Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031: Ornamental Fisheries Plan

“Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031” plan for ornamental fisheries

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Battle Brief

The Department of Fisheries announced on 30 August 2026 that the Vice President would release “Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031”, a Strategic Action Plan for ornamental fisheries, at Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 August. The plan gives a uniform framework for scientific management, biosecurity, quality and regulatory compliance across the ornamental fish value chain.

Fact File

Plan: Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031, Strategic Action Plan
Sector: ornamental fisheries
Release: 31 Aug 2026, Agatti, Lakshadweep
By: Vice President of India
Lakshadweep EEZ: nearly 4 lakh sq km, about 17% of India’s EEZ
Lagoon area: over 4,200 sq km

In the news

Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031: what happened?

Ornamental fish are the colourful fish kept in aquariums, and India’s islands are rich in them. The trade can bring jobs and exports, but only if breeding, health and transport are done well. The plan sets common standards for that.

Vice President to release “Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031” strategic action plan for ornamental fisheries at Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 Aug 2026 [PIB].

Back Story

What will the SOPs cover?

Broodstock management, breeding, hatchery operations and production systems.
Quarantine, health management and traceability.
Aquarium operations, handling, transport and trade.
Capacity building, certification and market access.

Back Story

Why Lakshadweep?

It has abundant marine ornamental fish resources.
It has been notified as a dedicated Seaweed Cluster.
It is rich in Yellowfin and Skipjack tuna.
India exported seafood worth around ₹73,890 crore in FY 2025-26.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031?

Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031: Strategic Action Plan for ornamental fisheries.
Lakshadweep: about 17% of India’s EEZ; notified Seaweed Cluster.
India’s coastline: about 11,099 km.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Agriculture: cropping, MSP, PDS, food processing, land reforms

As per PIB (2026-08-30): vice President to release "Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031" strategic action plan for ornamental fisheries at Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 Aug 2026.
Ornamental fish can give island communities blue-economy livelihoods.

Quotable data point
Vice President to release "Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031" strategic action plan for ornamental fisheries at Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 Aug 2026.
PIB: Fisheries: Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031, 30 Aug 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

"Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031" relates to

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB (Department of Fisheries), 30 Aug 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

Where does most Indian fishing happen today?

Mostly within 40-50 nautical miles of the coast; deeper waters and the high seas, for which guidelines for Indian-flagged vessels were notified in 2025, offer room for high-value species such as tuna.

What is Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031?

A Strategic Action Plan for developing ornamental fisheries with uniform standards across the value chain.

Where was it released?

At Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 August 2026.

What share of India's EEZ does Lakshadweep have?

About 17 per cent, nearly 4 lakh sq km.