Madhya Pradesh Aims to Become Major Inland Fisheries Hub, Says CM Mohan Yadav

Addressing the National Fisheries Investors and Exporters Conclave 2026 at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal, Yadav said the state was taking sustained measures to expand its fisheries infrastructure, increase fish farmers' incomes and generate employment.

He said the government's focus was on strengthening the fisheries value chain by linking production with processing facilities and wider domestic and international markets.

Yadav inaugurated the conclave alongside Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Union Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel. The event brought together industry representatives, investors and exporters to explore opportunities for expanding the fisheries sector, particularly in inland states.

During the event, Yadav and Singh jointly released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at boosting fisheries exports from inland states. They also handed over approval for an integrated development project covering reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars.

Certificates were distributed to beneficiaries from the fisheries sector, including recipients under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, fisheries cooperative societies, startups and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana.

The initiatives are intended to encourage investment in fisheries-related activities, strengthen cooperative institutions and startups, and improve market access for fish farmers.

Yadav said Madhya Pradesh's water resources offered significant opportunities to expand fisheries-based livelihoods and support economic growth. He emphasised the importance of developing infrastructure and market connections to help fish farmers benefit from the sector's growing commercial potential.

The conclave focused on identifying investment opportunities, improving processing and export capabilities, and building stronger links between fish producers, businesses and international markets.