On July 12, 2025, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the nation’s first Aqua Tech Park at Bogibari, Sonapur (near Guwahati). This pioneering facility serves as a training and innovation hub to modernise aquaculture in the Northeast and move Assam toward self-reliance in fish production.
1. Development & Partnerships
The park is a collaborative effort between non-governmental organisations and national research bodies:
- Lead NGO: Kolong Kopili (active in the fisheries sector for over 17 years).
- Supporting Partners: * NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)
- ICAR-CIFA (Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture)
- Selco Foundation
- GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation)
- Assam Fishery Department
2. Specialised Technologies Featured
The park showcases “climate-smart” and space-efficient technologies to maximise yield:
| Technology | Function & Benefit |
| Biofloc System | Uses beneficial bacteria to convert fish waste into feed; allows high-density farming in small tanks with minimal water exchange. |
| Aquaponics | A symbiotic system where fish and plants (vegetables/herbs) are grown together; plants clean the water for the fish, and fish waste provides nutrients for plants. |
| Ornamental Breeding | Focuses on breeding and managing “living jewels” (decorative fish) for the growing export market. |
| Recirculatory Aquaculture (RAS) | High-tech water filtration systems that allow for 24/7 controlled fish production. |
3. Assam’s Rising “Blue Economy”
CM Sarma highlighted the state’s rapid growth in the fisheries sector:
- Production Surge: Between 2019 and 2024, Assam doubled its fish output, reaching 4.99 Lakh Metric Tonnes.
- National Rank: Assam has climbed to become the 4th largest fish producer in India (behind Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat).
- Goal: To eliminate the state’s historic dependence on fish imports from states like Andhra Pradesh.
4. Government Support & Infrastructure
- Fishery Clusters: Launch of 10 fishery clusters with a total outlay of ₹8 Crore to streamline production and market linkage.
- Investment: The government is also initiating an ₹800 Crore ADB-assisted project (SWIFT) for sustainable wetland and integrated fisheries transformation.
- PMMSY Impact: Over 20,000 farmers have already benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana in the state.
5. Socio-Economic Vision
The Aqua Tech Park is not just a facility but an “Aqua Culture School” designed to:
- Empower rural youth with entrepreneurship skills.
- Provide health support and insurance (up to ₹5 Lakh) for fish farmers.
- Create direct market links to ensure farmers get better prices for their “made in Assam” fish.