Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries launched the country’s first organic fisheries cluster in the Soreng district of Sikkim.
More on the News
- Union Fisheries Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundations for 50 key projects worth ₹50 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), covering all northeastern states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
- In January 2016, Sikkim became India’s first “100 per cent organic” state.
About the Project:
The project aims to sell antibiotic, chemical, and pesticide-free organic fish in eco-conscious markets across the globe.
This also ensures minimal environmental pollution and prevents damage to aquatic ecosystems, contributing to sustainable fish production practices.
NABARD will play a key role in developing the fisheries and aquaculture organic cluster in Sikkim.
- This will involve engaging fishers’ cooperatives and establishing fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in the state.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
- PMMSY, launched in 2020 is a transformative scheme for the fisheries sector and the welfare of fishermen under the aegis of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- It aims to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, post-harvest infrastructure, technology and management, and strengthen the value chain.
- The scheme adopted a “cluster or area-based approach” to create fisheries clusters.
- PMMSY is being implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector:
- It plays a critical role in India’s economy, providing livelihoods to approximately 3 crore fishers and fish farmers.
- India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output, ranks second in aquaculture production.
- India leads in shrimp production and export, and is the third-largest producer in capture fisheries.