Partnership Details

DSM Fresh Foods Limited (operating as Zappfresh) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Gohpur Fish Farmer Producer Company Limited for the development of the Assam Aqua Project. The partnership is part of the company's strategy to strengthen backward integration and build a structured sourcing ecosystem for its seafood business.

Project Specifications

  • Location: Village Jokapora, Gohpur, Biswanath District, Assam
  • Land Area: Approximately 100 acres
  • Production Capacity: Target of 300 tonnes of freshwater fish annually
  • Farming Method: Organised and scientific aquaculture practices

Project Objectives and Scope

The partnership aims to establish an integrated seed-to-fork aquaculture ecosystem with the following objectives:

  • Improve sourcing consistency for Zappfresh's seafood business
  • Strengthen supply-chain efficiency
  • Enhance quality control and traceability across fish procurement and processing value chain
  • Develop processing, cold chain, and distribution infrastructure for efficient farm-to-market operations

This represents the company's second aquaculture partnership following its previous collaboration with Varuna Aquatech.

Operational Responsibilities

Gohpur Fish Farmer Producer Company Limited, chaired by Anup Sarmah, will be responsible for end-to-end ground operations of the project. The company is described as an organised body of local fish farmers in the Gohpur region.

Community and Employment Impact

The project is expected to:

  • Support local farming communities through improved market access
  • Create direct and indirect employment opportunities
  • Include participation of women through Self-Help Groups
  • Contribute to development of sustainable livelihood opportunities in the region
  • Generate employment for local youth across farming, processing, and logistics functions
  • Improve income levels of fish farmers in the area
  • Help reduce the fish supply gap within Assam state

Management Commentary

Deepanshu Manchanda, Managing Director of Zappfresh, stated that strengthening sourcing capabilities and building long-term supply ecosystems remains a key focus area. He noted that Assam is one of India's most significant freshwater fishery markets with a large number of farmers actively engaged in aquaculture, making it suitable for building a long-term supply ecosystem.