DSM Fresh Foods Ltd, operating under the brand name Zappfresh, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Gohpur Fish Farmer Producer Company Ltd to develop the Assam Aqua Project, a freshwater fish farming initiative in Gohpur, Biswanath District, Assam, according to the source. The project targets an annual production capacity of approximately 300 tonnes of freshwater fish across 100 acres in Jokapora village.
Partnership and Operational Roles
Under the MoU, Gohpur Fish Farmer Producer Company Ltd — described as an organised body of local fish farmers — will handle end-to-end ground operations. This structure ensures the project remains rooted in the local farming community and leverages existing knowledge and relationships, the source reported.
Production Capacity and Infrastructure
The farming operations will employ organised aquaculture practices covering fish seed sourcing, feed management, water quality, and harvest planning. Beyond production, the project intends to establish processing, cold chain, and distribution infrastructure to manage the fish supply from farm to market, according to the source.
| Project Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Area | ~100 acres in Jokapora village, Gohpur, Biswanath District, Assam |
| Target Annual Production | ~300 tonnes of freshwater fish |
| Key Operational Focus | Seed sourcing, feed management, water quality, harvest planning |
| Infrastructure Planned | Processing, cold chain, distribution |
| Ground Operations Partner | Gohpur Fish Farmer Producer Company Ltd |
Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain
Deepanshu Manchanda, Managing Director of Zappfresh, stated: “Strengthening sourcing capabilities and building long-term supply ecosystems remains a key focus area for us. The Assam Aqua Project is an important step towards creating a more integrated and sustainable aquaculture value chain.” He added, “Assam is one of India’s most significant freshwater fishery markets with a large number of farmers actively engaged in aquaculture, and we believe this makes it the right place to build a long-term supply ecosystem.”
Manchanda further emphasised collaboration: “Through this initiative, we aim to work closely with farming communities and partners to improve productivity, enhance quality standards, and strengthen market access. We believe such collaborations can create long-term value for both the supply ecosystem and consumers while helping us build a more reliable and scalable sourcing model.”
Local Employment and Community Impact
The project is expected to create direct and indirect employment for local youth in Biswanath district across farming, processing, and logistics functions, according to the source. Participation of women through self-help groups is planned as part of the broader project design. Manchanda said, “We aim to improve income levels of fish farmers in the area and contribute to reducing the fish supply gap within the state.”
The MoU was announced on June 12, 2026, marking the beginning of a structured effort to build a sustainable aquaculture supply chain in Assam.
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