Context: Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying launched India’s first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). 

• Sikkim a Organic State: Sikkim becomes India's first fully organic state, with 75,000 hectares of land converted to certified organic practices under the National Programme for Organic Production. 

About Organic Fisheries Cluster 

• It aims to produce antibiotic, chemical, and pesticide-free organic fish for eco-conscious markets globally. 

• The initiative promotes sustainable aquaculture and ecologically healthy fish farming, preventing pollution and damage to aquatic ecosystems. 

• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development will fund infrastructure, build capacities, and form Fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to support the cluster. 

• The Organic Fisheries Cluster is the first of its kind in India, focusing on ecologically healthy fish farming without harmful chemicals, antibiotics, or pesticides.

• It aims to boost sustainable fish production and cater to growing markets for organic fish products.

Benefits of Organic Cluster

• Economic, environmental, and social benefits.

• Potential to export organic fish and fish products.

• Integration with Sikkim’s successful organic farming framework.

• Strengthens the state’s agricultural economy and promotes eco-friendly food production.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• Launched by: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in 2020.

• Aim: To accelerate the growth of the fisheries sector, enhance productivity, and align with India’s Blue Economy vision.

Key Features

• Cluster-Based Approach: Encourages economies of scale, enhances competitiveness, and strengthens value chains.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Includes production, processing, and marketing for various fisheries, such as freshwater, brackish water, ornamental, and organic fisheries.

About the Fisheries Sector in India

• Fisheries is an economic activity that involves harvesting fish or any aquatic organism from the wild (Capture Fisheries) or raising them in confinement (Culture Fisheries/ Aquaculture). It may be Traditional/ Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) for sustenance, or Large-Scale/ Commercial Fisheries for profit.

Status of Fisheries in India

• Growth in Fisheries Sector: India’s fisheries sector has achieved a consistent average annual growth of 11% since 2014-15, reflecting strong progress over the last 7 years.

• Global Rankings: India ranks as the 3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture producer, and 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries products globally.

• Fish Production (2021-22): In 2021-22, fish production reached an all-time high of 16 million tons, with 25% from marine fisheries (coastal and deep-sea fishing) and 75% from inland fisheries (capture and aquaculture fishing).

• Top Producing States: Andhra Pradesh leads as the largest fish producer, followed by West Bengal and Gujarat.

Significance of the Fisheries Sector in India

• Economic Contribution: The fisheries sector contributes significantly to India’s economy, supporting 28 million livelihoods through fishing, processing, and marketing.

• Food Security: Provides an affordable and nutritious source of protein, often referred to as “Rich Food for Poor People,” playing a vital role in ensuring food security for millions of people in India.

• Global Fish Production: India is among the largest fish producers globally, contributing 7% to global fish production, thereby strengthening its position in international markets.

• Export Value: Fish and fish products are crucial to India’s export portfolio, generating substantial foreign exchange through global trade.

• Support to Allied Industries: The sector boosts allied industries such as aquaculture feed, fishing gear, and processing equipment, thereby contributing to industrial growth.

• Job Creation: The fisheries sector is a major source of employment, benefiting not only fishermen but also people engaged in processing, marketing, and allied industries.

Key Challenges in the Fisheries Sector in India

• Lack of Financial Access: Fishermen face difficulties in acquiring advanced equipment due to insufficient financial support, limiting productivity, and modern fishing practices.

• Water Pollution: Pollution in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and coastal areas threatens aquatic ecosystems and the sustainability of fisheries.

• Shrinking Fish Farming Area: Urbanisation, industrialisation, and population growth have led to the reduction of paddy fields previously used for fish farming, decreasing space for aquaculture.

• Monsoon Unpredictability: Unpredictable monsoons impact inland fisheries by causing fluctuations in water levels, leading to poor fish yields during certain seasons.

• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor marketing, storage, and transportation facilities prevent efficient distribution and sales of fish, limiting sector growth and profitability.

• Inadequate Research and Extension Services: Limited research and weak extension services hinder the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices within the fisheries industry.

Government Initiatives and Policies

• National Fisheries Policy: Focuses on sustainable development, resource conservation, and improving fish production and community welfare.

• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): Promotes aquaculture, infrastructure upgrades, and capacity building to boost fish production and livelihoods.

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Transforms India into a fish hub with targeted support in infrastructure, welfare, and post-harvest management.

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Launched in 2018-19 with Rs 7522.48 crores, it offers interest subvention of 3% per annum for 12 years, including a 2-year moratorium, to improve fisheries infrastructure.

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fishers: Since 2018-19, KCC has provided easy credit to fishers and fish farmers to meet working capital needs, promoting financial inclusion in the sector

• State-Level Initiatives: States like Kerala, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu promote sustainable aquaculture, subsidies for fish farming, and market access for fishers.