Guwahati, Jan 6: Fisheries sector in Meghalaya has got a big boost with the Centre agreeing to promote recreational fisheries in the East Khasi Hills District.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 50 fisheries development projects in the Northeast worth ₹50 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The event, held during the Northeastern Region States Meet organized by the Department of Fisheries, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable aquaculture and boosting local livelihoods. There is a central share of ₹38.63 crore from the total outlay of ₹50 crore.

These initiatives are designed to enhance the region’s fisheries infrastructure, productivity, and employment opportunities.

The total cost of the project in Meghalaya is Rs 50 lakh with a central share of Rs 27 lakh and a beneficiary share of Rs 20 lakh.

“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” the official said.

In Assam an Integrated Aqua Park will be established 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 spawns 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.

The three projects in Nagaland include the construction of freshwater finfish hatcheries in the 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.

The projects in Tripura 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.

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%.

“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” a government statement said.

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