4 Years of PMMSY

4 Years of PMMSY: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, is a visionary initiative designed to revolutionize India’s fisheries sector and improve the lives of fishermen. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, this scheme tackles key challenges such as fish production, quality, technology, and infrastructure, while enhancing the entire fisheries value chain.

With a substantial investment of Rs. 20,050 crore over five years (2020-21 to 2024-25), PMMSY focuses on boosting inland fisheries and aquaculture to ensure food security and support smaller fisheries businesses. Additionally, its Central Sector Sub-scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), allocates over Rs. 6,000 crore to empower micro and small enterprises in the sector.

PMMSY – Aims and Objectives

Harnessing of fisheries potential in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
Enhancing fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification and productive utilisation of land and water.
Modernizing and strengthening of value chain – post-harvest management and quality improvement.
Doubling fisher’s and fish farmers’ incomes and employment generation.
Enhancing contribution to Agriculture GVA and exports.
Social, physical and economic security for fishers and fish farmers.
Robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.

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Highlights of PMMSY

In September 2024, marking its 4th anniversary, Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, unveiled a range of new 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: A pilot project is underway to explore the use of drone technology in fish transportation, led 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: Three new incubation centers are being set up to support 100 fisheries start-ups, cooperatives, FPOs, and SHGs, fostering innovation and growth in the sector.

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.

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Components of PMMSY

Central Sector Scheme (CS): These schemes are fully funded and managed by the Central Government. They are entirely under the federal government’s control and budget.

Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): These schemes receive partial support from the federal government and are carried out by the states. They include:

Enhancement of Production and Productivity: Efforts to boost the overall output and efficiency in various sectors.
Infrastructure and Post-harvest Management: Improvements to facilities and processes that handle goods after harvest to reduce waste and increase quality.
Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework: Guidelines and strategies for the sustainable management and regulation of fisheries to ensure long-term health of aquatic resources.

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, and FFPOs/Cs (Fishery Federation Producer Organizations/Companies)
SCs, STs, Women, and Differently Abled Persons
State Governments/UTs, State Fisheries Development Boards, and Central Government Entities