Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Launches India’s First Aqua Tech Park in Sonapur, Assam.

In mid-July 2025, Assam’s Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma officially inaugurated India’s first Aqua Tech Park at Bagibari in Sonapur. This groundbreaking facility pioneers advanced water-technology solutions aimed at modernizing aquaculture, boosting local livelihoods, and reinforcing Assam’s vision for sustainable development.

      - The ceremony took place on 12 July 2025, and was attended by senior officials including Fisheries Minister Krishnendu Paul, NABARD Chief General Manager Loken Das, and Kolong‑Kapili Director Jyotish Talukdar. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among NGO Kolong‑Kapili, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), the state Fisheries Department, and the Selco Foundation.

      - The Aqua Tech Park showcases cutting-edge technologies including aquaponics, biofloc systems, ornamental fish breeding, and modern fish feed production, designed to empower fish farmers. These capabilities were highlighted during live demonstrations, providing hands‑on training and boosting productivity and income for aquatic cultivators.

      - Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the park’s role in Assam’s transformation into a self‑reliant ("Atmanirbhar") state, addressing reliance on fish imports, notably from Andhra Pradesh. He commended Kolong‑Kapili’s 17‑year effort since launching its Aquaculture School in 2021—trained thousands in fisheries and integrated agriculture systems—as a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship.

Main Point :-   (i) Assam’s fisheries output has doubled between 2019 and 2024, reaching 4.99 lakh metric tonnes, elevating the state to fourth-largest fish producer in India. The park is expected to further drive this growth by integrating traditional methods with modern aquaculture technologies.

      (ii) The Chief Minister announced support through central schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) project, including an ₹800 crore ADB-backed component and a ₹250 crore JICA-funded initiative. Additionally, ten fishery cluster development projects worth ₹8 crore were rolled out this fiscal.

(iii) Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma also revealed plans to expand infrastructure: two Forced Water Fish Breed Banks at Garukhuti and Goalpara (₹5 crore each), a ₹26 crore modern fish market in Cachar’s Silcuri, and a ₹20 crore integrated fish landing centre at Sonarigaon. He urged youth involvement and assured support for fish farmers under the Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan.
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