Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 projects worth Rs 50 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Guwahati, Assam. These projects span across all Northeastern states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, aiming to boost fisheries development in the region. The event also marked the review of PMMSY implementation in the Northeast, attended by other Union Ministers, state representatives, and dignitaries.
A notable highlight was the launch of India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim’s Soreng district, emphasizing organic and sustainable fish farming practices. This initiative aligns with Sikkim’s leadership in organic agriculture and aims to establish the state as a pioneer in eco-friendly aquaculture. Organic fish farming avoids harmful chemicals and promotes environmental sustainability, positioning Sikkim to tap into domestic and global markets for organic products.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will play a vital role in developing the organic fisheries cluster by providing financial support, building infrastructure, and forming fisheries-based farmer organizations. The project is expected to attract private investment, enhance tourism, and empower local communities.
The PMMSY’s cluster-based approach is designed to enhance competitiveness, strengthen value chains, and promote sustainable fisheries practices nationwide. It fosters collaboration among stakeholders, ranging from small-scale fishers to large enterprises, addressing gaps in the fisheries value chain and generating new business opportunities. Several clusters, including pearl, seaweed, and ornamental fisheries, have already been established across India.
The Northeast region has emerged as a hub for fisheries development, leveraging its rich freshwater resources and biodiversity. Government investments of over Rs 2,114 crore through schemes like the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, and PMMSY have significantly boosted infrastructure and productivity in the region. Inland fish production in the Northeast has grown from 4.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, reflecting a robust annual growth rate of 5%.
As part of the ongoing efforts, 50 new projects were inaugurated, including hatcheries, ice plants, cold storage facilities, biofloc systems, and integrated aquaparks, which collectively aim to create over 4,500 employment opportunities.
