Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on Monday launched 50 key projects worth Rs 50 crore in Northeast India. These initiatives, supported by a central allocation of Rs 38.63 crore, aim to improve fisheries infrastructure, boost productivity, and create significant employment opportunities under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
In Assam, 12 projects were inaugurated, including an Integrated Aqua Park in Darrang District, which is set to produce 150 MT of fish annually, generate Rs 10-15 crore in revenue, and provide around 2,000 jobs. Other significant projects include a large fish feed plant in Kamrup district and hatcheries designed to produce 50 million spawns each year.
Manipur will benefit from seven projects, including cold storage units in Thoubal and Imphal districts to preserve fish and reduce post-harvest losses. In Meghalaya, a project in East Khasi Hills will focus on recreational fisheries, while Nagaland will establish freshwater finfish hatcheries in Mokokchung and Kiphire, producing 21 million fry annually.
Tripura will focus on ornamental fish farming and finfish hatcheries with three new projects. Sikkim will introduce 24 projects, including Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and ornamental fish rearing units, to enhance the local aquaculture sector.
These projects are part of a broader government strategy to foster economic growth through the development of sustainable fisheries. With over ₹2,114 crore invested through various schemes, inland fish production in the region has increased from 4.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, reflecting a consistent annual growth rate of 5%. The government remains committed to driving sustainable aquaculture and improving livelihoods in Northeast India.