Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031
Why in News?
Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 is in the news because on 31 August 2026 the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, is officially releasing the Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development during a Department of Fisheries outreach programme at Agatti, Lakshadweep.
Key Objectives & Core Strategy
- Standardizing Roadmap: Aims to provide a uniform national framework for ornamental fisheries.
- Scientific Management: Outlines Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for scientific breeding and health.
- Biosecurity Enforcement: Implements strict measures for disease prevention and safe handling.
- Quality Assurance: Focuses on upgrading product quality to meet global standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Establishes uniform rules across the entire domestic supply chain.
Operational Scope & Interventions
- Broodstock Operations: Standardizes broodstock management, breeding, and hatchery operations.
- System Standardization: Upgrades aquarium infrastructure, production systems, and transport setups.
- Traceability Protocols: Introduces clear tracking mechanisms across the trade life cycle.
- Market Integration: Builds better domestic linkages and eases international market access.
- Capacity Building: Offers training and skill development programs to local fishers.
Economic & Social Impact
- Livelihood Generation: Targets alternative income routes for coastal and island communities.
- Gender Inclusion: Emphasizes active participation and benefit-sharing for women fishers.
- Export Expansion: Scales up competitive capability to increase global seafood trade shares.
- Cluster Approach: Merges with Lakshadweep’s newly notified Seaweed Cluster initiatives.
- Conservation Balance: Reduces wild-capture pressure to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
Background Context
- Immense Potential: India boasts an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.2 million sq. km.
- Uncapped Resource: Current fishing remains heavily concentrated within 40–50 nautical miles offshore.
- Lakshadweep's Wealth: The islands alone hold 17% of India's total EEZ space.
- Financial Footprint: The sector follows a record ₹73,890 crore seafood export performance in FY 2025-26.
- Global Alignment: Supports commitments toward UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
