Lucknow: The Government of Uttar Pradesh will organise the Meen Mahotsav (Aqua Expo) on February 27 and 28, 2026, at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. The two-day event aims to promote modern aquaculture technologies, boost entrepreneurship, and enhance the income of fish farmers across the state.
Announcing the event at a press conference held at Taj Hotel in Gomti Nagar, Fisheries Development Minister Sanjay Kumar Nishad said that the expo will bring together renowned scientists, entrepreneurs, and nearly 1,000 fish farmers from various districts of the state. The platform is designed to provide an integrated forum for knowledge-sharing, business networking, and technological advancement in the fisheries sector.
Dr. Nishad stated that the primary objective of the expo is to disseminate modern technologies in fish farming, encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure a steady rise in the income of fish farmers. The programme will focus on resolving ground-level challenges faced by farmers, demonstrating practical technological innovations, making fisheries more profitable and sustainable, expanding trade opportunities, promoting aqua tourism, and strengthening nutritional security.
The minister informed that around 50 reputed companies will participate in the industrial exhibition and set up stalls showcasing advanced equipment, feed, seeds, and innovative aquaculture solutions. Publicity material including banners, posters, standees, brochures, and pamphlets will be used to spread awareness about departmental schemes. Technical sessions will feature PowerPoint presentations via LCD projectors, explaining modern fish farming practices in detail.
In a significant outreach initiative, the entire event will be webcast and streamed live on YouTube across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, enabling fish farmers and aquaculture entrepreneurs from remote areas to participate virtually. A dedicated Fish Food Court will also be set up, offering a variety of fish-based dishes alongside a protein awareness campaign aimed at promoting fish consumption for better nutrition.
The expo will host technical seminars and interactive discussions between fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and scientists. Key sessions will focus on modern aquaculture techniques, disease management, production of quality fish seed, value addition, marketing strategies, export potential, biofloc technology, nutritional management, and Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) technology.
Dr. Nishad emphasised that direct interaction between experts and farmers will help resolve practical challenges and improve productivity. A special session will enable leading fisheries scientists and experienced entrepreneurs to engage directly with fish farmers from across the state. Through live webcasting, the discussions will reach stakeholders statewide, ensuring maximum participation and impact.
He noted that the Meen Mahotsav is expected to have a broad influence on nutritional security, fisheries trade, aqua tourism, and the overall economy of the state. The event will act as a strong platform for integrating scientific knowledge with grassroots practices, thereby strengthening the fisheries ecosystem.
“The state government is fully committed to making fisheries modern, profitable and self-reliant,” Dr. Nishad said. “This dialogue-based programme will serve as an effective mechanism to address real-time challenges and ensure sustainable growth in the sector.”
He added that fish farmers and aquaculture entrepreneurs will benefit from access to technical knowledge, detailed information about government schemes, and direct market linkages. Such initiatives are expected to significantly enhance income opportunities and ensure steady development in the fisheries sector, while simultaneously generating employment and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Prior to the press conference, an interactive session was organised between hotel and restaurant owners, caterers, stakeholders, and departmental officials. The discussion focused on establishing direct supply chains between fish farmers and hotels or catering businesses.
Economic Advisor Dr. K. V. Raju, Additional Chief Secretary (Dairy, Livestock and Fisheries) Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Director General Fisheries Mrs. Dhanalakshmi K., and other senior officials were present at the event.
During the interaction, participants discussed the benefits of enabling direct procurement of fish from farmers by hotels and caterers. It was highlighted that such a model would help fish farmers secure better prices for their produce while ensuring that tourists and the general public receive fresh fish dishes. The initiative is expected to enhance farmers’ income, generate employment, and further stimulate the growth of aquaculture-based enterprises in the state.
With large-scale participation from scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers and farmers, the Meen Mahotsav (Aqua Expo) is poised to become a landmark event for the fisheries sector in Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture and economic empowerment.
