Press Release
Press Release from Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
Sikkim Participates in North Eastern Region States Meet 2025, Highlights Achievements and Seeks Support for Fisheries Development
Guwahati, Assam – January 6, 2025: The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, organized the ‘North Eastern Region States Meet 2025’ today in Guwahati, Assam to review the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The event was chaired by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, with the presence of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoFAH&D, and Ministry of Minority Affairs, and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoFAH&D, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The program witnessed the inauguration and foundation laying of fisheries projects worth ₹50 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which are expected to create 4,530 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the Northeastern Region.
To continue and sustain the sectoral growth momentum, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India also notified Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim for development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in the State of Sikkim.
The delegation from Sikkim included Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Printing & Stationery, and IPR Departments; Mrs. Roshni Rai, Secretary, Fisheries Department; and Shri Surendra Bhandari, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department.
In his address during the program, Shri Puran Kumar Gurung highlighted the transformative impact of PMMSY on Sikkim’s fisheries sector. He emphasized the state’s organic status and sought additional support to further develop the fisheries sector. Key requests included:
Approval for pending proposals under PMMSY, such as constructing new raceways for trout culture, ornamental fish units and construction of raceways for carp fish farming.
Establishing a fisheries training centers in Sikkim to provide technical skills to fish farmers and fishers.
Enhanced collaboration with ICAR institutes for technical guidance and research.
Shri Gurung reiterated Sikkim’s commitment to advancing organic fisheries and aquaculture practices, aligning with the state’s organic mission.
Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh underscored the immense potential of the fisheries sector in the Northeastern Region and encouraged states to adopt proactive measures to bridge production-consumption gaps, diversify species, and achieve a 20-25% growth target in fish production. He directed the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) to conduct district-level visits to identify gaps and promote holistic development. Shri Singh emphasized leveraging the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and integrating innovative aquaculture technologies like Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS).
Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, highlighted the role of traditional integrated fish farming practices, modernized for efficiency. Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, emphasized the integration of fisheries with allied sectors to double farmers’ income. He also urged states to utilize the "Amrit Sarovar" already created in the states for fisheries activities, promoting efficient resource use and expanding aquaculture practices. Prof. Baghel highlighted that sustainable practices and technological adoption in fisheries are crucial to achieving self-sufficiency in fish production and boosting rural livelihoods.
Technical Session Contributions
The technical session titled "Challenges and Way Forward in Fisheries & Aquaculture Development in NER" included presentations by eminent experts, such as Dr. J.K. Jena, DDG (Fy), ICAR, and Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB. The session provided valuable insights into addressing environmental and ecological challenges and developing open-water fisheries resources.
Mrs. Roshni Rai and Shri Surendra Bhandari represented Sikkim’s interests during the session, offering critical feedback and proposals for enhancing fisheries infrastructure and production in the state. Their participation underscored the state’s commitment to sustainable fisheries development.
Way Forward
ICAR and NFDB assured full support for promoting organic branding of fisheries in Sikkim. This support includes deputing an expert on organic aquaculture in Sikkim and assistance in obtaining certification, creating market linkages, and providing training to fish farmers on sustainable practices. These efforts aim to position Sikkim as a leader in eco-friendly and high-quality fish products.
The Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, remains dedicated to achieving self-sufficiency and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable aquaculture practices. The support sought during the Northeastern Region States Meet 2025 will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision and ensuring long-term growth in the fisheries sector.
Guwahati, Assam – January 6, 2025: The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, organized the ‘North Eastern Region States Meet 2025’ today in Guwahati, Assam to review the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The event was chaired by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, with the presence of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoFAH&D, and Ministry of Minority Affairs, and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoFAH&D, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The program witnessed the inauguration and foundation laying of fisheries projects worth ₹50 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which are expected to create 4,530 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the Northeastern Region.
To continue and sustain the sectoral growth momentum, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India also notified Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim for development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in the State of Sikkim.
The delegation from Sikkim included Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Printing & Stationery, and IPR Departments; Mrs. Roshni Rai, Secretary, Fisheries Department; and Shri Surendra Bhandari, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department.
In his address during the program, Shri Puran Kumar Gurung highlighted the transformative impact of PMMSY on Sikkim’s fisheries sector. He emphasized the state’s organic status and sought additional support to further develop the fisheries sector. Key requests included:
Approval for pending proposals under PMMSY, such as constructing new raceways for trout culture, ornamental fish units and construction of raceways for carp fish farming.
Establishing a fisheries training centers in Sikkim to provide technical skills to fish farmers and fishers.
Enhanced collaboration with ICAR institutes for technical guidance and research.
Shri Gurung reiterated Sikkim’s commitment to advancing organic fisheries and aquaculture practices, aligning with the state’s organic mission.
Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh underscored the immense potential of the fisheries sector in the Northeastern Region and encouraged states to adopt proactive measures to bridge production-consumption gaps, diversify species, and achieve a 20-25% growth target in fish production. He directed the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) to conduct district-level visits to identify gaps and promote holistic development. Shri Singh emphasized leveraging the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and integrating innovative aquaculture technologies like Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS).
Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, highlighted the role of traditional integrated fish farming practices, modernized for efficiency. Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, emphasized the integration of fisheries with allied sectors to double farmers’ income. He also urged states to utilize the "Amrit Sarovar" already created in the states for fisheries activities, promoting efficient resource use and expanding aquaculture practices. Prof. Baghel highlighted that sustainable practices and technological adoption in fisheries are crucial to achieving self-sufficiency in fish production and boosting rural livelihoods.
Technical Session Contributions
The technical session titled "Challenges and Way Forward in Fisheries & Aquaculture Development in NER" included presentations by eminent experts, such as Dr. J.K. Jena, DDG (Fy), ICAR, and Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB. The session provided valuable insights into addressing environmental and ecological challenges and developing open-water fisheries resources.
Mrs. Roshni Rai and Shri Surendra Bhandari represented Sikkim’s interests during the session, offering critical feedback and proposals for enhancing fisheries infrastructure and production in the state. Their participation underscored the state’s commitment to sustainable fisheries development.
Way Forward
ICAR and NFDB assured full support for promoting organic branding of fisheries in Sikkim. This support includes deputing an expert on organic aquaculture in Sikkim and assistance in obtaining certification, creating market linkages, and providing training to fish farmers on sustainable practices. These efforts aim to position Sikkim as a leader in eco-friendly and high-quality fish products.
The Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, remains dedicated to achieving self-sufficiency and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable aquaculture practices. The support sought during the Northeastern Region States Meet 2025 will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision and ensuring long-term growth in the fisheries sector.