India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster launched in Sikkim
By CCN News | Published: Jan 08, 2025
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In a major step toward sustainability, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh has launched India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim. The initiative, aimed at promoting ecologically sustainable fish farming, was inaugurated on 06th January during the North Eastern Region State Meet 2025 in Guwahati, Assam.
Sikkim, already a pioneer in organic farming, now seeks to extend this commitment to its fisheries sector. The newly introduced organic aquaculture cluster will focus on farming fish without the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics, or pesticides. The organic approach aligns with the state’s vision of environmental sustainability and aims to ensure minimal ecological impact, while promoting the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Cluster-Based Approach to Strengthen Fisheries Value Chain
The launch of the Organic Fisheries Cluster forms part of the broader strategy under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a government scheme designed to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices across India. By adopting a cluster-based model, the initiative aims to bring together enterprises of varying sizes across the entire fisheries value chain, from production to export.
In addition to benefiting local farmers, this approach is expected to enhance the competitiveness and financial viability of the fisheries sector in the region. Through improved linkages, resource sharing, and collaboration, the project will help bridge gaps in the value chain, create new business opportunities, and foster innovation. The organic cluster will also focus on creating a robust fish farmer ecosystem, including cooperatives and farmer producer organizations (FFPOs), to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
The inclusion of National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) as a key partner will provide essential financial and technical support, facilitating infrastructure development and the integration of new technologies to boost production and processing capabilities in the region.
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Fisheries Development to Drive Economic Growth in North East
The North Eastern Region (NER) of India, with its rich biodiversity and abundant freshwater resources, is emerging as a key player in the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. The government has already committed over ₹2,100 crores in investments aimed at bolstering infrastructure, enhancing productivity, and supporting sustainable practices in the region’s fisheries sector.
The launch of 50 new projects, with a collective investment of ₹50 crore, highlights the government’s focus on expanding the fisheries sector in the NER. These initiatives, part of the ongoing push for the Blue Revolution, are expected to create over 4,500 new jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economy.
India’s fisheries sector, which employs approximately 3 crore people and contributes significantly to the global market, is poised for growth. With initiatives like the PMMSY, the country aims to enhance its position as the second-largest fish producer globally, while promoting responsible, eco-friendly practices.
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