Rajiv Ranjan Singh , the Union Minister for Fisheries in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs. 50 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Guwahati, Assam. The projects, aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries development, cover all the North Eastern Region (NER) states, excluding Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

During the event, the Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim, marking the first such initiative in India. The cluster, under the PMMSY, is designed to develop organic fisheries and aquaculture in Sikkim. This move aligns with the state’s broader strategy of promoting sustainable, eco-friendly agricultural practices, as Sikkim is already known for its organic farming. The new initiative will focus on ecologically healthy fish farming methods that avoid harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides, contributing to minimal environmental pollution and healthier aquatic ecosystems.

The introduction of the Organic Fisheries Cluster is expected to bring economic, environmental, and social benefits. It will not only enhance fish production practices but also offer opportunities for export, especially for organic fish and fish products. Sikkim’s emphasis on organic practices can position the state as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture, boosting its agricultural economy while tapping into global markets that favor eco-friendly products. Key to this development is the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), which will provide financial and technical support, help in capacity building, and encourage the formation of fishers’ cooperatives and Fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs).

The organic fisheries initiative is part of the broader vision of the PMMSY, which promotes sustainable and responsible development of India’s fisheries sector. The scheme adopts a cluster-based approach to enhance competitiveness, improve economies of scale, and generate higher incomes. The approach links geographically connected fisheries enterprises of all sizes—micro, small, medium, and large—creating business opportunities and livelihoods. This model is aimed at strengthening the fisheries value chain, reducing costs, and encouraging sustainable practices across production and export levels.

The PMMSY scheme also focuses on the development of various fisheries clusters, including those for pearl farming, ornamental fisheries, seaweed farming, and cold-water fisheries, among others. The Department of Fisheries has already launched several such clusters across India, such as the Pearl Cluster in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, and the Ornamental Fisheries Cluster in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The aim is to address value chain gaps and create sustainable business opportunities while promoting innovation and resource sharing.

In the Northeastern Region (NER), the fisheries sector is rapidly developing, leveraging the region’s rich biodiversity and abundant freshwater resources. The government has approved cumulative investments of ₹2,114 crore for fisheries development in the region through flagship schemes like the Blue Revolution and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). These investments have significantly enhanced infrastructure, productivity, and sustainability in the fisheries sector.

As a result, inland fish production in the NER has risen from 4.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, reflecting a growth rate of 5% annually. The government’s emphasis on this region as a key driver of India’s Blue Economy is evident in initiatives that include modern aquaculture parks, hatcheries, and fish processing units. Innovative technologies like Biofloc systems and recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS) are also being promoted to boost productivity and market access for fish farmers.

The 50 projects inaugurated today, with a central share of Rs. 38.63 crore, are expected to generate 4,530 direct and indirect employment opportunities across the NER. These projects reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, aiming to bolster the livelihoods of local communities while ensuring sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the region.

With a strategic focus on cluster-based development, the government is reinforcing its commitment to a thriving and sustainable fisheries sector in the North Eastern Region, positioning it as a key component of India’s broader Blue Economy vision.