Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Visits Madurai Ornamental Fisheries Cluster and Interacts with Progressive Ornamental Fish Farmers

The Union Secretary for the Department of Fisheries visited the Padimuneeswarar Integrated Ornamental Fish Farm in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, which is a notified ornamental fisheries cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The visit evaluated ornamental fisheries' potential, focusing on broodstock quality, scientific breeding, biosecurity, water quality, and market linkages. The Government of India is developing 34 notified fisheries clusters nationwide using a coordinated cluster-based approach. The targeted farm breeds over 30 varieties of ornamental fish. Furthermore, national fisheries data highlight that fish production reached 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, marine product exports hit ₹73,890 crore in 2025–26, and the Indian ornamental fish industry is valued at approximately ₹3,000 crore.