Investment of Rs 2,114.73 Crore to Enhance Fish Production in the Northeastern Region Since 2014-15

Guwahati, Jan 5 (NationPress) To elevate fish production in the northeastern region, a substantial amount of Rs 2,114.73 crore has been allocated since the fiscal year 2014-15 under the Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), officials stated on Sunday.

As per the officials, with approximately 422 documented fish species, the northeastern region has experienced impressive growth due to governmental investments. This growth has seen fish production increase from 3.78 lakh MT in 2013-14 to 6.41 lakh MT in 2023-24, alongside improvements in hatchery practices, scientific fish farming methods, and infrastructure.

An official mentioned that Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh is set to conduct a review meeting in Guwahati on Monday to assess the execution of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

A statement revealed that the Northeastern Region (NER) of India, famous for its rich aquatic biodiversity and extensive water resources, possesses incredible potential to stimulate economic growth, ensure food security, and uplift local livelihoods.

Recognized as a global hotspot for fish diversity, the region's varied ecosystems support a vast range of fish species, establishing fisheries as a crucial component of its economic and social structure.

The Union Minister will also inaugurate and lay the groundwork for significant projects worth approximately Rs 50 crore under PMMSY, highlighting the government's dedication to enhancing and establishing a self-sustaining fisheries sector in the northeastern region, according to the statement.

Certificates will be awarded to fisheries beneficiaries from the northeast region, including NFDP registration certificates, KCC cards, and accolades for the Best FFPOs and Fisheries Start-ups.

“To maintain and continue the sector's growth momentum, the Department of Fisheries of the Central government will be informed of the Organic Fisheries Cluster in the Soreng District of Sikkim, aimed at developing organic fisheries and aquaculture in Sikkim. This organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim is expected to provide various economic, environmental, and social benefits, positioning it as a leader in sustainable aquaculture,” the statement indicated.

During Monday's review meeting in Guwahati, the Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian and S.P. Singh Baghel, along with Fisheries Ministers from all eight northeastern states, will participate. The event will be conducted in a hybrid format.

Monday's agenda will include a technical session on “Issues and Challenges in Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Northeastern Region (NER),” presented by Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General, ICAR (Fisheries). This session will address specific challenges confronting the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the region, such as resource management, infrastructure challenges, market access difficulties, and the effects of climate change, as stated.

Dr. Jena will also present potential solutions and innovative strategies tailored to the region’s unique ecological and socio-economic contexts, offering practical methods to support the sustainable development and expansion of these vital sectors. The meeting is expected to serve as an essential platform to accelerate the advancement of fisheries and aquaculture in the northeastern region (NER), allowing for the identification of regional challenges, sharing of innovative solutions, and promotion of sustainable practices suited to the region’s rich aquatic resources.

The meeting aims to enhance infrastructure, encourage advanced techniques, and strengthen market linkages, ultimately increasing productivity, generating employment, and driving economic development in the region. Through this significant event, the government aspires to affirm its commitment to making the NER self-sufficient in fish production, fostering sustainable practices, and improving the livelihoods of fisher communities across the region, the statement concluded.