SOFI–WF 2026 International Conference Begins in Kochi
Call to Elevate India’s Ornamental Fisheries Sector to the Global Level
The third edition of the international conference Sustainable Ornamental Fisheries – Way Forward (SOFI–WF 2026) was inaugurated in Kochi by MPEDA Chairman D. V. Swamy (IAS). The conference is jointly organized by the School of Industrial Fisheries of the Cochin University of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, National Fisheries Development Board, ICAR - National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources and Ornamental Fish International.
Dr. Mini Shekhar, Director, School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology, and other delegates at the conference
In his inaugural address, Swamy highlighted the challenges in India’s export infrastructure. “The lack of efficient logistics for perishable goods and the absence of 24-hour customs support are major reasons for the low export of ornamental fish,” he said. He also assured that he would personally bring forward strong recommendations emerging from the conference to the attention of the current leadership.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. A. Bijukumar, Vice Chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. He expressed concern that India’s ornamental fisheries sector continues to remain a “sleeping giant.” He emphasized the need for industrial-scale breeding, certification-based trade, and integration into global supply chains.
Jonathan Poh, Secretary General of Ornamental Fish International, noted that India’s ornamental fish trade holds immense potential and can achieve global prominence if developed strategically.
The conference will feature technical sessions, farmer training programmes, and global discussions over the next two days. SOFI–WF 2026 aims to position India as a global leader in the ornamental fisheries sector. The conference will conclude on March 21.