Guwahati, Assam, 5th of January, 2025 : The Indian fisheries and aquaculture sector is an important sector that provides livelihoods to around 3 crore fishers and farmers. The sector has seen significant growth since the establishment of a dedicated Ministry and Department of Fisheries in 2019. This step brought in new focus to the fisheries sector and investment in the sector was stepped-up to the tune of Rs 38,572 crore since 2015.
The Northeastern Region (NER) of India, renowned for its rich aquatic biodiversity and vast water resources, holds immense potential to drive economic growth, ensure food security, and uplift livelihoods. Renowned as a global hotspot for fish diversity, the region’s diverse ecosystems nurture a wide array of fish species, positioning fisheries as a vital part of its economic and social framework. With about 422 reported fish species, the region has witnessed remarkable growth through government investments of ₹2,114.73 crore under Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) since 2014-15. This has expanded fish production from 3.78 lakh MT in 2013-14 to 6.41 lakh MT in 2023-24, alongside advancements in hatcheries, scientific fish farming techniques, and infrastructure.
In this context, the Department of Fisheries is organizing a “Northeastern Region States Meet to review the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana” on 6th January 2024 at Hotel Radission, Guwahati, Assam under chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj in gracious presence of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The meet will also witness the presence of eminent dignitaries, Shri Krishnendu Paul, Minister of Fisheries, Assam, Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, Minister of Fisheries, Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Alexander Laloo Hek, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Meghalaya, Shri Pu Lalthansanga, Minister of Fisheries, Mizoram; Shri H. Dingo Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Manipur; Shri Sudhangshu Das, Minister of Fisheries, Tripura; Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Sikkim; and Shri A. Pangjung Jamir, Minister of Fisheries, Nagaland. This event will be conducted in hybrid mode.
The Hon’ble Union Minister, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, will inaugurate and lay the foundation for key projects amounting about Rs. 50 crore under PMMSY, underscoring the Government’s commitment to advancing and targeting selfsustained the fisheries sector in the Northeastern Region. Certificates will be distributed to fisheries beneficiaries of Northeast Region, including NFDP registration certificates, KCC cards, awards for the Best FFPOs and Fisheries Start-ups.
To continue and sustain the sectoral growth momentum, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India will be notified Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim for development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in the State of Sikkim. An organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim would offer a range of economic, environmental and social benefits and can position itself as a leader in sustainable aquaculture.
The event will include a technical session on “Issues and Challenges in Fisheries & Aquaculture in the Northeastern Region (NER),” presented by Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General, ICAR (Fisheries). The session will focus on the specific challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the region, such as resource management, infrastructure limitations, market access issues, and the impact of climate change. Dr. Jena will also highlight potential solutions and innovative approaches suited to the region’s unique ecological and socio-economic conditions, providing practical strategies to support the sustainable development and growth of these important sectors.
The meet will serve as a crucial platform to accelerate the growth of fisheries and aquaculture in the Northeastern Region (NER). It will provide an opportunity to address regional challenges, share innovative solutions, and promote sustainable practices tailored to the region’s unique aquatic resources. The meet will enhance infrastructure, encourage advanced techniques, and strengthen market linkages, ultimately boosting productivity, creating employment, and driving economic growth in the region.
Through this landmark event, the Government aims to reinforce its commitment to making NER self-sufficient in fish production, fostering sustainable practices, and enhancing livelihoods for fisher communities across the region.
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