4 Years of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana [Current Affairs]

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming India’s fisheries sector and enhancing the welfare of fishermen. This scheme, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, addresses critical issues in fish production, productivity, quality, technology, and infrastructure while strengthening the fisheries value chain.

With an investment of Rs. 20,050 crore over five years (2020-21 to 2024-25), PMMSY targets inland fisheries and aquaculture, ensuring robust food security and supporting fisheries micro and small enterprises through its Central Sector Sub-scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), which has a budget of over Rs. 6,000 crore.

4th Anniversary Highlights

On its 4th anniversary in September 2024, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh, introduced several initiatives:

NFDP Portal and PM-MKSSY Guidelines: Launched the National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) Portal and operational guidelines for PM-MKSSY, offering benefits like institutional credit and aquaculture insurance.

Fisheries Cluster Development: Announced SOPs for Production and Processing Clusters, focusing on Pearl cultivation, Ornamental fisheries, and Seaweed cultivation, and established three specialized clusters.

Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages: Introduced guidelines to develop 100 coastal villages into Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages with an allocation of Rs. 200 crore.

Drone Technology Pilot: Initiated a pilot project for using drone technology in fish transportation, conducted by the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI).

Research & Breeding Centers: Unveiled notifications for establishing the Mandapam Regional Centre as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed farming, and set up Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs) for marine and inland species.

Fisheries Start-Ups: Announced the creation of three incubation centres to support 100 fisheries start-ups, cooperatives, FPOs, and SHGs.

Promotion of Indigenous Species: Released booklets on indigenous fish species promotion and conservation; 22 out of 36 states/UTs have adopted or declared their state fish.

Priority Projects: Allocated Rs. 721.63 crore for various projects, including integrated Aqua parks, world-class fish markets, smart fishing harbors, saline area aquaculture, and vessel communication systems.

Structure and Components of PMMSY

• Central Sector Scheme (CS): Fully funded and implemented by the Central Government.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): Partially supported by the federal government and implemented by the states. This component includes:
  • Enhancement of Production and Productivity
  • Infrastructure and Post-harvest Management
  • Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework

Beneficiaries

The scheme benefits various stakeholders, including:

Fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, and vendors

Fisheries Development corporations, SHGs/JLGs, cooperatives, and federations

Entrepreneurs, private firms, FFPOs/Cs

SCs/STs/Women/Differently abled persons

State Governments/UTs, State Fisheries Development Boards, and Central Government entities

Contribution to the Indian Economy

The fisheries sector supports around 30 million people and contributes approximately 1.09% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.724% to agricultural GVA. India ranks as the third-largest fish-producing country globally, with a production of 175.45 lakh tons in FY 2022-23.

Transformative Schemes

Additional initiatives enhancing the sector include:

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Launched in 2018-19 with a fund size of Rs. 7,522.48 crore, providing interest subvention up to 3% per annum for a repayment period of 12 years.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Extended to fishers and fish farmers from FY 2018-19.

Aims and Objectives of PMMSY

Harness fisheries potential sustainably and inclusively

Enhance fish production and productivity

Modernize and strengthen value chain management

Double incomes and generate employment

Improve agricultural GVA and export contribution

Ensure social, physical, and economic security for fishers and fish farmers

Develop a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework