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.