Union Fisheries and Wildlife Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the country’s first batch of wildlife fishermen in Sikkim on Monday (January 6, 2024). The Union Fisheries Ministry has said that the stock of live fish in Soreng district of Sikkim will increase the income of farmers and promote the sustainability of aquaculture. The project aims to sell live fish free of bacteria, chemicals, and pesticides to environmentally conscious markets around the world.
Mr. Singh also inaugurated and laid foundations for 50 key projects worth ₹50 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), covering all the northeastern states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram in Guwahati. “The government of Sikkim has already adopted organic farming, which has helped build a strong reputation for sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices. The introduction of organic fishing and aquaculture will be in line with the government’s broader vision of promoting natural, sustainable, and environmental protection practices in all sectors,” said the Ministry of Fisheries in a statement.
It added that the organic fishing group focuses on an environmentally sound fish farming system that avoids chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides. “This also ensures less environmental pollution and prevents damage to the aquatic environment, which contributes to sustainable fish production,” the Ministry said.
Published – January 07, 2025 03:15 am IST