New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will officially commence and lay the groundwork for crucial projects totaling around Rs 50 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as part of the Centre’s initiative to foster a self-sufficient fisheries industry in the Northeastern Region, as stated in an official announcement made on Sunday.

At the event, scheduled to take place in Guwahati on Monday, certificates will be awarded to fisheries beneficiaries from the Northeast Region, which includes NFDP registration certificates, KCC cards, and accolades for the Best FFPOs and Fisheries Startups.

The Centre’s Department of Fisheries will also announce the establishment of the Organic Fisheries Cluster in the Soreng district of Sikkim to enhance fisheries and aquaculture in the state.

This organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim is expected to provide various economic, environmental, and social advantages, positioning it as a leader in sustainable aquaculture.

The meeting aimed at reviewing the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana will be led by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Fisheries Ministers from the Northeastern states and senior officials are set to participate in this meeting.

The event will feature a technical session on “Issues and Challenges in Fisheries & Aquaculture in the Northeastern Region (NER),” to be presented by Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General, ICAR (Fisheries). This session will address specific challenges that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the region face, including resource management, infrastructure limitations, market access issues, and the impact of climate change. Dr. Jena will also discuss potential solutions and innovative methods tailored to the region’s unique ecological and socio-economic context, delivering practical strategies to support the sustainable development and growth of these essential sectors.

This meeting will act as a pivotal platform to accelerate the advancement of fisheries and aquaculture in the Northeastern Region (NER). It will also provide an opportunity to tackle regional challenges, share innovative solutions, and promote sustainable practices that are suitable for the region’s distinct aquatic resources. The gathering aims to enhance infrastructure, encourage advanced techniques, and strengthen market connections, ultimately boosting productivity, generating employment, and propelling economic growth in the area.

Through this landmark initiative, the Government aspires to reaffirm its commitment to making the NER self-sufficient in fish production, promoting sustainable practices, and improving livelihoods for fisher communities throughout the region, as noted in the official statement.

The Indian fisheries and aquaculture sector is vital, providing livelihoods for approximately three crore fishers and farmers. The sector has experienced substantial growth since the establishment of a dedicated Ministry and Department of Fisheries in 2019. This development has refocused attention on the fisheries sector, resulting in increased investment amounting to Rs 38,572 crore since 2015.

The Northeastern Region (NER) of India, celebrated for its rich aquatic biodiversity and extensive water resources, possesses enormous potential to stimulate economic growth, ensure food security, and enhance livelihoods. Recognized globally as a hotspot for fish diversity, the region's diverse ecosystems support a broad spectrum of fish species, making fisheries a crucial component of its economic and social framework.