Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031
Prelims:
Agriculture &
Economy
Mains:
GS Paper III:
Fisheries and aquaculture, Economy
Current relevance:
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of
Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is organising an outreach
programme at Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 August 2026, where the Vice President
of India will release the “Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031” Strategic
Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development.
Highlights:
Mission Rangeen Machhli
2031:
1.
Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 is a Strategic
Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development aimed at promoting the
sustainable and organised growth of India's ornamental fisheries sector.
2. It
provides a uniform framework for scientific management, biosecurity, quality
assurance and regulatory compliance.
3. Standard
Operating Procedures will standardise practices across the value
chain, including broodstock management, breeding, hatcheries, quarantine,
health management, traceability, handling, transport and trade.
4. Improved
certification, traceability and quality standards are expected to strengthen market
access and global competitiveness.
5. The
plan also seeks to strengthen stakeholder capacities and encourage
nationwide adoption of best management practices.
Lakshadweep: Marine
Resource Potential:
1.
Lakshadweep has an Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ)of nearly 4 lakh sq. km, accounting for about 17% of India's total
EEZ, along with more than 4,200 sq. km of lagoon area.
2. The
islands possess significant marine ornamental fisheries resources,
creating opportunities for sustainable rearing, exports and livelihood
generation.
3. Lakshadweep
has been notified as a dedicated Seaweed Cluster to promote cultivation,
processing, value addition and market linkages.
4. Yellowfin
Tuna and Skipjack Tuna are important high-value fisheries resources
of the islands.
5. These
resources provide scope for expanding mariculture, value addition, exports
and coastal livelihoods, supporting the Blue Economy.
India’s Marine Fisheries
& Blue Economy Potential:
1.
India has a coastline of approximately 11,099
km and an EEZ of about 24 lakh sq. km, with an estimated marine
fisheries potential of 58.6 lakh MT.
2. Marine
fisheries support approximately 50 lakh fishers and contribute to food
security, nutrition, employment, income and exports.
3. India
exported seafood worth around ₹73,890 crore in FY 2025-26.
4. Fishing
activity remains largely concentrated within 40–50 nautical miles from the
coast, leaving deeper waters with significant potential for high-value
tuna and tuna-like resources.
5. Sustainable
development of deep-sea fishing, mariculture and high-value fisheries
can strengthen livelihoods and exports while requiring continued marine
ecosystem conservation.
Cluster-Based Sustainable
Fisheries Development:
1.
The Government is adopting a cluster-based
and value-chain-oriented approach for fisheries development.
2. The
approach seeks to connect production, processing, value addition and market
linkages.
3. Development
of ornamental fisheries, seaweed and high-value marine fisheries can
diversify livelihood opportunities for island and coastal communities.
4. Strengthening
quality assurance, certification, traceability and biosecurity can
improve access to domestic and international markets.
5. Sustainable
utilisation of marine resources can simultaneously support livelihood
generation, export growth and conservation of marine ecosystems.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2304612®=48&lang=1