Development of Ornamental Fisheries Sector

Development of Ornamental Fisheries Sector

Inland and marine waters in India possess a rich diversity of ornamental fisheries. India is home to more than 374 indigenous freshwater ornamental fish species and over 700 indigenous marine ornamental fish species. As reported by Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India has exported 244 MT Ornamental Fishes worth Rs. 28 crore during the year 2023-24.

Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing flagship scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)” with a vision to bring Blue Revolution including Ornamental Fisheries development through sustainable and responsible development of Fisheries sector in India with highest ever investment of ₹20,050 crore in fisheries sector for a period of 5 years with effect from the FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all the States/UTs. During the four FY (2020-21 to 2023-24) and current FY 2024-25, Department of Fisheries, Government of India has accorded approvals to the Ornamental fisheries development proposals at a total outlay of Rs. 157.64 crores for establishment of 193 Backyard Ornamental fish rearing units, 195 nos. of Medium Scale Ornamental Fish rearing units, 32 nos. of Integrated Ornamental fish units and 2 nos. of Ornamental Fish Brood Banks. Further, MPEDA is also performing testing and certification of Ornamental fishes meant for export to ensure compliance with the sanitary requirements of importing countries. Guidelines for Certification of Freshwater Ornamental fishes has been released by MPEDA to ensure environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

 This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.