Country's First Organic Fisheries Cluster and SOP for Organic Certification in Northeast Launched in Sikkim

Why in the News?

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying **Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh)** inaugurated fisheries development initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (**PMMSY**) during his visit to Sikkim. Key highlights include launching **India's first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng, Sikkim**, and introducing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for organic fisheries certification in the Northeast.

Key Features / Major Points:

- India's First Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng:

- Under PMMSY, 34 fisheries production and processing clusters have been notified nationwide.

- **Soreng district in Sikkim** has become the country's first organic fisheries cluster, emphasizing eco-friendly aquaculture free from harmful chemicals and antibiotics (focusing on Amur Carp, IMC, and Trout).

- Inauguration of Projects Worth Rs. 375 Lakh:

- Facilities including hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, Biofloc, and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) were launched to strengthen the fisheries value chain.

- ITBP Market Linkage for Trout Farmers:

- Sikkim has tied up with the **Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)** for the institutional procurement of locally produced Rainbow Trout, ensuring a stable market and strong value chain.

- Financial Support & Distribution:

- Fish feed, **Kisan Credit Cards (KCC)**, and financial assistance checks under MMMUY were distributed to local fish farmers and cooperatives.

Static GK Facts:

- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

- Launched in: **May 2020** by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

- State of Sikkim:

- Formed on: **May 16, 1975** (36th Amendment).

- Capital: **Gangtok** | Chief Minister: **Prem Singh Tamang (PS Golay)**.

- Significance: India's **first 100% Organic State**.

- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP):

- Established: **October 24, 1962**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Where has India's first organic fisheries cluster been established under PMMSY?

A: Soreng District, Sikkim

Q: With which security force has Sikkim partnered to ensure a regular market supply for local Rainbow Trout farmers?

A: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

Q: Who is the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying?

A: Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh)

Q: Which Indian state is recognized as the country's first fully organic state?

A: Sikkim

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