Union Minister launches a series of initiatives and projects aimed at transforming the fisheries sector

Union Minister released the SoP on Production and Processing Clusters under the Fisheries Cluster Development Program and also launched the National Fisheries Development Program Portal.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh launched and unveiled a series of initiatives and projects aimed at transforming the fisheries sector and strengthening India’s blue economy at the 4th Anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna in New Delhi.

Union Minister launched the NFDP (National Fisheries Development Program) Portal, and which will serve as a central hub for registry of fisheries’ stakeholders, information, services, and support related to fisheries, and the released the PM-MKSSY Operational Guidelines. NFDP has been created under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub scheme under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and will provide digital identities to various stakeholders by creating a registry of fish workers and enterprises engaged in the fisheries value chain across the country. Various benefits such as institutional credit, performance grants, aquaculture insurance etc. can be availed through NFDP.

Union Minister also released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Production and Processing Clusters under the Fisheries Cluster Development Program and announced the establishment of three specialized fisheries production and processing clusters dedicated to Pearl cultivation, Ornamental fisheries and Seaweed cultivation. These clusters aim to promote collectivisation, collaboration and innovation within these niche sectors, enhancing both production and market reach.

Union Minister also unveiled the guidelines for developing 100 coastal villages across coastal States and Union Territories into Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs) was released. With an allocation of Rs. 200 crores, this initiative will focus on sustainable fishing, infrastructure improvement, and climate-smart livelihoods to ensure food security and socio-economic stability for fishing communities amid changing environmental conditions.

In a step towards integrating technology in fisheries, a Pilot project on the Use of Drone Technology for fish transportation to be done by Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) was unveiled. This study aims to explore the potential of drones in monitoring and managing inland fisheries, improving efficiency and sustainability.

Union Minister unveiled the notifications for establishing a Mandapam Regional Centre of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for promoting seaweed farming and research. Centre of Excellence will serve as a national hub for innovation and development in seaweed cultivation, focusing on refining farming techniques, establishing a seed bank, and ensuring sustainable practices. In addition, setting up Nucleus Breeding Centres for both marine and inland species was also unveiled for enhancing seed quality through genetic enhancement of economically important species. Department of Fisheries, GoI, has designated the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, as the Nodal Institute for establishing NBCs for freshwater species and Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) in Mandapam, Tamil Nadu, as the Nodal Institute for NBCs focused on marine fish species. Establishment of 3 Incubation Centres for promoting at least 100 fisheries start-ups, cooperatives, FPOs, and SHGs was also notified. The centres will be hosted at premier institutions like the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) in Hyderabad, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) in Mumbai, and ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) in Kochi.

Union Minister released the SoP on Production