THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
JANUARY 19, 2026
In a decisive push to strengthen rural
livelihoods and accelerate agribusiness growth, the Odisha government is set to
host the grand three-day Matsya-Pranee Samavesh Odisha (MPSO-2026) in
Bhubaneswar from January 21, positioning fisheries and livestock as key engines
of the state’s emerging rural economy.
Addressing mediapersons on Monday,
Odisha’s Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Gokulananda Mallik, said
the conclave would serve as a powerful platform of awareness, innovation and
prosperity for fishers and livestock farmers across the state. He highlighted
that MPSO-2026 is aligned with the government’s broader vision of making Odisha
self-reliant in the production of milk, meat, eggs and fish, thereby
strengthening supply chains, boosting farmer incomes and reducing dependency on
external markets.
The conclave, themed “Innovative Interventions
in Fisheries and Livestock for Vikashit Odisha,” will be inaugurated by Chief
Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, and will continue
until January 23. The valedictory session will be graced by Governor Dr. Hari
Babu Kambhampati, underlining the strategic importance the state attaches to
the sector.
According to official sources, more
than 8,000 farmers, entrepreneurs and women self-help group members from blocks
across Odisha are expected to participate over the three days, reflecting the
conclave’s wide grassroots reach. In a move aimed at celebrating excellence and
encouraging best practices, 348 farmers and entrepreneurs, including six
representatives from each sub-division, will be honoured as ‘Champions’ for
their outstanding contributions to fisheries and livestock farming.
Additionally, the best 20 officers from the Fisheries and Animal Resources
Development sector will be felicitated for their role in driving sectoral
growth.
A key attraction of MPSO-2026 will be
the ‘Ask the Minister’ programme, where farmers from across the state will
directly interact with the Fisheries Minister, raising queries and concerns
related to production, marketing, infrastructure and policy support.
Emphasising participatory governance, Mallik said the government is committed
to addressing these issues through practical solutions, with senior officials
and subject experts engaging in open, solution-oriented discussions.
The conclave will also feature panel
discussions, exhibitions and multiple interactive programmes showcasing
innovations, technologies and market opportunities, reinforcing Odisha’s intent
to transform fisheries and livestock into vibrant, sustainable and
investment-friendly sectors that can power inclusive rural development.
