Palladium India has taken on a new role in transforming aquaculture in the eastern Indian state of Bihar through the Bihar Aquaculture Improvement Program (BAIP), a flagship initiative supported by the Gates Foundation. The programme aims to turn Bihar into a “fish surplus” state by 2029 while improving rural incomes, nutrition, and climate resilience.

Bihar’s fisheries sector has grown rapidly over the past two decades, fish production has tripled and the state has risen to become one of India’s top inland fish producers. Yet, despite this progress, the sector remains underdeveloped in many ways. Productivity is still low compared to leading aquaculture regions; farmers struggle to access quality seed and feed, and poor cold-chain and market systems lead to high post-harvest losses. At the same time, the region faces serious nutrition challenges, which could be addressed with better access to affordable fish.

“BAIP is designed to address these gaps through a holistic, technology-driven, and inclusive approach,” explains Manish Shankar, Director, Palladium India. “The programme seeks to mobilise one million small-scale fish producers, increase fish production by 25%, raise productivity per pond by 20% using climate-smart technologies, and ultimately double household incomes by connecting farmers to reliable and profitable markets,” Shankar adds.

“A strong gender focus is central to the programme, with women expected to make up 60% beneficiaries and to take on leadership roles in aquaculture enterprises and value chains.”

Strengthening the Foundations: Inputs, Technology, and Skills

The initiative is built around several core pillars.

These include modernising hatcheries and strengthening input supply systems, introducing new technologies such as aerators and digital water-quality monitoring tools, and promoting advanced farming models like biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems.

In addition, the programme is investing in capacity building by training farmers, producer groups, and local institutions so they can adopt improved practices and manage aquaculture as a profitable enterprise rather than a subsistence activity.

Building Market-Linked Value Chains

“The programme will support aggregation hubs, improve branding, and establish structured connections to markets so that farmers can sell their produce at better and more stable prices,” explains Shankar. “Investments in cold chains, hygienic markets, and post-harvest management will help reduce losses and improve product quality.”

By shifting from fragmented local sales to more organised and demand-driven systems, aquaculture can become a reliable source of income, employment and nutrition across rural Bihar.

Powering Decisions with Data

A strong digital backbone underpins the program. BAIP will introduce an integrated aquaculture management platform that connects farmers, producer organisations, extension workers, and government systems.

Through mobile applications and AI-enabled advisory services, farmers will gain access to real-time guidance on pond management, input use, and market opportunities. Data systems, including GIS-based dashboards, will support evidence-based planning and allow the program to respond quickly to risks such as disease outbreaks or climate shocks.

Women at the Centre of Aquaculture Transformation

Gender inclusion is a central aspect of BAIP. While women have long contributed to aquaculture through activities such as pond preparation, feeding, and post-harvest handling, their work has often remained informal and undervalued. BAIP is changing this dynamic by actively positioning women as aquaculture entrepreneurs, technology users, and leaders within producer groups and value chains.

“The programme prioritises women’s participation across training, enterprise development, and digital adoption,” explains Shankar.

Women are being supported to take on roles in seed rearing, feed management, aggregation, and marketing through Self-Help Groups and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations. “With access to skills training, digital advisory tools, and market linkages, women are transitioning from unpaid or low-paid labor roles to income-generating and decision-making positions,” he adds.

Climate resilience and environmental sustainability are also key priorities. Bihar’s aquaculture sector is highly vulnerable to floods, droughts, and changing weather patterns. BAIP promotes adaptive pond designs, water-efficient systems, renewable energy pilots, and improved biosecurity measures to reduce risk and environmental impact.

Over time, the programme will also explore carbon credit opportunities linked to sustainable aquaculture practices, aligning with broader climate goals.

From Strategy to Field-Level Action

Palladium serves as the Lead Technical Partner for BAIP, combining strategic leadership with on-the-ground implementation. The team will be responsible for designing and deploying the program’s digital systems, strengthening market linkages, and supporting innovation across the aquaculture value chain. Palladium is also directly implementing activities in seven districts, where it is working with fish farmers, producer groups, and local institutions to build skills, promote technology adoption, and connect producers to structured markets.

“Beyond field implementation, we play a central role in building partnerships with the private sector, including buyers, processors, and input suppliers, to ensure that increased production translates into higher and more stable incomes for farmers,” Shankar adds. He explains that the team is also closely coordinating with state government departments to align with national schemes and policies, helping communities access public support and infrastructure.

“At its core, BAIP is about more than fish production,” notes Amit Patjoshi, Palladium India CEO. “It is about building a modern, inclusive, and climate-resilient rural economy where women, youth, and marginalised communities can participate as entrepreneurs and leaders.”

By combining technology, market development, institutional strengthening, and social inclusion, Palladium’s work in Bihar reflects its broader global mission: turning development ambition into practical, scalable impact that improves lives and strengthens systems for the long term.