Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim on 06 January 2025.
The Union Minister, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs 50 crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on 06 January 2025 in Guwahati, Assam.
- These projects cover all North East Region States Except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
- 50 key projects with a total outlay of Rs 50 crore, including a central share of Rs 38.63 crore.
India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster:
» To continue the efforts for sustainable development of fisheries in the North Eastern Region, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh notified and launched the Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim, at North Eastern Region State Meet-2025, in Guwahati, Assam marking a significant step towards sustainable development of the fisheries in the State.
- This is the First of Its Kind in India, for development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in the State of Sikkim under the PMMSY.
- Introducing organic fisheries and aquaculture will align with the state’s broader vision of promoting organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices across all sectors.
Key Points:
- Organic fisheries cluster focuses on ecologically healthy fish farming system avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides. This also ensures minimal environmental pollution and prevents damage to aquatic ecosystems, contributing to sustainable fish production practices. Organic products typically attract a premium in both domestic and international markets.
- National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) is a key stakeholder in developing the fisheries and aquaculture organic cluster in Sikkim. NABARD besides providing financial and technical supports for the requisite fisheries infrastructure and capacity building, will also facilitate in growth of the organic cluster by engaging fishers’ cooperatives and formation of fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in the State.
Northeastern Region States Meet- 2025:
» The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, organized a Northeastern Region States Meet- 2025 to review the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
About Fisheries Sector in North East Region
» The Northeastern Region (NER) is at the forefront of India’s journey toward self-reliance in fisheries and aquaculture, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development. With its abundant freshwater resources and exceptional aquatic biodiversity, the NER is not merely a region of potential but a dynamic hub of progress.
» The government has approved cumulative investments amounting to Rs 2,114 crore for fisheries through flagship schemes such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
- These initiatives have significantly bolstered infrastructure, improved productivity, and strengthened sustainable practices.
- As a result, inland fish production in the NER has surged from 4.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, achieving an impressive annual growth rate of 5%.
» Department of Fisheries (DoF) has prioritized the NER as a critical focal point for growth. Its initiatives include establishing modern aquaculture parks, hatcheries, and fish processing units, while promoting innovative technologies like Biofloc systems and recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS). These efforts aim to enhance productivity, strengthen value chains, and boost market access for fish farmers.