India

Carp Production in Meghalaya Surges to 4 Tonnes per Hectare Under ICAR’s Aqua Village Initiative

By Vijay C Roy

In Ri‑Bhoi district, Meghalaya, fish production has risen from 1.5 tonnes per hectare in 2025 to 4 tonnes in 2026 after the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched its Aqua Village Model. The model promotes quality fish seed, pelleted feeds and scientific stocking practices for major carp species such as Amur common carp, Gonius and silver barb. M. L. Jat, secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, said the initiative aims to build science‑led livelihood systems that link research with farmers, strengthen rural economies and create sustainable opportunities. The model also links higher fish yields with broader goals, including nutritional security, livelihood diversification, women’s economic participation, efficient resource use and sustainable rural development. In Meghalaya, where water is plentiful but aquaculture productivity has traditionally been low, the intervention shows how a single pond can produce far more fish, improve livelihoods and support rural entrepreneurship. The project began in November 2025 and combines scientific fish farming with integrated resource management and community participation. Roiland Mukhim, a woman farmer, reports that her 1,000‑square‑metre pond, previously yielding about 1.4 tonnes per hectare, now produces 340–400 kg of fish after stocking 10,000 seeds per hectare and a culture period of roughly 11 months. The fish average 450 g, giving an expected harvest of 3,400–4,000 kg per hectare. Experts note that the model seeks not only to boost fish production but also to raise farmers’ income and livelihoods. Anupam Mishra, vice‑chancellor of Central Agricultural University in Imphal, said the success will lead to replication across Meghalaya and other northeastern states. The Aqua Village model covers the entire value chain, from pond management and seed production to harvesting and value addition, and has so far served local markets. The plan is to expand to other districts and states to support Sustainable Development Goals such as poverty reduction, food security, gender equality, decent work and responsible production. Jat added that ICAR is committed to scaling such location‑specific innovations beyond institutional boundaries to support India’s climate‑resilient, inclusive and self‑reliant agricultural sector.