Development of cold water fisheries

Key Highlights:

• The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with an investment of ₹20,050 crore, supports cold water fisheries development across India.
• The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), with a fund size of ₹7522.48 crore, addresses infrastructure gaps in fisheries.
• Projects worth ₹706 crore have been approved for Himalayan and Hilly States, specifically targeting cold water fisheries.
• Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold Water Fisheries were issued on March 14, 2026, to aid states.
• Four clusters for cold water fisheries development have been notified in Anant Nag (J&K), Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), Kargil (Ladakh), and Kullu (HP).

Detailed Insights:

• PMMSY aims to bridge critical gaps in fish production, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and fishers' welfare in cold water fisheries.
• The Model Guidelines provide specifications for developing Raceways, Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), hatcheries, feed mills, and market linkages.
• These guidelines focus on augmenting production and value addition of species like Rainbow Trout, Golden Mahseer, and Snow Trout.
• Emerging technologies such as RAS, Biofloc, Cages, IoT-based monitoring, and digital market platforms are promoted for remote regions.
• ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR) developed a model RAS for intensive trout production and year-round Golden Mahseer breeding.
• ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) supports fish processing and Ready-to-Eat facilities in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A flagship scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): A dedicated fund to create and modernize fisheries infrastructure in India.
• Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS): A technology that reuses water after treatment, minimizing water exchange and maximizing fish production in a controlled environment.
• Biofloc: An aquaculture system that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms to improve water quality and provide a natural food source for aquatic animals.