The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, organized a today to review the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Chaired by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the event witnessed the gracious presence of Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Mo FAH&D and other key dignitaries from the Northeastern states.
In a major boost to the fisheries sector in the Northeastern Region (NER), the Union Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 impactful projects with a total outlay of ₹50 crore, including a central share of ₹38.63 crore. These initiatives are designed to enhance the region’s fisheries infrastructure, productivity, and employment opportunities.
State-wise Allocations and Key Projects
| Summary of Projects for Inauguration/Foundation Stone under PMMSY_NER Meet (Rs. In Lakh) | ||||||
| S. No. | State | No. of Projects | Total Cost | Central share | State share | Beneficiary share |
| 1 | Assam | 12 | 4194.10 | 3320.75 | 368.85 | 504.00 |
| 2 | Manipur | 7 | 426 | 337.9 | 36.3 | 51.8 |
| 3 | Meghalaya | 1 | 50 | 27 | 3 | 20 |
| 4 | Nagaland | 3 | 75 | 40.5 | 4.5 | 30 |
| 5 | Tripura | 3 | 58 | 26.92 | 2.88 | 28.2 |
| 6 | Sikkim | 24 | 204 | 110.2 | 12.2 | 81.6 |
| Total | 50 | 5007.1 | 3863.27 | 427.73 | 715.6 |
Notable among these projects in Assam is the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in Darrang District, which is expected to produce 150 MT of fish annually, generating ₹10-15 crore in revenue and creating up to 2,000 employment opportunities. A Large Fish Feed Plant in Kamrup District will produce 20,000 MT feed annually, while hatchery projects in various districts aim to produce 50 million spawn per year, significantly boosting local aquaculture.
Manipur will see the establishment of ice plants and cold storage units in Thoubal and Imphal districts to preserve fish produce and reduce post-harvest losses. Additionally, hatcheries focusing on locally important fish species will contribute to conserving biodiversity and enhancing fish production in the state.
Meghalaya’s projects will focus on promoting recreational fisheries in the East Khasi Hills District. This initiative, strategically located in a popular tourist area, is expected to attract visitors, generating local employment and enhancing the region’s tourism appeal.
Nagaland’s three projects will include the construction of freshwater finfish hatcheries in Mokokchung and Kiphire districts. These hatcheries will collectively produce 21 million fry annually, supporting the region’s aquaculture and providing economic opportunities for tribal communities.
In Tripura, the projects will include the establishment of ornamental fish rearing units and finfish hatcheries. These initiatives are aimed at popularizing ornamental fish farming, harnessing indigenous fish resources, and generating local employment opportunities.
Sikkim will implement 24 projects which includes the establishment of Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to promote sustainable fish farming, the construction of fish kiosks in Gangtok and other towns, and the development of ornamental fish rearing units. These projects are expected to enhance income generation and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
About Fisheries Sector in Northeast
The Northeastern Region (NER) is at the forefront of India’s journey toward self-reliance in fisheries and aquaculture, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development. With its abundant freshwater resources and exceptional aquatic biodiversity, the NER is not merely a region of potential but a dynamic hub of progress under the visionary leadership of the government. Recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot, the NER has become a cornerstone of India’s strategy for economic growth and livelihood enhancement.
The government has approved cumulative investments amounting to ₹2,114 crore for fisheries through flagship schemes such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These initiatives have significantly bolstered infrastructure, improved productivity, and strengthened sustainable practices. As a result, inland fish production in the NER has surged from 4.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, achieving an impressive annual growth rate of 5%.
Such achievements underscore the effectiveness of dynamic policies and targeted interventions that have firmly positioned the NER as a key driver of India’s Blue Economy vision. Recognizing the immense potential of fisheries and aquaculture as a catalyst the Department of Fisheries (DoF) has prioritized the NER as a critical focal point for growth. Its initiatives include establishing modern aquaculture parks, hatcheries, and fish processing units, while promoting innovative technologies like Biofloc systems and recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS). These efforts aim to enhance productivity, strengthen value chains, and boost market access for fish farmers.