Madhya Pradesh to Double Fish Production: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said Madhya Pradesh aims to double fish production under its Integrated Fisheries Policy-2026 and become a leading fisheries hub by linking water resources with investment, innovation, and exports. Addressing the National Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave-2026 in Bhopal on Friday, he announced plans to establish one lakh cage culture units and integrate fisheries with food processing and MSMEs to boost investment, value addition and employment.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed participants at the National Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave-2026 at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre on Friday. He said that the state’s water resources would be developed for multiple uses, including drinking water, irrigation, livestock, fisheries, water tourism and aquatic biodiversity conservation. The government is working to improve the economic conditions of both farmers and fish farmers through better water-resource management.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the new policy targets the establishment of one lakh cage culture units across the state. Large water bodies will also be developed in protected forest areas to provide water for wildlife while creating opportunities for fisheries. The Chief Minister inaugurated the conclave by lighting the ceremonial lamp along with Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the fisheries sector would be integrated with the food processing industry to promote processing, value addition, packaging and marketing after fish production. The integrated fisheries sector would also be linked with MSMEs to enable incentives and other support. Investors and fish producers will receive land allotment, technical assistance and other facilities to expand the industry under the Integrated Fisheries Policy-2026.

At the conclave, the Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Investment and Export Guide-2026 and the Standard Operating Procedure for the export portal were released. The state’s first public-private partnership (PPP)-based cage culture project, comprising 500 cages, was launched at Barna Reservoir in Raisen district. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and Union Minister Shri Singh also handed over administrative approvals for the integrated development of reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars in Madhya Pradesh. Beneficiaries received assistance, and films showcasing fisheries and sectoral development in the state were screened.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the fisheries sector offers significant opportunities for investment, production and exports. Investors, exporters and start-ups are being encouraged to participate in the sector. He also referred to the challenges posed by US tariffs on Indian fisheries exports and said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership helped the country navigate the difficult situation. The Chief Minister said the state government was expanding irrigation facilities through better water-resource management. The irrigated area in Madhya Pradesh has reached 69 lakh hectares, with a target of 100 lakh hectares. The Ken-Betwa Link and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) projects will create additional water infrastructure and support a new phase of fisheries production. He said the number of gharials in the Chambal was increasing and that the state was working to conserve aquatic life in all rivers. As part of these efforts, six crocodiles have been released into the Narmada River. Under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, water conservation and water-body restoration works worth ₹10,000 crore have been undertaken. The state is also restoring traditional water structures and developing new reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. Large water bodies will be developed in reserved forest areas to provide drinking water for wildlife and improve groundwater levels.

Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh said Chief Minister Dr. Yadav had resolved to transform Madhya Pradesh with the blessings of Baba Mahakal. The conclave brought fish farmers, investors and exporters together on one platform. He said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had launched several welfare initiatives for fisherfolk and their social empowerment. India is now the world’s second-largest fish-producing country. National fish production has risen from 95.7 lakh tonnes in 2014 to 198 lakh tonnes, an increase of 106 per cent over 11 years. Fisheries exports have reached ₹62,408 crore, and India exports fisheries products to 130 countries. He added that inland states had recorded 147 per cent growth in fish production. Shri Singh described Madhya Pradesh’s Integrated Fisheries Policy-2026 as an important initiative reflecting the state’s commitment to expanding the fisheries industry and taking a leading role in fisheries exports among inland states.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income could be advanced through allied activities such as fisheries, animal husbandry, goat rearing, poultry, floriculture, medicinal plant cultivation and organic farming. He said the Fisheries Department would play an important role in increasing farmers’ incomes. Madhya Pradesh has rivers such as the Narmada and Shipra, along with reservoirs and dams. Establishing one lakh cage culture units at Indira Sagar Reservoir could set a unique example for the country. He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and India’s achievements in dairy and fisheries production.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development Shri Narayan Singh Panwar said efforts were underway to connect fishers with better income opportunities and make optimal use of the state’s water resources. With the new policy and promotion of modern cage culture in suitable reservoirs, the fisheries industry is expected to become a major centre of economic activity in the coming years.

Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal said Madhya Pradesh currently produces 4.45 lakh tonnes of fish annually. In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of the Blue Revolution, Madhya Pradesh has set a target of increasing fish production to 10 lakh tonnes over the next three years. The sector is expected to attract an additional annual investment of ₹5,000 crore and generate around 50,000 employment opportunities. He said the Central Government was extending support to the state’s fisheries sector, while the state government would facilitate investors and help ensure attractive returns on their investments.

Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi said fisheries support the livelihoods of around six crore fishers in the country and play a key role in food and nutrition security and seafood exports. He said Madhya Pradesh would have an important role in expanding the fisheries industry and described the state’s Fisheries Policy-2026 as a significant step forward.

State Secretary for Fisheries, Fishermen Development and Welfare Shri Swatantra Kumar Singh said Madhya Pradesh has abundant water resources, including the country’s major Indira Sagar Reservoir. He said the new policy had opened avenues for private investment in an integrated fisheries model for the first time in the country. The model includes fisheries alongside aquaponics, pearl farming and duck rearing. Investors will be able to access investment-related services through a single portal. He added that funding was being approved to develop fisheries facilities in 49 reservoirs across the state.

Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri K.C. Gupta, Union Joint Secretary for Fisheries Smt. Gunjan Krishna, Shri B.K. Mehra, Shri Anurag Chaudhary, fish exporters from India and abroad, and fish-producing farmers from districts across Madhya Pradesh attended the event.

A buyer-seller meet was also organised as part of the conclave, bringing together exporters, buyers and representatives of major fisheries processing and export companies to discuss investment opportunities, business expansion and strategies to boost exports. Participants included officials from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) offices in Kochi and Mumbai, as well as representatives of Malpuri Aqua Processor Pvt. Ltd., V.K. Enterprises, Samimi Foods Pvt. Ltd. and Nilesh Sea Foods.