ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Leads High-Impact Panel on Eastern Aquaculture at Viksit East AgFoodTech Summit 2026

5 August 2026, Kolkata

The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, took the lead in framing and moderating a high-level panel discussion on “Scaling the Blue Economy: The Rise of Eastern Aquaculture” at the Viksit East AgFoodTech Summit (VEATS 2026), organised by The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata. The panel, moderated by Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, brought together distinguished experts from the fields of research, international development, and agri-tech entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Dey emphasized that the panel discussion brought forth a transformative vision for Eastern India one where its vast aquatic resources evolve beyond being mere sources of fish to becoming powerful engines of innovation, entrepreneurship, employment generation, resilient livelihoods and sustainable economic growth. He underscored that harnessing the region’s water resources through science, technology and enterprise can unlock new opportunities for inclusive development and position Eastern India as a vibrant hub of the blue economy.

The discussion underscored the immense potential of Eastern India to emerge as a major hub of India's Blue Economy, leveraging its rich freshwater resources, fisheries diversity, aquaculture potential, technological capabilities and extensive rural workforce. The deliberations emphasised that the Blue Economy must go beyond increasing fish production to creating greater value, employment, resilient livelihoods and sustainable aquatic ecosystems.

The panel explored critical pathways for transforming Eastern aquaculture through science-driven innovation, climate-resilient production, improved fish breeding and nutrition, digital technologies, stronger research–extension–industry partnerships and inclusive development models. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing the challenges faced by smallholder fish farmers and accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies.

A key dimension of the discussion was the role of digital transformation in aquaculture, including AI, IoT, mobile advisory services and data analytics, in improving farm productivity, decision-making and market access. The panel also highlighted opportunities for women and rural youth in fish processing, value addition, branding, digital marketing, e-commerce and aquaculture-based entrepreneurship.

The experts further stressed the importance of post-harvest management, cold-chain infrastructure, value addition, traceability and modern processing technologies to reduce losses, improve product quality and enhance farmers' income. Such interventions can help Eastern India's aquaculture sector move from primary production towards a more competitive and integrated value chain.

The session concluded with a strong message that the future of Eastern aquaculture lies in the convergence of scientific research, digital innovation, sustainable business models andcollaborative partnerships. Such an integrated approach can empower fish farmers, create new avenues of employment for rural youth and women, strengthen food and nutritional security, and position Eastern India as a significant contributor to India's emerging Blue Economy.

(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)