Explained In Brief: The Newly-Launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

As part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat package, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today digitally launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a programme for the development of the fisheries sector in the country.

A total investment of Rs 20,050 crore has been allocated for the implementation of various schemes under the project. This is the highest investment that the sector has ever received.

According to the Union Minister For Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries Giriraj Singh, since Independence until 2014, the production of fish in the country was only 10 million tonne annually, which has in the last few years reached 15 million tonnes. He also informed that while the Fisheries department got a total allocation of Rs 3,680 crore between 1947 and 2014, since 2014, around Rs 26,000 crore have been allocated to the department.

And now, this programme aims at taking the production of fish to 70 million tonnes.

Of the total investment, Rs 12,340 crores will be utilised for beneficiary-oriented activities in Marine, Inland fisheries and Aquaculture while Rs 7,710 crores has been marked for creation and development of related infrastructure.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Modi, said that the scheme has been launched with the goal of making villages of the country the 'pillars of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat'. "Today the scheme is being launched in 21 states of the country . Over 20,000 crore rupees will be spent on this in the next four-five years. Out of this, work worth 1,700 crores is being started today," he added.

"Keeping in mind the trade of fish in every part of the country, in the sea and riverine areas, for the first time such a big plan has been made in the country," added the PM.

As reported, the scheme aims to achieve the following:

2. Reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25 per cent to about 10 per cent.

3. Generation of additional 55 lakhs direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in fisheries sector and related activities.

4. Address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management.

5. Modernisation and strengthening of value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishers’ welfare.

The scheme primarily focuses on adopting ‘cluster or area based approaches’ and creation of fisheries clusters where seaweed and ornamental fish cultivation aimed at employment generation will receive special focus.

Among other interventions, the scheme intends to setup fishing vessel insurance, support for new/up-gradation of fishing vessels/boats, bio-toilets, aquaculture in saline/alkaline areas, Sagar Mitras, FFPOs/Cs and Nucleus Breeding Centres.

The scheme will also facilitate the setup of fisheries and aquaculture start-ups, incubators, integrated aqua parks, integrated coastal fishing villages development, Aquatic Laboratories Network and extension services.

According to reports, India accounts for nearly 6 per cent of the total global fish production and is the fourth biggest seafood exporter in the world. Earlier this year in February, the government had spoken about its 'goal of making India the world’s top seafood exporter' at the 22nd India International Seafood Show in Kochi.