Quick Glance
- Centre aims to make Mizoram self-sufficient and export-oriented in fish production
- PMMSY 2.0 to support new ponds, fish farming clusters and fisheries infrastructure
- Fisheries projects worth Rs 32.15 crore to be launched in Northeast
- Ministers from all northeastern states to attend Regional Review Meeting in Aizawl
Agartala/Aizawl: The Centre has announced plans to transform Mizoram into a major fish-producing and exporting state. During his visit to Aizawl on Sunday, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh discussed new fisheries, dairy and animal husbandry projects with Chief Minister Lalduhoma while reviewing future development plans for the Northeast.
Centre Targets Fisheries Expansion in Mizoram
Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, on Sunday said the Central government wants Mizoram to emerge as a strong fisheries hub in the Northeast. He said the long-term goal is to help the state become capable of exporting fish to other regions and markets.
The Union Minister made the remarks during his visit to Aizawl, where he held discussions with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
Singh assured the state government that the Centre would fully support projects linked to fisheries, dairy development and animal husbandry. He also stressed that the Northeast holds enormous potential in aquaculture and allied sectors.
Minister of State George Kurian and senior Central government officials also joined the meeting.
Key Fisheries Projects Proposed for Mizoram
During the high-level discussion, the Centre reviewed several proposals submitted by the Mizoram government. The proposed initiatives focus on improving fish production, infrastructure and farmer support systems.
The projects under consideration include:
- Establishment of a modern Wholesale Fish Market
- Development of an Integrated Aqua Park
- Expansion of Paddy-cum-Fish Culture clusters to more districts
- Support for fisheries infrastructure under PMMSY 2.0
The Union Minister encouraged the Mizoram government to prepare detailed project proposals. He said strong proposals would help the state secure maximum financial support under upcoming Central schemes.
Singh also highlighted the importance of scientific fish farming and infrastructure expansion. According to him, these measures would create employment and improve rural livelihoods in the state.
PMMSY 2.0 to Open New Opportunities for Fish Farmers
The Centre is preparing to launch the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY 2.0). The new scheme is expected to provide major support to fish farmers across the Northeast, including Mizoram.
The Minister said PMMSY 2.0 would include:
| Initiative | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|
| New fish ponds | Increased fish production |
| Renovation of old ponds | Better water management |
| Fisheries infrastructure support | Improved storage and marketing |
| Expansion of fish farming clusters | More livelihood opportunities |
He added that the Centre wants Mizoram to reduce dependence on imported fish and gradually move toward export-oriented production.
Dairy and Animal Husbandry Issues Also Discussed
Apart from fisheries, the meeting also focused on dairy and livestock development in the state.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma informed the Union Minister about a proposed Central scheme for Milk Processing Plants. Under the proposed funding model, the Centre may bear 90 per cent of the project cost, while the state would contribute 10 per cent.
The Chief Minister requested additional Mobile Veterinary Units for rural and remote areas. In response, Singh said the Centre would examine the demand positively.
He also advised the state government to operationalise the already sanctioned veterinary units without delay.
Centre Likely to Pursue Animal Feed Transport Subsidy
The issue of transport subsidy for animal feed also came up during the meeting. Mizoram faces logistical challenges because of its hilly terrain and transportation costs.
The Union Minister assured the state government that the Centre would pursue the subsidy matter. He also stressed the need to promote local cultivation of animal feed crops within the state.
According to Singh, local feed production would lower transportation costs and improve long-term sustainability in the livestock sector.
He further assured support for initiatives aimed at increasing indigenous animal feed cultivation.
Regional Review Meeting in Aizawl Today
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying will organise the “Regional Review Meeting: Northeastern Region 2026” in Aizawl on Monday.
The meeting will bring together ministers and officials from all northeastern states, including:
- Tripura
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Manipur
- Nagaland
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Mizoram
Officials said the programme would be conducted in hybrid mode.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will chair the meeting. Ministers of State George Kurian and S.P. Singh Baghel will also attend the event.
The review session aims to assess the progress of various schemes related to fisheries, dairy and animal husbandry sectors across the Northeast.
Rs 32.15 Crore Fisheries Projects to Be Launched
As part of the regional programme, the Union Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for fisheries projects worth around Rs 32.15 crore.
These projects fall under:
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
The projects are expected to strengthen fisheries infrastructure in the Northeast and improve livelihood opportunities for fish farmers.
The Centre believes these initiatives will help create a self-sustaining fisheries economy in the region while boosting rural employment and food security.
Northeast Gains Strategic Importance in Fisheries Sector
The Central government has increasingly focused on fisheries and aquaculture development in northeastern states. The region has abundant water resources, favourable climatic conditions and growing demand for fish products.
States like Tripura, Assam and Mizoram have already expanded fish farming activities in recent years. Experts believe improved infrastructure and better market access could significantly increase production in the coming years.
The latest initiatives announced in Aizawl indicate that the Centre wants the Northeast to become a major contributor to India’s fisheries economy.
People Also Ask
What is PMMSY 2.0?
PMMSY 2.0 is the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana aimed at improving fish production, fisheries infrastructure and fish farmers’ income across India.
Why does the Centre want Mizoram to become a fish-exporting state?
The Centre believes Mizoram has strong potential for aquaculture growth due to its natural resources and favourable environment for fish farming.
What projects are planned for Mizoram’s fisheries sector?
The proposed projects include a Wholesale Fish Market, Integrated Aqua Park, expansion of Paddy-cum-Fish Culture clusters and fisheries infrastructure development under PMMSY 2.0.