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) covering all North East Region States Except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, today in Guwahati, Assam. The Northeastern States Meet to review the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was also graced by Union Ministers of State, Prof. S P Baghel and Shri George Kurian, Ministers in-charge of Fisheries from other North Eastern Region States, Secretary Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi along with several eminent dignitaries.
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, being First of Its Kind in India, for development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in the State of Sikkim under the PMMSY, at North Eastern Region State Meet-2025, today in Guwahati, Assam marking a significant step towards sustainable development of the fisheries in the State. The Government of Sikkim has already embraced organic farming, which has helped in building a strong reputation for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. Introducing organic fisheries and aquaculture will align with the state’s broader vision of promoting organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices across all sectors.
Move Towards Sustainability: Organic is the Way Forward
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. By establishing an organic aquaculture cluster, Sikkim could tap into this growing market and export of organic fish and fish products. An organic fisheries and aquaculture cluster in Sikkim with special focus on amur carp along with other carps 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.
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. 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.
