In a landmark initiative for the fisheries sector, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth US$5.83 million (INR500 million) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at the Northeastern Region States Meet in Guwahati, Assam. The event also saw the launch of India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim, an initiative that marks a new chapter in sustainable aquaculture development.
The gathering was attended by Union Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Baghel and George Kurian, state ministers in charge of fisheries, Secretary Fisheries Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, and several other dignitaries.
Major Projects for the Northeastern Region
The US$5.83 million investment under PMMSY will cover all Northeastern states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, with INR386.3 million as the central share. These projects aim to generate 4,530 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Specific initiatives include:
Assam: Establishing an Integrated Aqua Park in Darrang District to produce 150 MT of fish annually, generating INR100-150 million in revenue and up to 2,000 jobs. A large fish feed plant in Kamrup District will produce 20,000 MT annually, while hatcheries across districts aim to produce 50 million spawn annually.
Manipur: Ice plants and cold storage units in Thoubal and Imphal Districts to preserve fish and reduce post-harvest losses, along with hatcheries for conserving biodiversity.
Meghalaya: A recreational fisheries project in East Khasi Hills District to boost tourism and create local employment opportunities.
Nagaland: Freshwater finfish hatcheries in Mokokchung and Kiphire Districts, collectively producing 21 million fry annually to support local aquaculture.
Tripura: Ornamental fish rearing units and finfish hatcheries to leverage indigenous resources and generate employment.
Sikkim: 24 projects including Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), ornamental fish rearing units, and fish kiosks in Gangtok and other towns. These projects will enhance livelihoods and income generation for local communities.
The government has prioritized the development of infrastructure such as reservoirs, biofloc units, feed plants, and integrated aquaculture parks to boost productivity and enhance the efficiency of the value chain across the region. This includes the establishment of 12 hatcheries, 2 ice plants/cold storages, and 1 integrated development of a reservoir. The promotion of recreational fisheries has been supported with 1 project, while 4 medium-scale ornamental fish rearing units have been established.
Additionally, 12 small RAS units, 10 fish kiosks (including aquariums and ornamental fish), and 2 biofloc units have been set up. The establishment of a feed plant and a mini fish feed mill has been carried out, alongside 3 breeding units and 1 integrated aquapark. In total, 50 projects have been completed.
India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim
The Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim, was officially launched by the Union Minister under the PMMSY. This initiative aligns with Sikkim’s reputation as an organic farming state, which has been instrumental in promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By integrating organic aquaculture into this framework, the cluster aims to ensure sustainable fish production by eliminating harmful chemicals, pesticides, and antibiotics, while preventing environmental pollution and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. The focus will be on species like amur carp and other carps, offering economic, environmental, and social benefits.
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NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) is a critical partner in this project, providing financial and technical assistance for fisheries infrastructure and capacity building. NABARD will work with fishers’ cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to promote private investment, enhance the value chain, and empower local fishers and farmers. The initiative also aims to position Sikkim as a hub for organic fish exports, capitalizing on growing global demand for eco-friendly products. It will further strengthen branding efforts for Sikkim’s cold water fisheries and attract tourism to the region.
Cluster-Based Development Approach to Enhance Fisheries Value Chain
The PMMSY emphasizes a cluster-based approach to improve competitiveness, achieve economies of scale, and ensure organized growth in the fisheries sector. The approach unites enterprises of all sizes along the value chain, from production to exports, addressing gaps, reducing costs, and fostering innovation. In Sikkim, this will include diverse stakeholders such as fishers, enterprises, SHGs, FFPOs, processors, vendors, and cooperatives, ensuring holistic development.
Nationally, the Department of Fisheries has identified several cluster projects, including Pearl Cluster in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh District, Ornamental Fisheries Cluster in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai District, Seaweed Cluster in Lakshadweep, and Tuna Cluster in Andaman & Nicobar. These clusters, like the Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim, reflect the government’s focus on creating sustainable and location-specific fisheries hubs.
Northeast’s Fisheries Growth
The Northeastern Region (NER) is central to India’s fisheries and aquaculture development, with abundant freshwater resources and rich aquatic biodiversity. Recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot, the region has seen significant progress under schemes like the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and PMMSY. Investments totaling US$24.71 million (INR21.14 billion) have bolstered the sector, resulting in inland fish production rising from 4.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, with an annual growth rate of 5%.
Modern technologies like Biofloc systems and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are being introduced to enhance productivity and sustainability. Projects inaugurated today will add to this momentum, fostering economic growth and employment across the region. With these efforts, the NER is poised to play a crucial role in India’s fisheries economy, balancing ecological sustainability with livelihood generation.