PMMSY-backed ornamental fish brood bank in Raigad emerges as a model for exports, rural entrepreneurship and aquaculture innovation

Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi visited a PMMSY-supported ornamental fisheries brood bank in Raigad, highlighting India’s rapidly expanding ornamental fish industry and its growing role in exports, entrepreneurship and rural livelihoods.

The brood bank, located in Mangrul village and established by entrepreneur Mrs. Yashodhara Sanjay Khandagale under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is being described as one of the country’s pioneering ornamental fisheries initiatives.

During the visit, the Union Fisheries Secretary also interacted with PMMSY beneficiaries to understand on-ground challenges, market gaps and opportunities for strengthening the sector.

Key Highlights

• PMMSY-supported ornamental fish brood bank visited in Raigad, Maharashtra
• Facility conserves and breeds over 25 ornamental fish varieties
• Around 7.7 lakh ornamental fish produced across 20 species
• Estimated revenue generated: ₹1.93 crore
• Ornamental fish exported to multiple international markets
• Facility equipped with over 700 tanks
• India’s ornamental fish exports currently estimated at ₹41 crore
• PMMSY supporting backyard units, brood banks and aquarium infrastructure nationwide

‘Sam Discus’ Emerges as Export-Focused Ornamental Fish Brand

The brood bank established by Mrs. Yashodhara Sanjay Khandagale has developed the brand “Sam Discus,” which has emerged as a recognised producer of high-quality discus fish in India.

According to the Department of Fisheries:

• The facility has produced approximately 7.7 lakh ornamental fish
• Covers around 20 ornamental fish species
• Generates direct and indirect employment for 25–30 people
• Operates with over 700 fish tanks

The unit exports ornamental fish to countries including:

• USA
• Italy
• France
• South Korea
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Malaysia
• China
• Israel

The project is also covered under government schemes such as GAIS and NFDP.

Ornamental Fisheries Emerging as High-Growth Segment

India’s ornamental fisheries sector is increasingly gaining policy attention due to rising domestic demand and export opportunities.

India reportedly hosts:

• Around 700 indigenous freshwater fish species
• More than 300 marine ornamental species

The country’s ornamental fish exports are currently estimated at around ₹41 crore.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), several infrastructure and livelihood initiatives have been supported nationwide, including:

• 1,986 backyard ornamental fish rearing units
• 6,018 fish kiosks and aquariums
• 117 retail fish markets
• 5 freshwater ornamental fish brood banks
• 199 integrated ornamental fish units

Maharashtra Strengthens Fisheries Ecosystem

Maharashtra continues to remain one of India’s major fisheries states, supported by:

• 877 km coastline
• 173 fish landing centres
• 526 fishing villages
• Over 15 lakh fisherfolk

The state produced approximately 5.9 lakh tonnes of fish during 2022–23.

Officials said schemes such as PMMSY and Blue Revolution have helped strengthen:

• Aquaculture infrastructure
• Hatcheries
• Cage culture
• Fisheries logistics
• Fisher welfare systems

Ornamental Fisheries Gain Relevance Beyond Aquaculture

The ornamental fish sector is also increasingly intersecting with:

• Hospitality and luxury interiors
• Wellness and lifestyle spaces
• Commercial aquariums
• Tourism and experiential retail

Industry observers believe the growth of premium aquascaping, luxury hospitality décor and wellness-focused interiors could further boost demand for high-quality ornamental fish and aquarium ecosystems in India.