The Northeast Region States Meet 2025, organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, was held in Guwahati, Assam, with a focus on advancing the fisheries sector in the region. The event, chaired by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable growth, employment generation, and food security in the Northeast.
During the meet, the Union Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for key projects worth Rs. 50 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These projects are expected to create 4,530 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the fisheries sector, marking a significant step towards self-sufficiency in the region. Certificates were also distributed to beneficiaries, including awards for the best fisheries start-ups and Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
To continue and sustain the sectoral growth momentum, the Department of Fisheries notified Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim for development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in the State of Sikkim.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj highlighted the immense potential of the fisheries sector and urged states to take proactive responsibility in advancing fisheries activities and optimizing resource utilization. Emphasis was placed on species diversification, achieving a growth target of 20-25% in fish production, and bridging the production-consumption gap to ensure food security and generate employment.
The Minister directed NFDB to visit Northeastern states at the district level to identify gaps and support holistic regional development and called on ICAR institutes to provide technical training to fish farmers and fishers to enhance efficiency. The states were also encouraged to make state specific plans to address region specific gaps. Key initiatives included leveraging the Fisheries and Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), fostering innovation through NFDB regional centers, formalizing the unorganized sector, developing brood banks, and training progressive farmers at CIFA and CIFRI. Adopting new technologies and transitioning from traditional practices were underscored as essential for driving sustainable growth.
Representing Nagaland, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources A Pangjung Jamir emphasized the state’s rich fisheries resources and significant potential for growth, particularly in developing new ponds and tanks. The introduction of integrated fish farming was highlighted as a key strategy to enhance productivity and further elevate the income of fish farmers. The region’s promising potential for ecotourism was also recognized, and opportunities for improving fish transportation in the hilly areas were noted as an area for further development.
Prof SP Singh Baghel, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj emphasized that doubling farmers’ income can only be achieved through the integration of agriculture with allied sectors, particularly fisheries. Achieving self-sufficiency in the Northeastern Region (NER) was highlighted as a key priority, with a focus on adopting innovative aquaculture practices like Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to overcome land and resource limitations.
S George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs, shed light on the traditional practices of integrated fish farming in the Northeastern Region (NER) and Kerala, including Tapioca-cum-fish farming and pig-cum-fish farming, which have been revitalized with modern techniques for improved efficiency. Emphasis was also laid on the need to focus on increasing fish production and adopting new technologies to further enhance the region’s fisheries sector.