The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), Chennai in collaboration with P2C Communication successfully organized the 5th edition of Shrimp Retail – 2026 during 29-30 September 2026 at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was the co-sponsor for this event. The two-day event brought together 325 progressive shrimp farmers, market leaders, retailers, entrepreneurs, researchers and other stakeholders across the shrimp value chain. This edition brought the entire seafood value chain together to accelerate India’s shift from an export-led industry to a domestic consumption driven growth model.
Dr J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, participated in the programme and highlighted the importance of science-based innovation, technology adoption and stronger linkages among research institutions, farmers and effective market linkage for sustainable development of the shrimp sector. He underlined the event to focus on domestic shrimp consumption, retail markets, value addition, branding, cold-chain and logistics, sustainability, emerging market opportunities and strengthening the farm-to-fork value chain.
Dr K. K. Tripathy, Joint Secretary, EAC to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi, participated in the programme, and emphasised through his deliberations on how to transform blue economy to blue perspective and described the related ‘Government of India’ schemes initiated for achieving this.
Dr B. K. Behera, Chief Executive, the National Fisheries development Board (NFDB), graced the programme and expressed optimism that this platform will provide meaningful interaction among farmers, industry representatives, retailers, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders and how NFDB can play a key role in enhancing the domestic consumption of fishfood.
Former ICAR-CIBA Director Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal highlighted that India’s varied consumer tastes are a huge opportunity for the domestic shrimp market. To drive local demand, he called for a collaborative, hands-on approach between research bodies, development organizations, and the industry.
Dr M. Kailasam, Director, ICAR-CIBA spoke about the innovative technologies of the institute and highlight on strengthening the domestic shrimp market and advancing the value chain that alongside India’s export-oriented shrimp industry.
He highlighted the sustained efforts of IAR-CIBA to develop and disseminate science-based technologies in areas including advanced production systems, disease management, indigenous shrimp feed and health-management solutions, precision aquaculture, and genetic improvement of the indigenous Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus).
The event also showcased ICAR-CIBA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among research institutions, farmers, industry, and markets, while promoting domestic shrimp consumption and value addition. During the event, ICAR-CIBA was bestowed with the Shrimp Innovation Award in recognition of its contributions to innovation and technology development in shrimp aquaculture. Dr Akshaya Panigrahi, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIBA, received the Shrimp Retail Advisory Award for his exemplary contribution to the organisation and successful conduct of Shrimp Retail 2026. During this event, stalls set up by the NFDB, ICAR institutes, and shrimp industry partners successfully showcased diverse products to the visitors.
As organiser of the program, ICAR-CIBA and P2C Communication reaffirmed their commitment to translating scientific research and innovation into smart market and the blue economy, and sustainable development of Indian brackishwater aquaculture.
