Minister unveils nation’s first organic fish cluster in Sikkim

India on Monday launched the first Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim, with an eye on promoting antibiotic and pesticides free organic fish.

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The first-of-its-kind organic fish cluster in Soreng district of Sikkim was launched by Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh.

The idea, he said, was to boost farmer incomes and promote sustainability in aquaculture.

“Organic fish free of antibiotics, chemicals and pesticides will tap into global eco-conscious markets,” said a government note today.

Apart from the cluster, Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs 50 crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) covering all North-East region states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The launch happened in Guwahati in the presence of Union Ministers of State, SP Baghel and George Kurian, their state counterparts and Secretary Fisheries, Abhilaksh Likhi.

National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) will be a key stakeholder in developing the fisheries and aquaculture organic cluster in Sikkim. Besides providing financial and technical support for the requisite fisheries infrastructure and capacity building, NABARD will facilitate in growth of the organic cluster by engaging fishers’ cooperatives and formation of fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) in the state.

Organic fisheries cluster will focus on an ecologically healthy fish farming system avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides. This will ensure minimal environmental pollution and prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems, contributing to sustainable fish production practices.

“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,” the government note said.