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In Assam and across north-eastern India, the NGO Kalong-Kapili is helping rural families turn unused ponds, wetlands and beels into a source of food and income. Working with ICAR-CIFA, the organisation began in 2007 at Bagibari village and now runs a Field Laboratory and an Aquaculture Field School that train farmers in scientific fish farming, disease management, climate-resilient practices and integrated farming. This article describes how the model has spread to tribal clusters in Borbeel, Lohit and Lower Siang, benefiting hundreds of families through fish farming combined with horticulture, piggery and kitchen gardens.
It also covers Kalong-Kapili's work to empower women through self-help groups, its production of fish seed, and CIFA's outreach scheme reaching forest-dependent communities in West Karbi Anglong. Together these efforts show how aquaculture extension can reduce poverty and malnutrition while building lasting skills in remote regions.
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AquaInnovate 2 brought together 12 startups, scientists, and industry leaders in Bangkok from 23-27 March 2026, continuing the momentum to accelerate nature-based solutions and climate innovation across the Asia-Pacific, with financial from Canada's International Development Research Centre.
The week blended intensive learning with practical experience. Entrepreneurs pitched breakthrough ideas in biotechnology, community enterprise, and regional scaling, then refined their business models through expert coaching circles. Field visits to innovative Thai aquaculture sites connected theory with real-world practice, while a high-stakes "Shark Tank" session challenged innovators to defend their ideas before experienced investors and business leaders. A culinary showcase highlighted the importance of engaging buyers and chefs as essential partners in market success - not just scientists and farmers.
The week concluded with the unveiling of the AquaHub Vision, a roadmap for a permanent digital platform to sustain and grow the pan-regional network of aquaculture innovators into 2026 and beyond.
Videos of workshop presentations will be available on this page and NACA's YouTube channel shortly.
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The World Veterinary Education in Production Animal Health (WVEPAH) invites applications for Module I: Fundamentals of Farm Health Management in Aquaculture - part of a certification programme leading to worldwide recognition in Aquaculture Production and Health, delivered by Université de Montréal and validated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
This advanced hybrid training combines 40 hours of online learning with a residential week at James Cook University, Singapore, from 2-6 March 2026. The programme prepares aquaculture professionals to support farmers in disease prevention, biosecurity, surveillance, and product quality at farm, watershed, and national levels.
The course adopts a One Health approach, covering environment, nutrition, farm management, physiology, pathology, biosecurity, diagnostics, epidemiology, and international regulations. Through field visits and diagnostic laboratories, participants develop practical skills in necropsy, sampling, and case analysis.
Early bird registration (€2,400) closes 2 January 2026; regular fee €2,600.
]]>A networking and coaching event for aquaculture entrepreneurs and startups was held in Bangkok from 12-19 May. AQUAINNOVATE brought together promising startups to pitch their ideas, network, and participate in expert coaching circles.
Convened by NACA and FutureFish with funding support from Canada's International Development Research Centre, the programme included sessions on business fundamentals, investing for impact, nature and community based business innovations, and interactions with experts from the the National Innovation Agency, Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, and Mahidol University.
]]>This presentation by Eduardo Leaño, Director General of NACA, provides a background and introduction to the 3rd High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia-Pacific Region (HLM-3).
The region accounts for around 90% of global aquaculture production but faces mounting challenges including resource scarcity, environmental pressures, climate change, and shifting global dynamics. Addressing these requires a strategic shift driven by innovation, investment, and stronger partnerships to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable aquatic food systems.
HLM-3 builds on the outcomes of previous high-level meetings and the Aquaculture Transformation White Paper, with a focus on national innovation and investment plans, regional collaboration, and implementation efforts to achieve transformation by 2030.
]]>This video presents a summary of key insights and forward-looking actions from the closing session of the 3rd High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia-Pacific Region. It highlights the critical role of low-cost fish for food security, the need for intuitive technologies suited to smallholders, and the barriers posed by regulation and financing gaps. Key themes include the importance of genetic improvement, knowledge-based farming, improved access to expertise, and alignment of incentives for sustainable and profitable aquaculture. The session emphasises inclusive investment strategies, farmer integration into financial systems, and the need for regional coordination and collaboration to drive transformation through 2030.
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