Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 Launched to Strengthen India’s Ornamental Fisheries Sector

The Government of India launched Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 , a Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development, at a Fisheries Outreach Programme held in Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 August 2026 . The initiative was released by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and is intended to support the organised and sustainable development of India's ornamental fisheries industry. Development of Ornamental Fisheries Ornamental fisheries involve the breeding, rearing and trading of colourful decorative fish, primarily for aquariums and related markets. Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 provides a common framework for improving the sector through scientific management, biosecurity, quality assurance and regulatory compliance . The plan includes standardised practices covering broodstock management, breeding, hatchery operations, production systems, quarantine, fish health, traceability, aquarium operations, handling, transportation and trade. Focus on Quality and Biosecurity A major objective of the initiative is to improve the quality and safety of ornamental fish production. Better quarantine procedures, fish-health management and traceability can help prevent diseases, improve product quality and make Indian ornamental fisheries more competitive in domestic and international markets. Lakshadweep's Fisheries Potential Lakshadweep has significant potential for fisheries and other marine-based economic activities. The islands have more than 4,200 sq km of lagoon area and an Exclusive Economic Zone of nearly 4 lakh sq km . Lakshadweep also possesses substantial tuna, seaweed and ornamental fish resources, making fisheries an important sector for generating sustainable livelihoods in the islands. Livelihood and Market Opportunities The initiative is expected to create opportunities for fishers, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, youth and women-led enterprises . Improved production methods, certification, transportation and market connections could also help producers reach larger domestic and export markets. Support for Lakshadweep Fisheries The government has approved fisheries development projects worth more than ₹62 crore for Lakshadweep under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) . The broader fisheries-development strategy for the islands also focuses on tuna fisheries, seaweed cultivation, deep-sea fishing, value addition and better market access. These initiatives form part of India's wider effort to strengthen the Blue Economy while ensuring sustainable use of marine resources.