SYLLABUS
GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;
Context:
Recently, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) completed five years of implementation, transforming India’s fisheries sector through record production, exports, employment, and inclusivity.
About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- PMMSY was launched on 10 September 2020 by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying to bring about ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive development of the fisheries sector of India.
- The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) is the nodal agency for implementing training, awareness, and capacity-building programmes under PMMSY.
- Total investment outlay: ₹20,050 crore (2020–21 to 2024–25).
- Extension approved up to FY 2025–26 with the existing scheme design and funding pattern.
- This scheme aims to usher in the Blue Revolution in India’s fisheries sector.
Components of the scheme
Umbrella scheme with two components:
- Central Sector Scheme (CS): 100% funded by Central government.
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): Cost-sharing between Centre and States.
CSS activities grouped under three heads:
- Enhancement of production and productivity.
- Infrastructure and post-harvest management.
- Fisheries management and regulatory framework.
Achievements of PMMSY in 5 Years
- India achieved a record fish production of 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, a sharp rise from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019–20.
- The country has emerged as the second-largest fish producer in the world, contributing nearly 8% of global fish production.
- Fisheries exports have shown robust growth, increasing from ₹46,662.85 crore in 2019–20 to ₹60,524.89 crore in 2023–24, strengthening India’s position in the global seafood market.
- PMMSY created 58 lakh employment opportunities, surpassing the target of 55 lakh.
Key Initiatives under PMMSY
- Empowering Women in Fisheries: It promotes women’s participation in fisheries by providing up to 60% of total project cost as financial assistance under beneficiary-oriented activities and the Entrepreneur Model.
- Building Climate Resilience through Technology: The Department of Fisheries has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages to strengthen climate resilience and make them economically vibrant.
- Digitalisation: PMMSY launched the National Fisheries Digital Platform which provides single-window access to government benefits and aims to formalise the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana: A Central Sector sub-scheme of PMMSY to incentivisation of aquaculture insurance, improving value chain efficiency, and adoption of safety and quality systems for safe fish production.
- Biofloc Technology: It is a sustainable aquaculture method that uses beneficial microbes to recycle nutrients, forming clumps (biofloc) that act as natural feed and improve water quality.
Significance of the Scheme
- Boost to Seafood Exports: Strengthened India’s position as a global seafood exporter, with exports increasing from ₹46,662.85 crore in 2019–20 to ₹60,524.89 crore in 2023–24.
- Women’s Empowerment: Promoted women-led entrepreneurship, fostering economic empowerment in rural areas.
- Livelihood Security: Ensured sustainable livelihoods for 58 lakh people through direct and indirect employment opportunities.
- Contribution to Agricultural Growth: It supported the goal of doubling farmers’ income and contributed significantly to agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA).