Fisheries Development Initiatives Under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-04-18 08:41:13 |

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The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship initiative launched in 2020 with the goal of revolutionizing India’s fisheries sector. It was designed to bridge critical gaps in fish production, improve productivity, and enhance the welfare of fishermen. Recently, Union Minister George Kurian announced a series of projects under the scheme in Karaikal, which include infrastructure upgrades and financial assistance to support the local fishing community.

At its core, PMMSY is a comprehensive program that focuses on sustainable practices and economic upliftment of those involved in the fisheries industry. The scheme is scheduled to run until 2025 with a total investment of ₹20,050 crore. Its mission extends beyond just increasing fish production; it seeks to fully integrate inland fisheries and aquaculture into the mainstream economy, promoting long-term growth and resilience in the sector.

The scheme comprises two main components. The Central Sector Scheme is entirely funded by the central government, while the Centrally Sponsored Scheme is jointly funded and executed in coordination with state governments. Both these components work together through a range of activities that address the entire value chain—from production and harvesting to infrastructure development and effective fisheries management.

In recent months, the scheme has seen significant activity. New initiatives have been rolled out, such as the installation of artificial reefs and development of integrated fisheries complexes. Financial aid has been extended to fishers for purchasing boats and safety gear, while collaboration with institutions like IIT-Madras has opened the door to advanced research in sustainable fisheries. The government has also emphasized the importance of climate-resilient housing and eco-friendly fishing techniques to ensure environmental and community well-being.

A wide group of beneficiaries are covered under PMMSY, including traditional fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, and cooperative societies. The scheme is especially focused on uplifting marginalized communities by improving their livelihood opportunities and ensuring long-term economic security.

The significance of the fisheries sector in India’s economy is considerable. It supports the livelihoods of nearly 30 million people and makes a meaningful contribution to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA). In the financial year 2022-23, India recorded a fish production of 175.45 lakh tons, establishing itself as the world’s third-largest fish producer.

Looking ahead, the government has set ambitious goals for the future. One of the primary objectives is to double both fish production and exports. The aim is to reach fish exports worth ₹1 lakh crore, aligned with the broader national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047,” which emphasizes sustainable development and economic advancement across all sectors, including fisheries.

Technology is also playing a crucial role in the implementation of PMMSY. Innovations such as the use of drones for transporting fish and satellite data from ISRO to help fishermen identify fish-abundant zones are now being integrated into regular practices. These advancements are expected to modernize the sector and improve efficiency while ensuring that environmental considerations remain central to the strategy.

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