Context: In 2020, Government of India came up with Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to bring about ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive development of the Fisheries sector of India.

Status of India’s Fisheries Sector

(Data from Economic Survey 2022-23)

• The fishing sector in the country continues to be among the most important and fastest growing agriculture allied sector in this country. 
• The sector provides livelihood to more than 2.8 crores fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and several more along the fisheries value chain. 
• The annual average growth rate of the fisheries sector has been about 7 per cent since 2016-17 and has a share of about 6.7 per cent in total agriculture GVA. 
• About 17% of agricultural exports of our country are fish and fish products.
• India is now among top three countries in fish and aquaculture production.
• India has become the one of the biggest shrimp exporter in world.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 

• The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is implementing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
• PMMSY is designed to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain from fish production, productivity and quality to technology, post-harvest infrastructure and marketing. 

• It aims to modernize and strengthen the value chain, enhance traceability and establish a robust fisheries management framework while simultaneously ensuring the socio-economic welfare of fishers and fish farmers. 
• The scheme focuses on the doubling of fishers’ income through a variety of interventions like by generating meaningful employment.
• It also focusses on enhancing the contribution of the fisheries sector to Agricultural GVA and exports.
• Build a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework for better management of the sector. 

Benefits of PMMSY

• The scheme provides financial assistance to develop fishing infrastructure like fishing harbors, fish landing centers, fish markets, fish feed plants, fish seed farms, and fish processing units. 
• Assistance for marketing and export of fish products: It provides assistance for the development of cold chains, fish processing units, and packaging facilities to promote the export of fish products. It will enhance India’s competitiveness in the global seafood market. E.g., Aquapreneurs in Nellore have become successful exporters with the help of biofloc cultivated shrimps.
• Employment Generation: It aims to generate employment opportunities, particularly in rural and coastal areas. It provides livelihoods to fishermen and fisherwomen, as well as opportunities in related sectors such as processing, marketing, and transportation. 
• It promotes the use of modern technology and equipment in fishing and aquaculture. This includes providing support for the adoption of advanced fishing vessels, fish-finding technology, and fish processing machinery.
• Diversification in Fisheries by promoting activities such as ornamental fish farming, seaweed cultivation, and mariculture, expanding the scope of the sector. 
• Empowerment of women: The scheme emphasizes the participation of women in the fisheries sector, providing them with training and financial support for their active involvement in various activities. E.g., Women entrepreneurs from Kashmir Valley are efficiently rearing cold water rainbow trout using a recirculatory aquaculture system.

PMMSY has indeed opened a world of opportunities, and its successful implementation will play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of India’s Fisheries and aquaculture industry for generations to come.