The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship initiative introduced by the Government of India in 2020 under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The scheme aims to modernise and enhance the fisheries sector, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices. With a budget allocation of Rs. 20,050 crore, PMMSY seeks to increase fish production, generate employment, and boost exports.
PMMSY is designed to address critical challenges such as post-harvest losses, lack of modern infrastructure, and the need for sustainable resource management. It integrates a range of components, including technology-driven solutions, financial assistance, and capacity building for fishermen and aquaculture farmers.
By focusing on innovation and sustainability, PMMSY aims to double fishers’ incomes, reduce post-harvest losses from 20% to 10%, and achieve a fish production target of 22 million metric tonnes by 2024-25.
Benefits for fishermen and aquaculture farmers
The PMMSY scheme offers a wide range of benefits to fishermen, aquaculture farmers, and stakeholders in the fisheries value chain. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Financial support and subsidies: PMMSY provides financial assistance for infrastructure development, aquaculture expansion, and the adoption of modern fishing techniques.
- Increased productivity: By promoting sustainable practices and advanced technologies, the scheme helps improve fish production and quality.
- Employment generation: PMMSY is expected to create over 55 lakh direct and indirect jobs across the fisheries sector.
- Export promotion: The scheme aims to enhance the export competitiveness of Indian fish products, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
- Post-harvest infrastructure: PMMSY focuses on reducing post-harvest losses by developing cold storage facilities, processing units, and marketing networks.
- Sustainability: The scheme encourages eco-friendly aquaculture practices, ensuring the conservation of aquatic resources.
- Capacity building: Training and skill development initiatives under PMMSY empower fishermen and farmers to adopt modern techniques and improve efficiency.