India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster Launched in Sikkim
The Government of India has taken a significant step towards sustainable development with the launch of the country’s first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim. This milestone initiative was inaugurated on January 6, 2025, by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, during an event held in Guwahati, Assam.
Overview of the Organic Fisheries Cluster
What is the Organic Fisheries Cluster?
The organic fisheries cluster is a project under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aimed at promoting aquaculture practices that avoid the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides. It is designed to ensure minimal environmental pollution while fostering sustainable fish production.
Key Highlights
- Location: Soreng District, Sikkim.
- Supported by funding from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
- Primary Objective: Establishing organic aquaculture practices in line with Sikkim’s status as India’s first fully organic state, certified in 2016.
- Focus Species: Special emphasis on amur carp and other carps.
Role of NABARD
NABARD is a crucial stakeholder in the project. Its contributions include:
- Funding infrastructure development.
- Capacity building and training programs for fish farmers.
- Formation of fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
- Promoting private investment in aquaculture technology and branding.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
Introduction to PMMSY
The PMMSY, launched in 2020, replaced the Blue Revolution Integrated Development and Management Fisheries Scheme of 2015. It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a five-year duration (2020-2025) and an investment of Rs. 20,050 crore.
Key Objectives
- Fish Production: Foster fish production growth from 13.75 million metric tons in 2018-19 to reach 22 million metric tons by 2024-25.
- Boost Aquaculture Productivity: Achieve 5 tons per hectare.
- Enhance Domestic Consumption: Raise per capita fish consumption from 5 kg to 12 kg by 2024-25.
- Economic Contributions: Target a 9% fisheries’ contribution to Agriculture Gross Value Addition (GVA) by 2024-25.
- Double Exports: From Rs. 46,589 crore in 2018-19 to Rs. 1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
Cluster-Based Approach
Under PMMSY, a cluster-based approach aims to:
- Unite geographically connected enterprises.
- Foster collaboration across the fisheries value chain, including production, processing, and exports.
- Reduce costs and promote innovation.
Notified Fisheries Clusters
Other clusters established under PMMSY include:
- Pearl Cluster in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.
- Ornamental Fisheries Cluster in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
- Seaweed Cluster in Lakshadweep.
- Tuna Cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Sikkim’s Vision for Organic Fisheries
Why Sikkim?
Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state, has built a strong reputation for eco-friendly agricultural practices. The organic fisheries cluster aligns with the state’s vision to:
- Promote sustainability across sectors.
- Tap into global eco-conscious markets.
- Leverage its organic farming framework for aquaculture.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
- Premium Market Access: Organic fish products are expected to attract a premium in domestic and international markets.
- Environmental Protection: Minimal pollution and protection of aquatic ecosystems.
- Tourism Potential: Branding Sikkim’s cold-water fisheries could attract tourists.
North East Region’s Fisheries Potential
Strategic Importance
The Northeastern Region (NER) is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot with abundant freshwater resources. It plays a pivotal role in India’s Blue Economy vision.
Achievements in Fisheries
- Production Growth: Inland fish production in the NER surged from 4.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, with a 5% annual growth rate.
- Key Investments: Rs. 2,114 crore approved for fisheries under flagship schemes, including PMMSY and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
New Projects Announced
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced the foundation of 50 projects worth Rs. 50 crore, creating 4,530 direct and indirect jobs in the NER. Key projects include:
- Hatcheries (12 units).
- Medium-scale ornamental fish rearing units (4 units).
- Fish kiosks with aquariums (10 units).
- Integrated aquapark (1 unit).
Global Market Opportunities
Eco-Conscious Markets
The market for organic and eco-friendly products is growing exponentially. Estimates suggest:
- The market value was estimated to be USD 30 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 105.26 billion by 2032.
- Growth Rate: CAGR of 22.4%.
Export Potential
Sikkim’s organic fisheries cluster could position India as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture, unlocking significant export opportunities.
India’s Fisheries Sector at a Glance
National Contributions
- Global Leader: India ranks second in aquaculture production and shrimp exports.
- Economic Impact: Provides livelihoods to approximately 3 crore people.
- Global Share: Contributes 8% to global fish production.
Policy Support
Since 2015, the government has allocated Rs. 38,572 crore through various schemes, including:
- Blue Revolution Scheme.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
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Conclusion
The establishment of India’s inaugural organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim signifies a significant advancement in sustainable aquaculture. By integrating organic practices with strategic policy initiatives like PMMSY, the country aims to enhance productivity, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen its position in global markets. This development not only supports the local economy but also aligns with India’s commitment to eco-conscious growth.
Knowledge Check
Q1. Where was India’s first organic fisheries cluster launched?
A: India’s first organic fisheries cluster was launched in the Soreng District of Sikkim.
Q2. Under which government scheme was the first organic fisheries cluster established?
A: The organic fisheries cluster was established under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Q3. What is the main focus of the organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim?
A: The cluster focuses on promoting organic fish farming free from harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides.
Q4. Which organization is funding the organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim?
A: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is funding the cluster.
Q5. When was Sikkim certified as India’s first fully organic state?
A: Sikkim was certified as India’s first fully organic state in 2016.
Q6. What is the aim of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in terms of fish production?
A: The PMMSY aims to increase fish production from 13.75 million metric tons in 2018-19 to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25.
Q7. What is the projected per capita domestic fish consumption target under PMMSY by 2024-25?
A: The target is to increase domestic fish consumption from 5 kg to 12 kg per capita.
Q8. Name some other fisheries clusters notified by the Government of India apart from the organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim.
A: Other clusters include the Pearl Cluster in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, the Ornamental Fisheries Cluster in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the Seaweed Cluster in Lakshadweep, and the Tuna Cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Q9. How does the cluster-based approach under PMMSY benefit the fisheries sector?
A: It enhances competitiveness, reduces costs, promotes innovation, and supports sustainable practices by uniting geographically connected enterprises across the fisheries value chain.
Q10. What are the key objectives of introducing organic fisheries in Sikkim?
A: The objectives include tapping into global eco-conscious markets, promoting sustainability, boosting farmer incomes, and minimizing environmental pollution.