Bhubaneswar, Jan 21: The third State-Level ‘Matsya–Prani Samabesh Odisha 2026’ commenced on Wednesday at Janata Maidan here, with a massive walkathon marking the opening day. The three-day event, aimed at promoting awareness and prosperity among fish farmers and animal rearers, will continue till January 23.
Speaking on the occasion, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the Samabesh would serve as a “Mahakumbh of awareness and prosperity” for the fisheries and livestock sector.
He stated that the initiative is focused on making Odisha self-reliant in the production of milk, meat, eggs and fish through the adoption of modern technology.
A walkathon was organised early Wednesday morning from Kalinga Stadium to Janata Maidan, which saw participation from politicians, actors and the general public. Actor Siddhant Mahapatra, actor Akash Das Nayak, Principal Secretary of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Vijay Amruta Kulange, Director of Fisheries Mohammad Saddik Alam, senior officials, media representatives and citizens took part in the event.
They appealed to the people of the state to visit the Samabesh and gain first-hand knowledge about the use of advanced technologies in fisheries and animal resource development.
The event will be formally inaugurated on Wednesday afternoon by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati will grace the valedictory ceremony. The theme for 2026 is “Matsya–Prani: Innovative interventions in Fisheries and Livestock for Viksit Odisha,"
As part of the Samabesh, 26 farmers from each block, totalling 8,164 fish farmers and animal rearers, are participating. Additionally, 348 successful farmers-six from each subdivision—will be felicitated. Twenty outstanding departmental officers will also be honoured for their significant contributions. Winners of speech and quiz competitions organised in connection with the event will receive awards.
This year, the programme features 12 interactive panel discussions. Around 208 stalls have been set up across three hangars, showcasing products related to fisheries, animal husbandry, various government departments and private companies. Live demonstrations of fisheries and livestock practices are being held in two open hangars.
Cultural programmes featuring folk and classical dance performances will be organised every evening.
Adding to the attraction, special livestock exhibits include buffalo bulls from Haryana, a rare Punganur cow from Andhra Pradesh, and a Kankrej bull from Gujarat. A Dog Show will be held on January 23 at 8.30 am, followed by a Pet Fashion Show at 6.30 pm. Other highlights include a live seafood kitchen, virtual reality farm tours, drone and laser shows, an art exhibition, and selfie zones featuring cut-outs of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Ministers.
The organisers expect large public participation over the three days, making the Samabesh a major platform for learning, innovation and celebration in Odisha’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
