New Delhi, August 30: The central government will unveil a strategic action plan, “Mission Colorful Fish 2031,” aimed at expanding ornamental fish farming. This initiative will provide a comprehensive framework for scientific management, biosecurity, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across the entire ornamental fisheries value chain. This information was shared by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying on Sunday.
The ministry announced that Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan will launch the strategic action plan for the development of ornamental fish farming on August 31, 2026, during an outreach program in Lakshadweep.
According to the ministry’s statement, the government is adopting a cluster-based approach to promote integrated and value chain-based development in the fisheries sector. In line with this strategy, Lakshadweep has been designated as a dedicated seaweed cluster to enhance seaweed farming, processing, value addition, and market connectivity.
The islands of Lakshadweep are rich in marine ornamental fish resources, offering significant potential for ecosystem conservation, sustainable farming, export, and livelihood creation.
The action plan will standardize standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to broodstock management, breeding, hatchery operations, production systems, quarantine, health management, traceability, aquarium operations, handling, transportation, and trade. This will ensure uniformity in operations across the country and promote the adoption of best practices.
India boasts a vast and diverse marine resource base, with a coastline of approximately 11,099 kilometers and an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of around 2.4 million square kilometers. The potential of marine fishery resources in India’s EEZ is estimated at about 5.86 million metric tons, supporting the livelihoods of nearly 5 million fishermen and contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, employment, income generation, and export earnings.
Currently, India ranks among the world’s leading producers of fisheries and aquaculture products, exporting marine food products worth approximately ₹73,890 crores during the fiscal year 2025-26.
The ministry noted that most fishing activities are concentrated within 40-50 nautical miles from the coast, while there are substantial opportunities for harvesting high-value species, particularly tuna and similar species, in deeper waters and areas beyond national jurisdiction.
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ABs
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