Sikkim’s Soreng Becomes India’s First Notified Organic Fisheries Cluster under PMMSY

Sikkim’s Soreng district has become India’s first notified Organic Fisheries Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative aims to promote the sustainable and chemical-free fish production by integrating organic farming, certification, processing and marketing. Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh also launched a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for organic fisheries certification in the Northeast and inaugurated fisheries development projects worth ₹3.75 crore on 4th of November, 2026.

Soreng Becomes India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster

Soreng district in the state of Sikkim has been notified as India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster under PMMSY. The initiative seeks to develop an organised system for organic fish production and improve farmers’ access to premium domestic and international markets.

The cluster will focus on ecologically sustainable fish farming without harmful chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides.

The major fish varieties covered under the initiative include,

• Amur carp
• Indian Major Carps (IMCs)
• Trout

The initiative will leverage Sikkim’s established organic farming ecosystem to promote environmentally sustainable aquaculture and improve fish farmers’ incomes.

SOP for Organic Fisheries Certification in Northeast India

The Union Fisheries Ministry has launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to establish the structured framework for organic fish production and certification in the Northeast.

The SOP aims to,

• Establish procedures for organic fish production.
• Facilitate certification of organically produced fish.
• Improve traceability across the fisheries value chain.
• Promote chemical-free and environmentally sustainable aquaculture.
• Strengthen consumer confidence in organic fish products.
• Improve access to high-value domestic and export markets.

The certification framework is expected to support the development of organised organic fisheries clusters in the region.

Government Initiatives to Support Fish Farmers

Several initiatives were undertaken during the minister’s visit to improve financial support and market access for fish farmers.

• Fish feed was distributed to 15 farmers belonging to two fish farmers’ cooperative societies.
• Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) were distributed to fish farmers to improve access to institutional credit.
• Five farmers received financial assistance cheques under the Mukhya Mantri Matsya Uthpadhan Yojana (MMMUY).
• The minister inspected a PMMSY-supported live fish vending centre and interacted with members of fish farmers’ cooperative societies.

Sikkim Government Signs MoU with ITBP for Rainbow Trout Procurement

The Sikkim government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for the institutional procurement of locally produced Rainbow Trout.

The agreement aims to provide a stable and assured market for local trout farmers through regular supplies to ITBP establishments.

It covers several important operational aspects such as,

• Quality specifications of the fish
• Pricing arrangements
• Supply capacity
• Inspection mechanism
• Delivery schedules

The initiative is expected to strengthen market linkages and provide greater income security to trout farmers in Sikkim.

What Is PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)?

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship scheme of the Government of India aimed at the sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector.

The scheme was launched on 10 September 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Its major objectives include,

• Increasing fish production and productivity.
• Improving infrastructure across the fisheries value chain.
• Strengthening post-harvest management and cold-chain facilities.
• Promoting aquaculture and sustainable fishing practices.
• Improving fish farmers’ incomes and employment opportunities.
• Enhancing domestic and export markets for fish and fisheries products.

The scheme covers marine, inland and aquaculture fisheries and promotes technology adoption, infrastructure development and value addition.