The Mega Aqua Mela 2026 – Shrimp Farmers’ Symposium was successfully organized by Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU) in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Coastal Aqua Farmers Association (TANCAFA) and the Prawn Farmers Federation of India (PFFI), with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) as the Co-organizer on 7thJanuary 2026 at the TNJFU Headquarters, Nagapattinam. The symposium served as a major platform for interaction among shrimp farmers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers, with the objective of promoting sustainable shrimp aquaculture and dissemination of the latest technologies and best management practices.The Mega Aqua Mela 2026 – Shrimp Farmers’ Symposium was successfully organized by Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU) in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Coastal Aqua Farmers Association (TANCAFA) and the Prawn Farmers Federation of India (PFFI), with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) as the Co-organizer on 7thJanuary 2026 at the TNJFU Headquarters, Nagapattinam. The symposium served as a major platform for interaction among shrimp farmers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers, with the objective of promoting sustainable shrimp aquaculture and dissemination of the latest technologies and best management practices.
The programme commenced with an inaugural function, which was graced by Thiru. K.C. Devasenapathi, IAS., Secretary, Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), Government of India, as the Chief Guest who delivered the chief guest address. In his address, he emphasized the importance of unity among shrimp farmers, value addition and domestic marketing of shrimps as a backup strategy for the export market. He also highlighted the development of Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPO), and the need to focus on safe, secure, and sustainable aquaculture development. He finally appreciated the University for collaboratively organizing such a mega event.
The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. N. Felix, Vice-Chancellor, TNJFU, who delivered the welcome address and in his address he pointed out the mobile van service provided to shrimp farm for collection of samples for analysis and the research projects sanctioned to solve the field problems. He also explained the academic programmes offered by the university and student placements opportunities. The dignitaries and representatives of farmers’ associations emphasized the importance of responsible and sustainable shrimp farming practices.
The programme comprised three technical sessions and one special session, focusing on emerging trends, technologies, and market strategies in shrimp aquaculture. A Farmers-Scientists Interaction Meet was conducted as part of the event, during which the problems and issues faced by shrimp farmers were discussed in detail. The Secretary, Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), and the Vice-Chancellor, TNJFU, explained possible solutions and suggested ways to address and overcome the issues faced by the farmers.
A total of 650 shrimp farmers from various coastal districts of Tamil Nadu participated in the programme, reflecting the wide outreach and strong relevance of the event to the farming community.
The Aqua Mela featured 28 industry stalls, showcasing a wide range of products and services related to shrimp feed, seed, farm accessories, health management products, aeration systems, and other allied inputs. These stalls enabled farmers to gain first-hand exposure to recent innovations, best practices, and cost-effective technologies.
In addition, exhibition stalls were set up by key Government and national-level organizations, including NFDB, MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority), CAA, CIBA (ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture), and TNJFU. These stalls disseminated information on government schemes, regulatory frameworks, research advancements, and technical advisory services beneficial to shrimp farmers.
Overall, the Mega Aqua Mela 2026 proved to be a highly impactful and well-organized event, strengthening farmer–industry–institution linkages and contributing significantly to capacity building and sustainable growth of the shrimp aquaculture sector in Tamil Nadu.
