Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 Unveiled by Vice-President in Lakshadweep

What happened

Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan officially unveiled 'Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031: Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development' during a Fisheries Outreach Programme held at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep. During the event, government assistance and welfare benefits were distributed to local beneficiaries from the fisheries community. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, and Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khoda Patel were also slated to participate in the programme.

Formulated by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the action plan establishes a long-term roadmap to transform India's ornamental fisheries sector into an organised, sustainable, and globally competitive industry. The mission introduces nationwide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing broodstock management, captive breeding, hatchery setups, quarantine measures, and live-fish transport. To safeguard marine ecology and curb illegal extraction of reef fauna, the plan integrates a robust biosecurity framework, quality certification, and end-to-end traceability mechanisms compliant with global trade benchmarks.

The initiative leverages cluster-based development under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to generate livelihoods for coastal youth and women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through low-investment backyard rearing units. In Lakshadweep, fisheries projects valued at over ₹62 crore have already received approval under PMMSY. Specific local infrastructure includes an ornamental fish hatchery established at Agatti Island alongside three PMMSY-sanctioned rearing units to harness the archipelago's rich biodiversity of over 300 ornamental fish species.

Lakshadweep possesses an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 4 lakh sq km—amounting to approximately 17% of India's total EEZ of 2.2 million sq km—and a 4,200 sq km lagoon area. The islands hold an estimated annual fisheries potential exceeding 1,00,000 tonnes, predominantly tuna and tuna-like species (around 94,000 tonnes), supported by initiatives to build a 'Lakshadweep Sustainable Tuna' brand. Lakshadweep has also been designated as a Seaweed Cluster, featuring a Seaweed Bank established in collaboration with ICAR-CMFRI and 575 seaweed cultivation units.

📅 Important dates

📝 What candidates should do

• Memorise scheme allocations, specifically the ₹62 crore PMMSY funding for Lakshadweep and the 2020 launch year.
• Review geographical statistics of Lakshadweep, including its EEZ share (17%) and the location of Agatti Island.
• Track nodal ministries and national export figures (over ₹73,000 crore) for Banking Awareness and SSC General Awareness questions.

🔍 PrepZen analysis

The rollout of 'Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031' marks a deliberate shift toward high-value, non-food marine enterprises such as ornamental aquaculture and seaweed commercialisation under the umbrella of PMMSY. In competitive exams, schemes targeting the Blue Revolution frequently appear across UPSC Prelims, State PSCs, and Banking mains. Aspirants should note how this initiative balances commercial scaling through women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with biosecurity protocols designed to prevent reef fauna depletion.

Questions may test the convergence of national fisheries goals—such as India's ₹73,000-crore export milestone and 5.31 million tonnes of marine potential—with island-specific interventions like the Agatti hatchery and sustainable tuna branding. Key factual anchors include the institutional role of ICAR-CMFRI, the administrative structure of Lakshadweep, and the specific mandates embedded in the 2031 ornamental fisheries roadmap.

✍️ Practice questions

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Prepared by the PrepZen Editorial Team from official releases and verified reports, for exam preparation. Spotted an error? Write to support@prepzen.digitalvizag.com.