Matsya-Pranee Samavesh Odisha 2026 to Showcase Innovation in Fisheries and Livestock Sectors

Bhubaneswar: The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department (F&ARD), Government of Odisha, on Saturday outlined the roadmap for the state-level Fisheries–Animal Conclave Odisha 2026, also known as Matsya-Pranee Samavesh Odisha (MPSO-2026), which aims to boost awareness, innovation and prosperity among fish farmers and livestock rearers across the state.

Addressing a press meet held at the Veterinary College Auditorium, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the conclave would serve as a major platform for knowledge sharing and sectoral growth. He highlighted the state government’s initiatives to make Odisha self-reliant in the production of milk, meat, eggs and fish through the adoption of modern technologies and scientific practices.

The three-day conclave, themed “Innovative Interventions in Fisheries and Livestock for Vikashit Odisha”, will be held from January 21 to 23, 2026, at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the event, while the valedictory session will be graced by Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati.

More than 8,000 farmers, entrepreneurs and women self-help group (WSHG) members, representing all blocks of the state, are expected to participate over the three days. As part of the Samavesh, 348 farmers and entrepreneurs will be honoured as champions for exemplary achievements in fisheries and livestock farming, while 20 outstanding officers from the Fisheries and Animal Husbandry sectors will also be felicitated for their contributions.

The conclave will feature 12 interactive panel discussions involving lead farmers, entrepreneurs and WSHG members, with experts and panelists from across the country and overseas deliberating on key issues related to fisheries, animal husbandry and agriculture. A special interactive session titled ‘Ask the Minister’ will allow farmers to directly raise questions with the F&ARD Minister, who will respond to their concerns and suggestions.

An extensive exhibition will be a major attraction, with over 100 exhibitors from across the country, including companies, NGOs, national institutions, government departments, directorates and cooperatives. Around 208 stalls across three hangars will showcase modern technologies in fisheries, animal resources development and agriculture. Live demonstrations of bio-floc technology, cage culture fish farming, high-yielding cross-bred cattle, sex-sorted semen calves and environmentally controlled poultry systems will be conducted in two open hangars.

The open exhibition area will also feature unique attractions such as Murrah buffalo bulls ‘Surveer’ and ‘Inder’ from Haryana, a Kankrej bull from Gujarat, and the Punganur cow from Andhra Pradesh, aimed at raising awareness among farmers about improved breeding practices and productivity. Additional highlights include a virtual reality farm tour, dog show, pet fashion show, poultry experience zone, pet and kids zones, painting exhibitions, drone and laser shows, and interactive selfie zones.

A Walkathon from Kalinga Stadium to Janata Maidan will be organised at 6 am on January 21 to mark the inaugural day. To engage students and young minds, eloquence and painting competitions will be held among veterinary, fisheries and management students, with winners to be awarded during the conclave.