Guwahati: The first-of-its-kind organic fish cluster for sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in India has come up in the Soreng district of Sikkim.
The cluster was launched today under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh at the ‘North Eastern Region State Meet-2025’, in Guwahati, Assam.
Introducing organic fisheries and aquaculture will align with Sikkim’s broader vision of promoting organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices across all sectors. The Government of Sikkim has already embraced organic farming, which has helped in building a strong reputation for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Union Minister Singh also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs. 50 crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) covering all northeast region states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, here today.
The organic fisheries cluster focuses on ecologically healthy fish farming systems 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. By establishing an organic aquaculture cluster, Sikkim could tap into this growing market and export organic fish and fish products.
An organic fisheries and aquaculture cluster in Sikkim with a special focus on amur carp along with other carp would offer a range of economic, environmental, and social benefits. By integrating organic fish farming into the state’s already successful organic farming framework, Sikkim can position itself as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture. This could not only enhance the state’s agricultural economy but also contribute to the global shift toward sustainable, eco-friendly food production.
The National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) is a key stakeholder in developing Sikkim’s fisheries and aquaculture organic cluster. NABARD besides providing financial and technical support for the requisite fisheries infrastructure and capacity building, will also facilitate the growth of the organic cluster by engaging fishers’ cooperatives and forming fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in the State.
“This initiative will also encourage private investment in aquaculture infrastructure and technology, branding of Sikkim cold water fisheries, attract tourism as well as strengthen the value chain, empower local fishers and fish farmers, and foster sustainable growth in the fisheries sector in the State of Sikkim,” the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying stated.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a scheme to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India, provides the adoption of a cluster-based approach to enhance the competitiveness of the fisheries sector, facilitates economies of scale, generates higher incomes, accelerates the growth and expansion of fisheries and aquaculture in an organized manner.
According to the Ministry, the cluster-based approach enhances competitiveness and efficiency by uniting geographically connected enterprises of all sizes micro, small, medium, and large, across the entire fisheries value chain, from production to exports. This collaborative model improves financial viability through strong linkages, addresses the value chain gaps, and creates new business opportunities and livelihoods. By fostering partnerships and resource sharing, it aims to reduce costs, promote innovation, and support sustainable practices.
The Department of Fisheries has envisaged a strategic focus on cluster-based development as production and processing clusters across key areas including Pearl, Seaweed, Ornamental Fisheries, Reservoir Fisheries, Fishing Harbour, Saline Water Aquaculture, Cold Water Fisheries, Sea Cage Culture, Freshwater Aquaculture, Brackish-water Fisheries, Island Fisheries Clusters, Organic Fisheries, Wetland Fisheries and other areas as per the sectoral and location-specific needs.
These clusters will engage varied value chain stakeholders such as fishers, enterprises, individuals, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), fish farmers, processors, transporters, fish vendors including retailers, wholesalers, consumers, cooperatives, fisheries start-ups and other entities for sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture.
The Department of Fisheries has already notified four fisheries-related clusters being Pearl Cluster in Hazaribagh District of Jharkhand, the Ornamental Fisheries Cluster in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu, the Seaweed Cluster in Lakshadweep and the Tuna Cluster in Andaman & Nicobar.
Fisheries Focus in the 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. Recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot, the NER has become a cornerstone of India’s strategy for economic growth and livelihood enhancement.
The government has approved cumulative investments amounting to ₹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). 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 annual growth rate of 5%.
It may be mentioned that the fisheries and aquaculture sector plays a critical role in India’s economy, providing livelihoods to approximately 3 crore fishers and fish farmers while generating significant employment opportunities across the value chain. India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output, ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and export, and is the third-largest producer in capture fisheries.
Since 2015, the Government of India has committed ₹38,572 crore through key initiatives such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and its sub-scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), to drive sustainable growth and development in the sector.
– global bihari bureau
