To realize the potential of fisheries sector in the country, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has been taking up various initiatives for holistic development of fisheries and welfare of fishers. The initiatives inter-alia includes implementation of three major schemes namely (i) Centrally Sponsored Scheme(CSS) on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries implemented during the period 2015-16 to 2019-20 with the central outlay of Rs.3000 crore and fisheries projects with an investment of Rs. 5000 crore were approved under this scheme during above said period, (ii) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented for a period of 5 years from year 2020-21 to 2024-25 with a total investment of Rs.20050 crore and projects worth of Rs. 17527.22 crore with central share of Rs.7209.31 crore have been approved so far under this scheme and (iii)  Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) implemented from the year 2018-19 with  funds size of Rs.7522.48 crore to provide concessional finance to various end implementing agencies including State Governments/UTs for creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities and fisheries infrastructure projects worth of Rs 5588.63 crore have been approved under this scheme.

In addition, in the Union Budget 2023-24, the Government has announced a new sub-scheme of PMMSY with targeted investment of Rs. 6,000 crore to further enable activities of fishermen, fish vendors and micro & small enterprises, improve value chain efficiencies and expand the market.

The facilities supported under the schemes for benefit of traditional fishers inter-alia include; livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers’ families during fishing ban period, insurance cover to fishers and fishing vessels, providing boats and nets to traditional fishermen, communication/tracking devices. PMMSY supports, for supply of sea-safety kits to ensure safety of fishermen at sea, support to traditional fishers for acquisition of deep-sea fishing vessels, alternative livelihood activities like seaweed culture & bivalve culture, training & skill development, providing cold-chain and marketing facilities. Further, PMMSY provides support for creation of fishing harbours and fish landing centres facilities for safe landing and berthing of fishing boats/vessels and smooth operation of post-harvest activities, promotion of ornamental fish rearing unit, pen culture, procurement of transport vehicles like motor cycle with ice box, cycle with ice box, three wheeler with ice box, fish retail market and fish kiosk. Besides, since 2018-19, the Government has extended facilities of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to fishers and fish farmers to help them meet their working capital requirements.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India inter-alia aims enhancement of fish production and productivity and the steps taken to boost inland fisheries and aquaculture production primarily include support for expansion of aquaculture, intensification, diversification of species, introduction of high yielding species, infusion of technology such as Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS), Biofloc and Cage culture. Thrust is also given for supply of quality and disease free fish seeds through establishment of quality brood banks, hatcheries, seed rearing units, fish disease and fish farms water quality management, supply of quality feed, training and skill development to fish farmers. Under PMMSY, during last three financial years (2020-21 to 2022-23) and current financial year (2023-24), projects worth Rs. 7263.67 crore have been approved for the development of the inland fisheries and aquaculture sector primarily aiming towards enhancement of fish production, creation of employment opportunities and income to fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders.  

PMMSY also lays special focus on training, skill development, skill upgradation and capacity building through trainings, awareness building programmes and exposure visits to various stakeholders especially fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, fish vendors, entrepreneurs, officials, fisheries Cooperatives and members of Fish Farmer Producer Organizations for various fishing, aquaculture and post harvest related activities. The Training, Awareness, Exposure and Capacity Building programmes are carried out through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in collaboration with the State/UT Fisheries Departments, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) Institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Central and State Universities and Colleges and Fisheries Research Stations with support under PMMSY.

This information was given by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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