ICAR-CIBA, Chennai Organises Shrimp Retail 2026 in Vijayawada to Chart Roadmap for Boosting Domestic Seafood Consumption

29–30 September 2026, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, in collaboration with P2C Communication, successfully organised the 5th edition of Shrimp Retail 2026 on 29–30 September 2026 at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Co-sponsored by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the two-day event brought together key stakeholders across the shrimp and seafood value chain to deliberate on strategies for accelerating India’s transition from an export-oriented shrimp industry towards a stronger domestic consumption-driven growth model.

Dr J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, participated in the programme and emphasised the importance of science-based innovation, technology adoption and stronger linkages among research institutions, farmers and markets for the sustainable growth of the shrimp sector. He highlighted the need to focus on domestic shrimp consumption, retail markets, value addition, branding, cold-chain and logistics, sustainability, emerging market opportunities and strengthening the farm-to-fork value chain.

Dr K. K. Tripathy, Joint Secretary, EAC to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi, underscored the need to move from a conventional “blue economy” approach towards a broader “blue perspective”. He also highlighted various Government of India schemes and initiatives aimed at advancing the fisheries and blue economy sectors.

Dr B. K. Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, expressed optimism that the platform would facilitate meaningful interaction among farmers, industry representatives, retailers, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. He also highlighted the potential role of NFDB in contributing to increased domestic consumption of fish and seafood.

Dr Kuldeep K. Lal, Former Director, ICAR-CIBA highlighted India’s diverse food preferences as a significant opportunity for expanding the domestic shrimp market. He stressed the importance of a collaborative and hands-on approach involving research institutions, development organisations and industry to stimulate consumer demand and strengthen domestic markets.

Dr M. Kailasam, Director, ICAR-CIBA, highlighted the Institute’s innovative technologies and stressed the importance of strengthening the domestic shrimp market alongside India’s established export-oriented shrimp industry. He outlined ICAR-CIBA’s sustained efforts towards developing and disseminating science-based technologies covering advanced production systems, disease management, indigenous shrimp feed and health-management solutions, precision aquaculture and genetic improvement of the indigenous Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus).

The event provided an important platform for showcasing technologies, products and innovations aimed at strengthening the shrimp value chain. It also highlighted ICAR-CIBA’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration among research institutions, farmers, industry and markets, while promoting domestic seafood consumption and value addition.

During the programme, ICAR-CIBA received the Shrimp Innovation Award in recognition of its contributions to innovation and technology development in shrimp aquaculture. The Institute was also presented the Shrimp Retail Advisory Award for its exemplary contribution to the organisation and successful conduct of Shrimp Retail 2026.

The exhibition area featured stalls by NFDB, ICAR institutes and shrimp industry partners, showcasing a diverse range of products, technologies and innovations to visitors and participants.

The two-day event witnessed the participation of around 325 progressive shrimp farmers, market leaders, retailers, entrepreneurs, researchers and other stakeholders from across the shrimp value chain. The wide participation underscored the growing need for stronger coordination among science, production, processing, retail and consumption to unlock the full potential of India’s domestic seafood market.

Through Shrimp Retail 2026, ICAR-CIBA and P2C Communication reaffirmed their commitment to translating scientific research and technological innovations into stronger market linkages, value-added opportunities and sustainable growth of Indian brackishwater aquaculture.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai)