Fish production increases in Meghalaya through ICAR's Aqua Village Model

The 'Aqua Village Model' implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has led to a major surge in fish production in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district. According to government data reviewed by Mint, carp fish production in Meghalaya was 1.5 tonne per hectare in the year 2025, which increased to 4 tonne in 2026. The main contributors to this success are quality fish seeds, prepared pelleted feed, and scientific stocking methods.

This initiative to promote the cultivation of major carp fish varieties in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district is now poised to emerge as a comprehensive model for fisheries development for India's North-East region. With the objective of strengthening local fish production and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, the Central Government has encouraged major carp varieties such as Amur Common Carp, Gonionys, and Silver Barb.

According to M. L. Jatna, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Aqua Village represents the transformative capacity of Indian agricultural research in solving complex development challenges. He added that their focus is not only on increasing productivity but also on creating integrated, science-based livelihood systems that connect research with farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and create sustainable opportunities for communities.

This Aqua Village Model links increasing fish production with several broader development goals such as nutritional security, livelihood diversification, women's economic participation, efficient use of resources, and sustainable rural development. Despite water being abundantly available in Meghalaya, aquaculture productivity has traditionally remained limited. This scientific intervention demonstrates how a single pond can provide more fish, better livelihood opportunities, and a strong foundation for rural entrepreneurship.

Implemented in Ri-Bhoi district in November 2025, this initiative combines scientific fish farming with integrated resource management and community participation. This model covers the entire value chain from pond management and seed production to harvesting and value addition. It includes polyculture of varieties such as Amur Common Carp, Gonionys, and Silver Barb along with Indian major carps. So far, this model has primarily served local markets.

Based on the initial progress of this initiative, there are now plans to expand activities to other districts and North-Eastern states. The aim is to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction, food security, gender equality, decent work, and responsible production. As per M. L. Jatna, ICAR is committed to going beyond institutional boundaries to make such scalable and locally-tailored innovative experiments an integral part of India's climate-resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant agricultural sector vision.

The impact of this model can be clearly seen through the experience of woman farmer Roland Mukhim. She has demonstrated an improvement in fish farming productivity in her 1,000 square metre pond. According to Roland Mukhim, previously her pond recorded a productivity of approximately 1.4 tonne per hectare. Now, after 10,000 fish seeds per hectare and approximately 11 months of cultivation, the average weight of the fish has reached 450 grams. She now expects a harvest of 340 to 400 kg from her pond, or approximately 3,400 to 4,000 kg per hectare. She added that with better methods, she hopes for a bountiful harvest.

Experts emphasized that the objective of this model is not only to increase fish production but also to improve farmers' income and livelihoods. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of the Central Agriculture University, Imphal, stated that Aqua Village is not just about increasing fish production; it is about strengthening livelihoods, creating entrepreneurial opportunities for women and youth, and increasing the resilience of tribal communities. He further stated that this model demonstrates how scientific innovation, integrated farming, and local knowledge can come together to build a sustainable and self-reliant North-East. Based on this success, they will re-implement this model across Meghalaya and the North-Eastern states. The Central Agriculture University, Imphal, which works in close collaboration with ICAR in agricultural education, research, and technology dissemination, plays a vital role in this process.