Landmark agreement under the Integrated Fisheries Industry Policy 2026 aims to boost aquaculture, create 35,000 jobs, and position Madhya Pradesh as a major seafood export hub.
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has signed a ₹7,430 crore investment and buyback agreement with Kuwait-based Zabedi Al Kuwait Fisheries Company and Indore-based Kamdars Care under the Madhya Pradesh Integrated Fisheries Industry Policy 2026. Signed in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the partnership is expected to significantly strengthen the state’s fisheries sector through large-scale investment, modern aquaculture infrastructure, and export-oriented development.
The project will focus on developing backward and forward linkage infrastructure, including advanced cage culture systems at four major reservoirs—Indira Sagar, Bargi, Bansagar, and Barna. These investments are aimed at increasing fish production, improving supply chain efficiency, and creating a modern fisheries ecosystem capable of serving domestic and international markets.
According to the state government, the initiative is expected to generate approximately 4 lakh tonnes of additional fish production through cage culture while also producing around 1.23 lakh tonnes of vegetables using integrated aquaponics, hydroponics, and greenhouse farming technologies. The project demonstrates a sustainable approach by combining fisheries with advanced agricultural practices.
The investment is projected to create 35,000 employment opportunities, including around 15,000 direct and 20,000 indirect jobs, benefiting fishing communities, farmers, and rural enterprises across Madhya Pradesh. Officials believe the project will improve livelihoods while encouraging greater private and foreign participation in the state’s fisheries sector.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the agreement aligns with the state’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ incomes by expanding opportunities beyond traditional agriculture. He highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s abundant inland water resources and stated that the new investment would help establish the state as a leading destination for fisheries development and seafood exports.
As part of its long-term strategy, the state has set a target of achieving nearly ₹6,000 crore in fisheries exports through improved production, processing, and export infrastructure. The partnership is expected to strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s position in India’s aquaculture industry while promoting value-added seafood processing and international market access.
The ₹7,430 crore agreement represents one of the largest investments in Madhya Pradesh’s fisheries sector and underscores the growing importance of aquaculture as a driver of rural development, employment, and export growth. By integrating modern fish farming technologies with sustainable production systems, the project is expected to play a key role in advancing India’s blue economy and strengthening the country’s seafood value chain.