Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A Boost for India's Fisheries Sector

Fishing is not just a job. For lakhs of families in India, it is a way of life. Fish is also an important part of our food, economy, and exports. But for many years, the people working in fisheries did not get the support they deserved. To change this, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

This article will explain what PMMSY is, why it is important, how it helps fishermen and fish farmers, and how to apply. Everything is written in a simple way so that any common person or farmer can understand it.

🐟 What is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)?

PMMSY is a central government scheme started in 2020 to improve the fisheries sector in India. The full form of the scheme is Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

It aims to:

• Increase fish production

• Double the income of fish farmers and fishermen

• Create new jobs in fish farming, processing, and exports

• Improve fish markets and cold storage

• Promote safe and sustainable fishing

The scheme covers everything from traditional fishing, fish farming (aquaculture), fish marketing, export, and even fish waste management.

🎯 Goals of PMMSY

PMMSY was launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Here are the main goals:

• Increase fish production to 220 lakh tonnes by 2024-25

• Double the income of fishers and fish farmers

• Reduce post-harvest losses from 20% to 10%

• Generate 55 lakh new jobs

• Promote cold chain, processing units, and fish transport

• Bring new technology into the fisheries sector

• Boost inland, marine, and ornamental fisheries

💡 Why is PMMSY Important?

India has a long coastline, many rivers, and water bodies. Yet many fishermen remain poor and lack proper support.

PMMSY is important because:

• Fish is a major source of protein for many Indians

• India is the second-largest fish producer in the world

• Fish exports earn a lot of foreign exchange

• Many women also work in fish processing and marketing

• There is huge potential in fish farming and shrimp exports

• Fisheries can create jobs in rural and coastal areas

This scheme helps fishermen, fish farmers, startups, SHGs, FPOs, and even businesses involved in fish transport and marketing.

🧩 Main Components of PMMSY

PMMSY has two parts: Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). The activities are divided into three main areas:

1. Enhancement of Production and Productivity

• Development of inland and marine fisheries

• Setting up fish hatcheries, nurseries, and ponds

• Promotion of integrated farming (fish + rice + livestock)

• Support for cage culture, biofloc, RAS, and recirculatory systems

2. Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Management

• Ice plants, cold storage, and insulated vans

• Fish landing centres and processing units

• Modernization of fishing harbours and fish markets

• Value addition and fish product branding

3. Fisheries Management and Welfare

• Insurance for boats and fishers

• Development of fishermen villages and houses

• Skill training and capacity building

• Support for startups and technology adoption

👥 Who Can Benefit from PMMSY?

The scheme is open to a wide range of people and groups. Here’s who can benefit:

• Traditional fishers (marine and inland)

• Fish farmers

• Women’s groups, SHGs, and cooperatives

• Fish traders and vendors

• Startups and businesses in fish processing

• Fisheries cooperatives and FPOs

• SC/ST and marginal fish workers

• Young entrepreneurs looking to enter aquaculture

Special focus is given to women, youth, and economically weaker sections.

💰 What Kind of Support is Given Under PMMSY?

Under PMMSY, the government provides financial assistance or subsidy for many activities. Some key examples include:

The percentage of support may vary depending on the state, the activity, and the category of beneficiary (general, SC/ST, women, etc.).

📲 How to Apply for PMMSY?

You can apply for benefits under PMMSY both offline and online, depending on your state.

Offline Steps:

1. Visit your District Fisheries Office.

2. Ask about the PMMSY schemes available in your area.

3. Fill out the application form with necessary documents (Aadhaar, land/farm proof, bank passbook).

4. Submit the form and wait for verification.

5. If approved, you will get a subsidy or financial support in your bank account or as equipment/material.

Online Steps:

Some states offer online application on their state fisheries department websites. You can:

1. Visit the official portal.

2. Register and fill in your details.

3. Upload the required documents.

4. Track your application status online.

You can also check with your local Panchayat or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for help.

📈 Progress and Success Stories

Since its launch, PMMSY has shown positive results:

Fish production cross175 lakh tonnes in 2023

Thousands of new fish farmers and entrepreneurs joined

Cold storage chains and fish markets have improved

Many states are promoting shrimp farming and ornamental fish breeding

Youth from villages are starting biofloc and RAS farms

Odisha:

Women SHGs in coastal Odisha have started crab farming with PMMSY support and are earning stable income.

Tamil Nadu:

Young entrepreneurs are running profitable biofloc fish tanks with government subsidy.

Punjab:

Farmers are growing fish in paddy fields (integrated farming) and earning double income.

🧠 Training and Capacity Building

PMMSY is not just about money. It also trains fishers and farmers. The scheme includes:

• Hands-on training on modern fish farming techniques

• Support for Fisheries Business Incubators

• Awareness camps on safe and sustainable fishing

• Skill training for youth and women

Training is conducted by ICAR institutes, state fisheries universities, KVKs, and NGOs.

🛡️ Insurance and Welfare

Fishing is risky. To protect fishers, PMMSY includes:

• Accident insurance for fishers

• Life jackets, safety kits, and boat insurance

• Help during natural disasters and cyclones

• Housing support for fishermen families

This ensures that fishers feel safe while working at sea or inland waters.

🌍 Exports and Global Markets

PMMSY also supports fish exports. India exports shrimps, cuttlefish, and other products to many countries.

With help from this scheme:

• Export units are being modernized

• New testing labs and certification centers are coming up

• Quality of Indian seafood is improving

• Indian fish products are gaining more demand abroad

This means more income and jobs in the export and processing sector.

🔮 The Future of PMMSY

The government plans to make PMMSY more effective with:

• Better digital tracking of beneficiaries

• Cluster-based fish farming and export hubs

• Promotion of climate-smart aquaculture

• Use of AI and IoT in fish monitoring

• Stronger link between farmers and markets

🏁 Conclusion

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is a big opportunity for all those who are connected to fishing and fish farming. Whether you are a traditional fisher, a farmer, a woman SHG member, or a young entrepreneur, PMMSY has something for you.

It is helping lakhs of Indians earn better incomes, use better technology, and build a bright future in the fisheries sector. All you need is awareness and the will to act.

If you or someone in your village is connected to fish farming, share this information. It can change lives.

Read about National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - here

Got more questions related to Indian government processes and schemes? Ask Jaankaar Bharat below