Sikkim’s Fisheries Sector Flourishes Under Proactive Governance and Visionary Leadership of CM Golay
July 10th is commemorated across India as National Fish Farmers Day in honour of the pioneering work of Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. Alikunhi, who achieved the first successful induced breeding of major carps on this day in 1957 at Angul, Odisha. This day serves as a tribute to the dedication of fish farmers who are the backbone of India’s Blue Economy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, providing protein-based nutrition, and generating sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural areas.
In the context of Sikkim, National Fish Farmers Day holds even deeper significance as the state continues to chart a progressive path under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay. Since the advent of the SKM Government in 2019, Sikkim has experienced a transformative shift in all developmental sectors, particularly in agriculture, horticulture, and more recently, fish farming.
The Chief Minister has consistently recognised the contribution of Sikkim’s farmers and has ensured that every policy reflects his commitment to strengthening rural prosperity. While fish farming may not always take centre stage in various narratives, but it has never been overlooked under the present government. The sector has received consistent attention, investment, and policy intervention, acknowledging the silent yet significant contribution of fish farmers to the rural economy and the food systems of the state.
One of the most impactful reforms under the Chief Minister’s leadership was the elevation of the Directorate of Fisheries to a full-fledged Department of Fisheries in 2024. This institutional upgrade provided the fisheries sector with the autonomy and structural strength needed to design and implement focused initiatives tailored to the needs of fish farmers in the state. Following this, a historic and progressive step was the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY) on 28th October 2021, the first state-sponsored fisheries scheme in Sikkim. Through this scheme, a 60% subsidy is provided on the procurement of fish seed and fishing equipment. The initiative has disbursed Rs. 175 lakh so far, directly benefiting 701 fish farmers and 369 fishermen across the state.
Complementing this state scheme, the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has also been actively implemented since 2021-22. With 15 beneficiary-oriented and three non-beneficiary-oriented activities in place, PMMSY has reached approximately 2,500 fish farmers in Sikkim, supported by a total investment of Rs. 78.28 crore contributed by central and state governments and the beneficiaries themselves.
The results of these well-structured schemes and dedicated governance are now clearly visible. Fish production in Sikkim has witnessed a remarkable rise from 405 metric tonnes in 2020-21 to 953 metric tonnes in 2024-25. Of this, 600.95 MT comprises trout, 220.78 MT carp, and 130.98 MT from capture fisheries. The state also reported a fish seed production of 28.11 lakh units during the same period, a milestone that reflects the success of the government’s sustained support, combined with the hard work and perseverance of Sikkim’s fish farmers.
The Department of Fisheries has also been proactive in outreach, training, and promotional events to build awareness and engagement around fish farming. Hon’ble Chief Minister honoured 11 progressive fish farmers with Rs. 1 lakh each as a token of recognition and encouragement during the World Fisheries Day 2024. A week-long Fish Festival was organised from 14th to 21st November 2024, in partnership with prominent restaurants on MG Marg, to promote consumption of local fish and highlight the achievements of Sikkim’s fish farmers. Additionally, a Fish Exhibition-Cum-Sale was held in March 2025, followed by an Angling Competition cum Awareness Programme at 10th Mile, Baguwa in Namchi District, promoting sustainable angling and community participation.
Sikkim’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable aquaculture achieved a national milestone when Soreng District’s Organic Fisheries Cluster was declared India’s first of its kind by Union Minister for Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh on 6th January 2025 at the North Eastern Region State Meet in Guwahati. The presence of Minister Puran Kumar Gurung on the occasion further underscored the state’s commitment to environmentally responsible fish farming. The initiative aims to provide both technical and financial support to farmers interested in organic aquaculture. This landmark development was further honoured at the national level when Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the achievement during his virtual address on the occasion of the 50th Statehood Day celebration of Sikkim on 29th May 2025, solidifying Sikkim’s status as a frontrunner in sustainable rural development.
To further strengthen its scientific and ecological foundations, the Department of Fisheries has partnered with ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) to conduct a comprehensive three-year study on fish diversity in the major rivers of Sikkim. This initiative, running from 2024 to 2027, is aligned with the department’s long-term goal of integrating ecological sustainability into fisheries development, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of biodiversity.
The Department of Fisheries, with its dedicated team of 223 personnel, continues to work diligently to build a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive fisheries ecosystem in the state. The department provides an array of services to fish farmers, including subsidies for pond construction, supply of quality fish seed, technical training, licensing support, and NOC issuance for vendors. With its emphasis on organic aquaculture and support for innovation, the department aims to turn fish farming into a high-value enterprise that creates employment opportunities, especially for youth and rural populations, while contributing to food and nutritional security in the state.
As we mark National Fish Farmers Day, it is only fitting that Sikkim reflects with pride on how far it has come in this sector. Under the exemplary leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay, the state has not only enhanced fish production and farmer welfare but has also carved a unique identity as a model for ecological balance, rural empowerment, and sustainable governance. The journey of Sikkim’s fish farmers is not just about producing food, it is about building a future, rooted in resilience, innovation, and equity.
- Yougan Tamang
Press Secretary to Chief Minister of Sikkim
