
Farmers will also receive training in new farming methods, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc systems, and integrated fish farming. These methods improve yield, reduce environmental impact, and ensure year-round production.
Technology and Research at the Core
The Aqua Tech Park in Assam has partnered with top scientific bodies and fisheries universities. Research teams will work on breeding high-yield fish varieties, studying disease patterns, and testing new feed formulas.
The park includes a water quality lab and a fish disease diagnostic center to help farmers detect and control diseases early. Farmers will get real-time updates and guidance via mobile apps developed by the park’s tech cell.
Sarma noted that such facilities would greatly reduce crop failures and losses due to fish mortality, a common issue in traditional farming.
Focus on Youth and Women
The CM also emphasized that the Aqua Tech Park would create new jobs for local youth and empower women in rural communities. Training modules will include fish processing, packaging, and marketing.
Women-led self-help groups (SHGs) will get special support to start small aquaculture units, enabling them to earn a steady income. The government will also provide credit assistance through micro-finance schemes linked to the project.
Boost to Assam’s Blue Economy
The launch of the Aqua Tech Park in Assam aligns with the state’s broader vision to develop its blue economy. Assam’s large network of rivers, wetlands, and ponds makes it ideal for fisheries and allied industries.
CM Sarma stated that with the right policy and infrastructure, Assam could become the fish basket of the Northeast. The park will play a key role in achieving that goal by promoting sustainable fish production and reducing post-harvest losses.
The government also plans to build satellite centers linked to the main park. These centers will help reach remote farmers and extend support across the state.
A Model for the Nation
With this initiative, Assam has set a national benchmark. CM Sarma expressed hope that the Aqua Tech Park in Assam would inspire other states to invest in similar projects. He added that the Centre has also taken note of this model and may adopt it under national fisheries schemes.
The Chief Minister praised the Fisheries Department for completing the project within record time. He said that the park will not only meet Assam’s local needs but also support fish exports to neighboring states and countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the project brings great promise, CM Sarma also acknowledged challenges. These include high input costs, disease outbreaks, and lack of cold-chain facilities. However, he assured that the government is addressing these issues through focused investment and public-private partnerships.
The state will soon launch an online portal for fish farmers. It will help them apply for government support, buy certified inputs, and access expert advice. The aim is to make fish farming profitable and technology-driven.
The launch of the Aqua Tech Park in Assam marks a turning point in the state’s fisheries sector. With innovation, training, and government support, the park promises to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and position Assam as a leader in aquaculture.
Under CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership, the state is embracing modern technology while staying rooted in its rural economy. This Aqua Tech Park stands as a symbol of progress, resilience, and hope for thousands of farmers across Assam.
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