Guwahati is set to host the first edition of the Aqua North East Expo 2026, a three-day event aimed at strengthening the aquaculture sector in the region.
Scheduled from September 17 to 19 at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, the expo is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across the industry.
The event will serve as a platform for companies, technology providers, startups, and government agencies to explore emerging opportunities in Northeast India, which is increasingly being seen as a promising aquaculture market due to high fish consumption and growing developmental focus.
Organisers said the initiative seeks to connect the region with national and global players in the aquaculture ecosystem.
The expo is being organised by Aqua Doctor Solutions Pvt Ltd, led by Dr Debtanu Barman, in association with Fishery.News, founded by Induvardhan Reddy Putana.
The initiative has received support from institutions such as the National Fisheries Development Board and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with participation from fisheries departments of Northeastern states.
The expo will feature multiple segments, including an Ornamental Aquaculture Pavilion, a Startup and Innovation Pavilion, and an Industry Conference and Knowledge Summit, offering a mix of exhibitions, discussions, and networking opportunities.
The announcement follows the Aqua North East Summit 2025, which brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations, and farmers from across the region.
Discussions at the summit focused on key challenges such as productivity gaps, limited adoption of scientific practices, weak market linkages, inefficiencies in the value chain, and climate-related risks.
Experts had also highlighted the need for species diversification, improved cold-chain infrastructure, and greater use of technologies such as AI, IoT, and digital farming, alongside enhanced access to financial support through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
With abundant water resources and a rapidly expanding market, Northeast India is considered one of the country's most resource-rich regions for aquaculture.
Stakeholders believe that increased investment, better coordination, and technology-driven practices will be key to unlocking the sector's full potential.