India’s first The Organic Fisheries Cluster was notified and launched in Soreng District of Sikkim under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), at North Eastern Region State Meet-2025.

• Special focus will be on amur carp along with other carps offering a range of economic, environmental, and social benefits to Sikkim.
• National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development(NABARD) is a key stakeholder in developing the fisheries and aquaculture organic cluster in Sikkim.

Concept of Organic Fisheries

Organic fisheries cluster focuses on ecologically healthy fish farming systems avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides. 

• Environmental Benefits: Ensures minimal environmental pollution and protects aquatic ecosystems.

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Economic Benefits of Organic Fisheries

• Premium Products: Organic fish products attract higher prices in both domestic and international markets.
• Export Potential: Establishing an organic aquaculture cluster in Sikkim could enable the export of organic fish and fish products, especially targeting the growing demand for sustainable food.

Integration in Sikkim

• Special Focus on Amur Carp: Cluster would primarily focus on amur carp along with other carps, aligning with local aquaculture practices.
• Synergy with Organic Farming: Builds upon Sikkim’s established organic farming framework, enhancing its reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
• Economic Growth: Enhances Sikkim’s agricultural economy by diversifying into organic aquaculture.
• Global Recognition: Positions Sikkim as a pioneer in organic aquaculture and sustainable practices, strengthening its international image.

Sustainability Goals

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Contributes to the global shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly food production.
• Long-Term Benefits: Prevents damage to aquatic ecosystems, ensuring sustainable fish production practices for future generations.

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The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• PMMSY is a scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India
• Ministry: Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. 
• It is aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries development. 
• Target: To Increase fish production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25
• Components: Umbrella scheme with two separate Components, The Central Sector Scheme (CS) and the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
• Cluster Based Approach: The approach enhances competitiveness and efficiency by uniting geographically connected enterprises of all sizes like micro, small, medium, and large across the entire fisheries value chain, from production to exports.
  • Areas: Key areas includes, Pearl, Seaweed, Ornamental Fisheries, Reservoir Fisheries, Fishing Harbour, Saline Water Aquaculture, Cold Water Fisheries, Sea Cage Culture, Freshwater Aquaculture, Brackish-water Fisheries, Island Fisheries Clusters, Organic Fisheries, Wetland Fisheries 
  • The Department of Fisheries has already notified four fisheries related clusters,
    • The Pearl Cluster in Hazaribagh District of Jharkhand.
    • Ornamental Fisheries Cluster in Madurai District of Tamil  Nadu.
    • Seaweed Cluster in UT of Lakshadweep and 
    • Tuna Cluster in Andaman & Nicobar.