GANGTOK,: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated an Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng district during the Northeastern Region States Meet 2025. The event was attended by Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian.
The organic fisheries cluster, a pioneering initiative under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aims to promote sustainable fish farming practices free from harmful chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides.
The organic products typically attract a premium in both domestic and international markets and by establishing an organic aquaculture cluster, Sikkim could tap into this growing market and export of organic fish and fish products, informs PIB release.
“An organic fisheries and aquaculture cluster in Sikkim with special focus on amur carp along with other carps would offer a range of economic, environmental and social benefits. By integrating organic fish farming into the State’s already successful organic farming framework, Sikkim can position itself as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture. This could not only enhance the State’s agricultural economy but also contribute to the global shift toward sustainable, eco-friendly food production.”
Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries development, particularly in the Northeastern Region. “The organic fisheries cluster is a significant step towards harnessing the potential of the blue economy while ensuring environmental conservation,” he said.
The National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) will play a critical role in the project, providing financial and technical support for infrastructure development and capacity building. The bank will also work closely with fishers' cooperatives and promote fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
“This initiative will also encourage private investment in aquaculture infrastructure and technology, branding of Sikkim cold water fisheries, attract tourism as well as strengthen the value chain, empower local fishers and fish farmers, and foster sustainable growth in the fisheries sector in the State of Sikkim.”
The cluster-based approach under PMMSY focuses on uniting geographically connected enterprises across the fisheries value chain. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders such as fishers, processors, and transporters, the model aims to reduce costs, improve financial viability and promote innovation.
The Department of Fisheries has previously notified clusters such as the Pearl Cluster in Jharkhand, Ornamental Fisheries Cluster in Tamil Nadu, Seaweed Cluster in Lakshadweep and Tuna Cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
