An expert consultation was held from 16 to 19 October 2001, in Bhubaneswar, India, to review the technical issues associated with sustainable intensification of food production through aquaculture in the countries of South Asia. FAO, the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA, Bhubaneswar, India) and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) carried out this activity as a cooperative effort. The overall goal of the expert consultation was to facilitate the preparation of draft technical guidelines on aquaculture nutrition and environmental health management for the sustainable intensification of food production through aquaculture in low income food deficit countries in South Asia. The expert consultation helped in consolidating the information, experiences, ideas and findings related to intensification of freshwater aquaculture systems focusing on nutrition, disease and health management, and environmental management. The consultation brought participation and contributions of major stakeholders, including producers, national aquaculture experts, government planners and policy-makers.