Union Minister Unveils Rs 50-Crore Fisheries Projects to Boost Northeast Aquaculture

GUWAHATI: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 fisheries projects worth ₹50 crore, including a central share of ₹38.63 crore. The initiatives are aimed at boosting fisheries infrastructure, productivity, and employment opportunities in Northeast India.

Addressing the media after reviewing the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in the region, Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to developing the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

In Assam, 12 projects were inaugurated, including the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in Darrang district, projected to produce 150 MT of fish annually. This initiative is expected to generate ₹10-15 crore in revenue and create 2,000 jobs. A large fish feed plant in Kamrup district will produce 20,000 MT of feed annually, while new hatchery projects aim to produce 50 million spawns per year, significantly enhancing local aquaculture.

In Manipur, seven projects were launched, including ice plants and cold storage units in Thoubal and Imphal districts to minimize post-harvest losses. Hatcheries focusing on local fish species aim to conserve biodiversity and increase fish production.

Meghalaya’s lone project will promote recreational fisheries in the East Khasi Hills district, leveraging the area’s popularity among tourists to generate employment and boost tourism.

Nagaland will see the construction of freshwater finfish hatcheries in Mokokchung and Kiphire districts. These hatcheries are expected to produce 21 million fry annually, benefiting local tribal communities.

Tripura’s three projects focus on ornamental fish farming and finfish hatcheries. These initiatives aim to harness indigenous fish resources and create employment opportunities.

Sikkim will implement 24 projects, including Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for sustainable fish farming, fish kiosks in Gangtok, and ornamental fish rearing units. These efforts are expected to enhance income generation and livelihoods for local communities.

Singh highlighted that the Northeast region is central to India’s goal of self-reliance in fisheries. Since 2014-15, inland fish production in the region has grown from 4.03 lakh tonnes to 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, reflecting a 5% annual growth rate.

Cumulative investments of ₹2,114 crore under flagship schemes like the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and PMMSY have bolstered infrastructure and sustainable practices in the sector. Key innovations such as Biofloc systems and RAS are being promoted to enhance productivity and market access for fish farmers.

“The Department of Fisheries is committed to fostering inclusive development and making the Northeast a hub for fisheries and aquaculture,” Singh stated.

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