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GAMSME Highlights Enterprise and Market Opportunities for 993 Fish Farmers in Meghalaya
Patharkhmah, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya | 8 October 2026
What does it take to turn fish farming into a stronger business? Beyond producing fish, farmers need access to affordable inputs, reliable infrastructure, technical support and markets that reward their efforts. Bringing these elements together can create opportunities for farmers and the wider rural economy.
This was a key focus of the One-Day Joint Orientation and Awareness Programme on Fisheries Cluster Formation and Central and State Departmental Schemes, held at Patharkhmah, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, on 8 October 2026, with the participation of the Global Association of MSMEs (GAMSME).
The programme focused on the proposed Jirang Fisheries Cluster, which includes 993 fish farmers across approximately 135 hectares of aquaculture area. Organised by the School of Livelihood and Rural Development (SLRD) and Living Roots Network (LRN), in collaboration with the Office of the Superintendent of Fisheries, Ri-Bhoi District, Government of Meghalaya, the programme brought together farmers and development stakeholders under the theme “From Water to Market: Learn, Connect & Grow.”
The importance of a more organised approach was reinforced by Chief Guest Shri Sosthenes Sohtun, Hon’ble Minister for Community and Rural Development and MLA from Jirang. He encouraged farmers to make use of government initiatives and develop fisheries as a sustainable source of income. Highlighting the region’s potential in agriculture, fisheries and allied sectors, he stressed the need to bridge the gap between production potential and actual output.
Smti Meda A. Khongiliw, Superintendent of Fisheries, Ri-Bhoi District, also emphasised the need to move beyond individual pond-based production towards a more organised fisheries business model. A cluster approach, she noted, could help create economies of scale and improve farmer incomes.
These priorities reflect an important opportunity: connecting local production with enterprise development, stronger market relationships and a more coordinated rural economy.
Fisheries extend far beyond the pond. They support a wider network of economic activities, including fish seed and feed supply, equipment, transportation, storage, processing, packaging and marketing. When these activities are better connected, they can create opportunities for farmers and the businesses that support them.
However, small-scale producers often face common challenges. High feed costs, inconsistent access to quality fish seed, transportation-related losses, disease-management difficulties and limited market connections can affect profitability. Selling individually may also leave farmers with less bargaining power and fewer options when market conditions are unfavourable.
A cluster-based approach offers a way to address these challenges collectively while allowing farmers to continue managing their own farms. For GAMSME, the wider enterprise opportunity lies in strengthening the connections between producers, suppliers, service providers and buyers. Better coordination could help farmers explore more efficient procurement, organised marketing and reliable commercial relationships, while creating scope for complementary rural businesses to grow.
Ri-Bhoi District has nearly 5,000 pond-based fish farmers and ranks third in Meghalaya in fish production, according to the Fisheries Department, as reported in the accompanying newspaper coverage. This existing production base creates an opportunity to strengthen the links between farming, business services and market access.
The programme explored the proposed formation and registration of Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), which could help farmers coordinate input purchases, aggregate produce, strengthen their bargaining power and engage with buyers more effectively. Discussions also covered scientific fish farming, farm profitability, digital records, GIS-based fisheries mapping, smart aquaculture, quality management, traceability and value addition.
These are not simply technical improvements. Better farm records can support business decisions, quality management can help build buyer confidence, and aggregation can help farmers work towards supplying consistent volumes. Processing, packaging and cold-chain arrangements could also create opportunities to explore additional value beyond primary production.
A stronger fisheries enterprise needs more than good production. It also needs appropriate infrastructure, financial awareness and access to customers. A feed mill and cold-storage facility are planned for Jirang during October to December 2026 as part of the proposed value-chain intervention. If implemented, these facilities could improve local access to feed and provide better options for fish storage and supply coordination.
Jirang’s proximity to Assam also creates scope to explore markets beyond Meghalaya. Better coordination of harvesting, transportation, quality and delivery schedules could help farmers work towards meeting buyer requirements more consistently.
Participants were familiarised with relevant government support mechanisms, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Meghalaya Aqua Mission, fisheries Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). Understanding eligibility, documentation and application requirements can help farmers explore appropriate support opportunities. The proposed facilities and market arrangements remain subject to implementation, effective management and participation by farmers and other stakeholders.
GAMSME’s participation brought an MSME and enterprise-development perspective to discussions on how rural producers can connect with organised business structures and market-oriented opportunities. Fish farming connects with a network of businesses involved in inputs, equipment, logistics, storage, processing, packaging and trade. Strengthening these connections could create opportunities for existing businesses and encourage complementary services to develop around local production.
The broader opportunity lies in exploring how better coordination, stronger farmer institutions and improved market relationships can help local enterprises become more viable and competitive. Realising this potential will require continued collaboration among farmers, governme
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