Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Revolutionizing India’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

Why the Scheme is in News?

Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, initiated the fifth phase of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra in Karanja, Raigad, Maharashtra. The upcoming leg of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-V will encompass various coastal areas such as Gateway of India, Karanja (Raigad District), Mirkarwada (Ratnagiri District), Devgad (Sindhudurg District), Malvan, Vasco, Mormugaon, and Canacona (South Goa).

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Introduction

In 2020, the Government of India launched the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with the goal of transforming the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. The PMMSY aims to enhance fish production, create employment opportunities, improve the income of fishers and fish farmers, and contribute to the overall growth and development of coastal and inland fishing communities.

This comprehensive scheme is set to play a crucial role in the sustainable development of India’s aquatic resources and establish the nation as a global leader in fisheries.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Ministry, Launch Year and Implementing Body

Ministry: Ministry of of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying

Launch Year: 2020

Implementing Body: Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying

Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana encompasses a range of objectives designed to drive the growth and modernization of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in India:

1. Enhancing fish production and productivity: The PMMSY aims to increase fish production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25, thereby boosting India’s self-sufficiency in fish consumption and reducing dependence on imports.

2. Infrastructure development: The scheme focuses on developing and modernizing fishing harbors, landing centers, fish markets, and fish-landing centers. This will improve the storage, processing, and marketing infrastructure, ensuring that fishers and fish farmers have access to better facilities.

3. Aquaculture development: PMMSY aims to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, including both freshwater and marine aquaculture. It includes initiatives for the development of hatcheries, nurseries, and fish production units, facilitating the expansion of fish farming activities.

4. Employment generation and skill development: The scheme places significant emphasis on creating employment opportunities by promoting entrepreneurship and skill development in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. It aims to enhance the livelihoods of fishers, fish farmers, and other allied workers.

5. Post-harvest management and infrastructure: PMMSY focuses on improving post-harvest infrastructure and reducing post-harvest losses. It aims to develop cold chains, fish processing units, and other value-addition facilities to ensure better quality and longer shelf life of fish products.

6. Strengthening of fisheries institutions: The scheme aims to enhance the capacities of fisheries institutions and organizations by providing support for research and development, training, and knowledge dissemination. This will help foster innovation and scientific advancements in the sector.

Goal of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

• The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is being implemented through a multi-tiered approach, involving central, state, and local governments, as well as various stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
• The scheme is divided into several components, including the establishment of a fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure development fund, creation of a fishers’ welfare fund, and implementation of a central sector scheme.
• Significant progress has already been made under the PMMSY.
• Several fishing harbors, landing centers, and fish markets have been modernized and upgraded, providing better facilities for fishers and fish farmers.
• Various training programs and capacity-building initiatives have been conducted to enhance the skills of fishers and promote entrepreneurship in the sector.
• Additionally, substantial investments have been made in fish seed production and the development of aquaculture infrastructure.

Vision of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is a transformative initiative that aims to revolutionize India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. By focusing on increasing fish production, improving infrastructure, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable practices, the scheme has the potential to propel India towards becoming a global powerhouse in fisheries.

With effective implementation and stakeholder participation, the PMMSY can drive inclusive growth, create employment opportunities, and ensure the sustainable development of aquatic resources for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.

Benefits and Impact of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is expected to have far-reaching benefits for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, as well as the coastal and inland fishing communities of India. Some of the key impacts of the scheme include:

1. Increased fish production and self-sufficiency: The PMMSY’s focus on enhancing fish production and productivity will lead to increased availability of fish, reducing the need for imports and improving food security.

2. Enhanced income and livelihoods: The scheme aims to increase the income of fishers and fish farmers by providing them with better infrastructure, market linkages, and access to credit facilities. This will enable them to fetch higher prices for their produce and improve their overall socio-economic conditions.

3. Employment generation: The PMMSY’s emphasis on skill development and entrepreneurship is expected to generate a significant number of employment opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. This will not only benefit fishers and fish farmers but also create jobs in ancillary industries such as processing, packaging, and transportation.

4. Sustainable development: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana promotes sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture, including the use of advanced technologies, better resource management, and conservation measures. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of aquatic resources and protect the environment.

5. Empowerment of women: The scheme recognizes the crucial role of women in the fisheries sector and aims to empower them by providing training, credit facilities, and access to resources. This will lead to gender empowerment and inclusive growth in coastal and inland fishing communities.

6. Export promotion: The PMMSY’s focus on improving post-harvest infrastructure, quality control, and value addition will enhance the export potential of Indian fish and fish products. This will contribute to foreign exchange earnings and position India as a global leader in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Beneficiaries for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

Various stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sector can benefit from PMMSY, including fishers, fish farmers, fish vendors, fish processors, exporters, and other entrepreneurs involved in allied activities. The scheme aims to provide support to both traditional and modern fishing communities across the country.

How to apply for benefits under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana?

To avail benefits under PMMSY, interested individuals or organizations can visit the official website of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.

The website provides detailed information about the scheme, its components, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Applicants can follow the guidelines and submit their applications online or offline, as specified by the concerned authorities.

Challenges and the Way Forward for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

While the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana holds immense potential for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, some challenges need to be addressed for its successful implementation. These challenges include:

1. Funding and resource allocation: The scale and scope of the scheme require substantial financial resources. Ensuring adequate funding and effective utilization of resources at all levels is crucial for its success.

2. Awareness and participation: Creating awareness among fishers, fish farmers, and other stakeholders about the benefits and opportunities under the PMMSY is essential for their active participation and engagement.

3. Regulatory framework: Strengthening the regulatory framework, addressing issues related to licensing, and ensuring compliance with environmental and quality standards are necessary for sustainable and responsible growth in the sector.

4. Capacity building: Continuous training and capacity-building programs should be conducted to equip fishers and fish farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt modern techniques, best practices, and emerging technologies.

To overcome these challenges, a collaborative approach involving the government, industry, academia, and civil society is required. Regular monitoring, evaluation, and feedback mechanisms should be in place to track the progress of the scheme and make necessary course corrections.

Funding Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

The primary objective of the PMMSY’s funding pattern is to encourage investment in fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure, promote sustainable fishing practices, enhance fish production, and create employment opportunities for fishermen and fish farmers across the country.

The scheme targets the development of both marine and inland fisheries, aiming to increase fish production to meet the growing demand for fish protein in India.

Funding Allocation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has a total outlay of ₹20,050 crore over a period of five years, from 2020 to 2024-25. The central government provides a substantial amount of funding for the scheme, while the remaining funds are expected to be contributed by the state governments, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.

The funding allocation is divided into different components, which include:

1. Central Sector Scheme: Under this component, the central government provides financial assistance for various activities such as the establishment of fisheries infrastructure, fishing harbors, cold chain facilities, and fish markets. It also supports the implementation of advanced fishing technologies, including deep-sea fishing vessels and fish aggregating devices.
2. State Sector Scheme: The state governments play a crucial role in the implementation of the PMMSY. They are responsible for the development and management of fisheries and aquaculture resources within their respective states. The state sector scheme aims to strengthen the state’s capacity to support fisheries and aquaculture activities through financial assistance and capacity building.
3. Beneficiary-oriented Schemes: The PMMSY emphasizes the welfare of fishermen and fish farmers. To ensure their active participation and upliftment, the scheme provides financial assistance for activities such as the construction of houses, installation of renewable energy devices, development of fish markets, and skill development training.
4. Non-fund-based Support: In addition to financial assistance, the PMMSY offers non-fund-based support, including policy interventions, reforms, and capacity building. These initiatives aim to create an enabling environment for the fisheries sector’s sustainable growth and development.

Implementation and Monitoring of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

The implementation and monitoring of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana involve a collaborative effort between the central government, state governments, and various stakeholders. The funds are released in a phased manner, with periodic reviews to assess progress and ensure the optimal utilization of resources. States are encouraged to prepare their perspective plans and prioritize activities based on their specific needs and potential.

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