PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Objectives, Features, Contributions

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the flagship scheme of the Government of India launched in September 2020 to bring a blue revolution in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. It aims to modernise fisheries infrastructure, enhance fish production, increase fishermen’s income, and ensure sustainable utilization of aquatic resources.

The scheme is implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and is considered one of the most comprehensive fisheries development programs in India.

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PM Matsya Sampada Yojana Objectives

The key objectives of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) focus on economic growth, employment generation, sustainability, and fishers’ welfare.

• To enhance fish production from 137 lakh tonnes (2019-20) to 220 lakh tonnes by 2024–25
• To increase fisheries sector contribution to GVA from 1.24% to nearly 1.5%
• To double the income of fishers and fish farmers
• To generate over 55 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities
• To modernize fisheries value chain including harvesting, processing, storage, and marketing
• To promote sustainable, responsible, and inclusive fisheries development
• To strengthen inland fisheries, marine fisheries, and aquaculture infrastructure

PM Matsya Sampada Yojana Features

The features of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana are shared below.

• PMMSY is a centrally sponsored scheme with a total investment of ₹20,050 crore for the period 2020-21 to 2024-25.
• PM Matsya Sampada Yojana is a centrally sponsored flagship scheme launched in 2020 to bring comprehensive development in India’s fisheries sector.
• The scheme covers the entire fisheries value chain, including fish seed production, aquaculture, harvesting, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing.
• It aims to promote sustainable and responsible fisheries while ensuring long-term conservation of aquatic resources.
• The scheme focuses on both marine and inland fisheries, including brackish water and freshwater aquaculture.
• It supports modernisation of fisheries through the adoption of advanced technologies such as biofloc farming, cage culture, recirculatory aquaculture systems, mariculture, and seaweed cultivation.
• PMMSY provides financial assistance for the development of fish ponds, hatcheries, fishing vessels, cold storage units, ice plants, and processing facilities.
• The funding pattern under the scheme is 60:40 for general states, 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states, and 100% central assistance for Union Territories.
• It aims to enhance fish production to around 220 lakh tonnes and improve the contribution of fisheries to the agricultural GDP.

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PM Matsya Sampada Yojana Beneficiaries

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is aimed at benefiting fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, and stakeholders associated with the fisheries sector.

• Fishers
• Fish farmers
• Fish workers and Fish vendors
• Fisheries Development corporations
• Self Help Groups (SHGs)/Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) in fisheries sector
• Fisheries cooperatives
• Fisheries Federations
• Entrepreneurs and private firms
• Fish Farmers Producer Organizations/Companies (FFPOs/Cs)
• SCs/STs/Women/Differently abled persons
• State Governments/UTs and their entities
• State Fisheries Development Boards (SFDB)
• Central Government and its entities

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Contribution of Fisheries Sector in Indian Economy

• The fisheries sector supports around 30 million people, with a significant portion coming from marginalized and vulnerable communities.
• India produced 175.45 lakh tonnes of fish in FY 2022-23, making it the third-largest fish-producing country in the world.
• The fisheries sector contributes approximately 1.09% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.724% to the agricultural GVA.
• To promote development and transformation in fisheries, several schemes and initiatives have been implemented:
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Launched in 2018-19 with a total fund size of ₹7,522.48 crore, this scheme provides interest subvention up to 3% per annum for a repayment period of 12 years, including a 2-year moratorium on principal repayment.
  • Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fishers and Fish Farmers: Introduced from FY 2018-19, the scheme enables fishers and fish farmers to access short-term credit and working capital for aquaculture, fisheries operations, and allied activities.

PM Matsya Sampada Yojana Challenges

The challenges of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana are:

• Many small and marginal fish farmers, especially in remote areas, are unaware of the scheme, its benefits, or the process for availing financial and technical support, which reduces effective participation.
• Fishers and entrepreneurs often face challenges in obtaining institutional loans or subsidies, and the high cost of modern fishing equipment, vessels, hatcheries, and advanced aquaculture technologies prevents widespread adoption.
• Lack of sufficient cold storage, ice plants, refrigerated transport, and modern fish markets in many regions results in high post-harvest losses and limits income from fish sales.
• Unsustainable fishing practices, overexploitation of fish stocks, and poor regulation of inland and marine resources threaten long-term production and ecological balance.
• Rising sea and water temperatures, floods, cyclones, and erratic rainfall patterns adversely affect fish breeding, aquaculture, and overall production, making the sector highly vulnerable.
• Many fish farmers and fishers continue traditional methods due to a lack of training, awareness, or technical knowledge, resulting in lower productivity and income potential.

Way Forward

• Strengthen awareness campaigns so all 30 million fishers, especially marginalised communities, benefit from schemes.
• Improve access to credit and Kisan Credit Card facilities for fishers and fish farmers to adopt modern technologies.
• Expand cold chains, ice plants, and refrigerated transport to reduce 20–25% post-harvest losses.
• Promote sustainable fishing practices to prevent overfishing and conserve biodiversity.
• Implement climate-resilient aquaculture techniques to mitigate floods, cyclones, and rising sea temperatures.
• Enhance skill development and capacity building, targeting 5 lakh fishers annually, including digital marketing and value addition.
• Encourage women’s participation, as they make up 70% of inland fish processing and marketing workers.
• Develop fisheries clusters, integrated aquaculture parks, and export-oriented units to increase production and global competitiveness.