India's First Organic Fisheries Cluster
Yes, organic fishing, or more accurately, organic aquaculture, does exist in India, and is a growing sector with significant potential.
The most prominent example of organic aquaculture in India is the recently launched Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim. This cluster, launched on January 6, 2025, by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable aquaculture practices in the country. This initiative aligns with Sikkim's existing commitment to organic farming, making it the first state to pioneer organic fisheries. The cluster is designed to promote an ecologically healthy fish farming system, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides.
What is Organic Aquaculture?
Key Aspects of Organic Aquaculture in India
Organic aquaculture focuses on the farming of aquatic animals and plants without the use of antibiotics, chemicals, and fertilizers, while preserving the ecosystem and biodiversity. This approach aims to produce healthy, disease-free seafood while protecting the environment. Organic aquaculture also plays a role in increasing soil fertility and minimizing input costs, leading to safer products.
Organic aquaculture offers several benefits:
Benefits of Organic Aquaculture
Water Quality: Maintaining high water quality is essential, ensuring it is free from pollutants.
Feed: Organic feed, free from synthetic additives, is a key component.
Breeds: Using breeds adapted to local conditions and avoiding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is important.
Health Management: Prioritizing disease prevention and using natural treatments when necessary.
Government Initiatives and Support
Environmental Sustainability: Minimizes pollution and protects aquatic ecosystems.
Economic Opportunities: Organic products often attract premium prices, opening up export opportunities.
Consumer Health: Reduces exposure to harmful chemicals and antibiotics.
Social Impact: Empowers local fishers and creates opportunities for cooperatives.
Other Initiatives
The Indian government is actively promoting the growth of the fisheries sector through various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The PMMSY supports the development of organic fisheries clusters and provides financial and technical assistance through organizations like the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
While the Sikkim cluster is the first of its kind, other initiatives are also underway. For example, WWF-India is establishing a model of sustainable mangrove fishery as part of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), which builds on existing models of Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture (IMA) and Sustainable Mangrove Fisheries (SMF).
Conclusion
Organic aquaculture is a developing concept in India, with the launch of the first organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim representing a significant step forward. This initiative, along with other efforts, highlights the growing importance of sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the fisheries sector.
The focus on avoiding harmful chemicals, promoting environmental sustainability, and tapping into the growing demand for organic seafood positions India's fisheries industry as a key contributor to both the national economy and global sustainable food systems.