Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 for Ornamental Fisheries
Why in the news
In September 2026 a long-term plan to organise India’s decorative aquarium fish sector was unveiled during a fisheries outreach event on Agatti island.
Key facts
- Name: Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031, a plan for ornamental fisheries.
- Unveiled by: India’s Vice-President, at Agatti in the Lakshadweep group.
- Drafted by: the Department of Fisheries, which sits under the ministry covering fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying.
- Goal: turn breeding, rearing and trade of aquarium fish into an organised, globally competitive industry.
- Reach: Lakshadweep is the focus, yet the framework applies nationwide.
Main pillars
| Pillar | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Value-chain SOPs | Uniform standards for hatcheries, breeding, disease management, packing and transport so live fish survive the trip |
| Biosecurity | Quarantine and health checks against diseases and invasive pathogens |
| Traceability and certification | Tracking captive-bred stock to stop illegal capture from the wild and protect coral reefs |
| PMMSY clusters | Production, logistics, processing and markets at home and abroad grouped into clusters |
| Livelihoods | Skill training for fishers, young people and women’s SHGs to rear fish cheaply in backyards |
Background
- Ornamental fisheries means breeding and selling colourful fish and aquatic plants for aquariums, not for food.
- PMMSY (2020, Rs 20,050 crore) already finances ornamental units, hatcheries and integrated clusters; the NFDB and the Blue Revolution scheme came earlier.
Significance
- India has hundreds of native species but only a small share of a multi-billion-dollar world trade.
- Backyard units need little land or capital, so they suit rural and coastal youth and women.
Exam angle
- Nodal body: Department of Fisheries. Linked scheme: PMMSY.
- Venue: Agatti, Lakshadweep; target year in the name: 2031.