Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s fisheries sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation, marked by strategic investments and innovative policies. Recognising the sector as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, the Prime Minister has championed the cause of sustainable and inclusive growth through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the newly launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). These visionary schemes reflect a deep commitment to enhancing fish production, boosting employment, and ensuring food security, all while empowering the millions who rely on fisheries for their livelihoods.
Role of the Fisheries Sector in India’s Economy
The fisheries sector is pivotal in India’s economy, contributing significantly to national income, exports, food security, and employment generation. Known as the “Sunrise Sector,” it supports the livelihoods of approximately 30 million people, particularly among marginalised and vulnerable communities. In FY 2022-23, India achieved a record fish production of 175.45 lakh tons, making it the third-largest fish producer globally, accounting for 8 per cent of global production. The sector contributes around 1.09 per cent to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.724 per cent to agricultural GVA. The fisheries sector’s immense growth potential requires focused policy and financial support for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.
Growth and Achievements of India’s Fisheries Sector (2013-2024)
India’s fisheries sector has experienced remarkable growth and transformation from 2013-14 to 2023-24. Fish production has increased by 79.66 lakh tonnes, and coastal aquaculture has seen rapid development, equivalent to 43 years of progress between 1971 and 2014. Shrimp production has risen by 270%, from 3.22 lakh tonnes to 11.84 lakh tonnes, while shrimp exports have more than doubled, reaching Rs 43,135 crore. These advancements have led to significant improvements in employment, providing livelihood opportunities for about 63 lakh fishermen and fish farmers. The sector also saw enhanced benefits under the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS), with per-fisherman coverage increased from Rs 1.00 lakh to Rs 5.00 lakh, benefiting over 267 lakh individuals.
Additionally, the number of traditional fishermen families receiving livelihood and nutritional support has increased from 3.40 lakh to 5.97 lakh. The priority sector lending has committed Rs 34,332 crore, a substantial increase from the absence of such allocation in 2013-14. Since the extension of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to fisheries in 2019, 1.8 lakh cards have been issued, further supporting the sector’s growth.
Challenges in the Fisheries Sector
Despite these significant achievements, several regional challenges continue to hinder the fisheries sector in India. The sector remains largely informal, with limited crop risk mitigation measures and a lack of work-based identification for workers. Access to institutional credit is still poor, and many micro and small enterprises struggle with safety concerns and the quality of fish sold. To address these issues, the government has introduced a new sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore. This initiative aims to formalise the sector, enhance safety, improve fish quality, and expand access to credit and insurance, ensuring sustained growth for the fisheries sector.
Contribution to Food Security and Employment
Fisheries and aquaculture are crucial for food security, nutrition, and employment in India, providing livelihoods for around 16 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and many more along the value chain. Fish is a vital source of animal protein and a key to addressing hunger and malnutrition. In 2018-19, the fisheries sector contributed Rs 2,12,915 crore to the national Gross Value Added (GVA), accounting for 1.24 per cent of the total national GVA and 7.28 per cent of the Agricultural GVA. With an annual growth rate of 10.88 per cent between 2014-15 and 2018-19, the sector has the potential to double the income of fishers and fish farmers, fostering economic prosperity. The sector’s fish production has consistently grown, with an average annual rate of 7.53 per cent over the past five years, reaching a record 137.58 lakh metric tons in 2018-19. Additionally, marine product exports reached 13.93 lakh metric tons, valued at Rs 46,589 crore during the same period, highlighting the sector’s growing economic contribution.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), approved on 20th May 2020, is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India to promote the development of the fisheries sector. With a total investment of Rs 20,050 crore, including contributions from the central and state governments and beneficiaries, the scheme is a key part of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. PMMSY aims to be implemented across all States and Union Territories over five years, from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25, to enhance fish production and infrastructure, improve fishers’ incomes, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
Aims and Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is designed to harness the fisheries sector sustainably, ensuring equitable and inclusive growth. Its objectives include boosting fish production and productivity by expanding and diversifying fisheries activities and efficiently using land and water resources. The scheme also aims to modernise the fisheries value chain, focusing on post-harvest management and quality improvements.
Additionally, it seeks to double the income of fishers and fish farmers, create employment opportunities, and enhance contributions to agriculture, particularly in terms of exports. Furthermore, PMMSY aims to ensure social, physical, and economic security for those involved in the fisheries sector, underpinned by a robust management and regulatory framework for sustainable development.
Fiscal Year Expenditures and Project Approvals
In 2020-21, the PMMSY received proposals from 34 States and Union Territories, excluding West Bengal and Chandigarh, with a total project cost of Rs 2,876.33 crore. This included a central share of Rs 1,084.72 crore. The following fiscal year, 2021-22, saw an increase in project costs, with proposals amounting to Rs 4,353.81 crore, of which Rs 1,662.36 crore came from the central government.
During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the approved proposals from 33 States and Union Territories reached a project cost of Rs 7,424.53 crore, with the central share amounting to Rs 3,392.74 crore. For 2023-24, up to the present, approved projects have amounted to Rs 2,872.56 crore, with a central contribution of Rs 1,068.50 crore. These investments reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector for economic growth and employment generation.
Inland Fisheries Development
Since 2020-21, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has approved several projects to boost inland fisheries. This includes establishing 44,408 cages and the development of 20,849.41 hectares of pond area for inland aquaculture. Further advancements include 11,940 Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), 3,995 Biofloc units, and 2,855.59 hectares for inland saline-alkaline culture. 788 fish and 4 scampi hatcheries have been approved to support breeding and hatchery systems. Additionally, 543.7 hectares of pens in reservoirs, other water bodies, and 14 brood banks have been sanctioned.
Marine Fisheries Growth
Marine fisheries have grown significantly under PMMSY, installing 2,255 bio-toilets in mechanised fishing vessels. Open sea cage farming has been encouraged with the approval of 1,518 open sea cages. To modernise the industry, 1,172 existing fishing vessels have been upgraded. Additionally, 1,380.86 hectares of pond area for brackish water aquaculture, 463 deep-sea fishing vessels, 17 brackish water hatcheries, and five small marine finfish hatcheries have been sanctioned.
Fishermen Welfare Initiatives
PMMSY has prioritised the welfare of fishermen, approving the replacement of 6,498 boats and nets. Nutritional and livelihood support has been provided to 5,97,709 fisher families during fishing bans or lean periods. The establishment of 79 extension and support service centres, also known as Matsya Seva Kendras, further strengthens the support system for the fishing community.
Fisheries Infrastructure Development
A robust infrastructure has been developed for the fisheries sector, with 26,067 fish transportation facilities approved. This includes 10,397 motorbikes, 9,282 bicycles with iceboxes, 3,775 auto-rickshaws, 1,261 insulated trucks, 1,048 live fish vending centres, 942 fish feed mills/plants, 575 ice plants/cold storages, and 304 refrigerated vehicles. In addition, 6,733 fish retail markets and kiosks, including 188 ornamental fish kiosks, have been sanctioned. Also, 108 value-added enterprise units have been approved to support the sector.
Aquatic Health Management
To ensure the health and quality of aquatic life, 17 disease diagnostic centres and quality testing labs have been approved under PMMSY. Additionally, 29 mobile diagnostic centres and five aquatic referral labs will bolster aquatic health management.
Ornamental Fisheries
The ornamental fisheries sector has received a boost with the approval of 2,153 ornamental fish rearing units and 163 integrated ornamental fish units, focusing on breeding and rearing activities.
Seaweed Cultivation
In seaweed cultivation, 46,095 rafts and 66,330 monoline tube nets have been approved, contributing to sustainable farming practices.
Other Key Activities
Several key initiatives have been approved under PMMSY, including establishing 2,494 Sagar Mitras and establishing 79 Matsya Seva Kendras to support and guide fishermen and aquaculture workers.
Introduction to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)”, a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)”. The scheme aims to formalise India’s fisheries sector and support fisheries micro and small enterprises with a projected investment of over “Rs 6,000 crores” between FY 2023-24 and FY 2026-27. The scheme will be implemented across all States and Union Territories.
Expenditure and Funding Structure
PM-MKSSY is estimated to have an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore, with “50 per cent ( Rs 3,000 crore)” coming from public finance, including contributions from the “World Bank” and “AFD external financing”, and the remaining “50 per cent (Rs 3,000 crore)” being leveraged from the private sector and beneficiaries. The initiative seeks to support micro-enterprises and improve access to institutional credit for the fisheries sector.
Intended Beneficiaries
The scheme benefits many stakeholders, including fishers, fish farmers, workers, and vendors** involved in the fisheries value chain. Micro and small enterprises, such as proprietary firms, partnerships, and companies registered in India, will also be eligible for support. Village-level organisations like Self Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs), cooperatives, and startups engaged in fisheries are also targeted beneficiaries. The Department of Fisheries may include other beneficiaries as needed.
Target Beneficiaries:
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is implementing a comprehensive program to revolutionise the fisheries sector by targeting various stakeholders including fishermen, fish farmers, fish workers, vendors, and micro and small enterprises within the fisheries value chain. This initiative includes the establishment of a National Fisheries Digital Platform to provide work-based identity to 40 lakh small and micro enterprises. It aims to gradually legalise the sector, enhancing access to institutional credit for 6.4 lakh micro-enterprises and 5,500 fisheries cooperatives. The program emphasises a shift from traditional subsidies to performance-based incentives, improving efficiency, safety, and quality across the value chain. It promotes environmental sustainability, transparency, and ease of business while addressing issues such as aquaculture crop losses through insurance. By supporting 55,000 targeted enterprises, the initiative seeks to enhance export competitiveness, increase domestic market revenues, and improve fish quality. The program is expected to create 1.7 lakh new jobs, focusing on employing 75,000 women, and generate 5.4 lakh sustainable employment opportunities within the micro and small enterprise sector.
Key Impact Areas and Employment Generation
PM-MKSSY aims to create a “National Fisheries Digital Platform” to provide 40 lakh micro-enterprises with digital identities. This formalisation will enhance access to credit and foster a shift from conventional subsidies to performance-based incentives. The scheme is expected to support 6.4 lakh micro-enterprises and 5,500 cooperatives while improving value chain efficiency and fish quality. Moreover, the program is projected to create 1.7 lakh new jobs, with 75,000 dedicated to women, and sustain 5.4 lakh continued employment opportunities.
Aims and Objectives
The overarching goal of PM-MKSSY is to “formalise the unorganised fisheries sector” by encouraging fishers, fish farmers, and supportive workers to self-register on a “National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP)”. This platform will serve as a comprehensive registry and facilitate service delivery, including access to institutional finance, aquaculture insurance, and performance-based grants.
Key objectives include:
- Facilitating access to institutional finance for micro and small enterprises.
- Providing incentives for aquaculture insurance.
- Supporting microenterprises with performance-based grants to improve value chain efficiencies and ensure job creation.
Development of Fisheries in North East and Assam
The North Eastern region has also benefited significantly from PMMSY, with approved projects worth Rs 1,391.62 crore. This includes the construction of 5,954.39 hectares of new ponds, 3,784.11 hectares for integrated fish farming, and establishing 556 ornamental fisheries units. The region will also develop 440 Biofloc units, 218 hatcheries, 146 RAS units, and 140 feed mills.
Growth in fish production and persistent demand in Assam
Assam has seen a significant increase in fish production by over 33 per cent in the last five years. However, despite this growth, the state still depends on other regions to meet its fish demand, driven by a consumption rate of 25 per cent per capita. According to data from the Directorate of Fisheries, Assam produced 2.82 lakh tonnes of fish in 2015-16, which increased to 4.43 lakh tonnes by 2023-24. The state, however, had to purchase 2.6 lakh tonnes of fish in the last financial year, marking a 116 per cent increase from 2018-19, when it bought 1.2 lakh tonnes of fish.
Importance of Fish in Assam’s Diet and Economy
Fish is an integral part of the diet for around 90 per cent of Assam’s population, making it a significant part of the state’s socioeconomic fabric. Fish farming, which has always been popular in rural areas, contributes to livelihoods and enhances income opportunities. Assam’s diverse fishery resources—rivers, ponds, and wetlands—offer substantial potential to increase production. Despite the state’s growing fish output, the resources are not fully utilised, and more can be done to reach their full potential.
Utilisation of Assam’s Fisheries Resources
Assam is home to two major river systems, the Brahmaputra and Barak, and has extensive fisheries resources, including beels, ponds, tanks, swamps, and reservoirs. In 2023-24, fish production reached 4.43 lakh metric tonnes, an increase of 1.59 lakh tonnes since 2015-16, an overwhelming increase of 150 per cent. The state ranks 12th and 7th in inland fish production nationally. The increase in fish production is largely attributed to improved farming practices, a rise in fish farmers, and expanded farming areas. Assam is also the country’s third-largest fish seed producer, with 18,219 million fry produced in 2021-22.
Key Drivers of Fish Production Growth
One of the key drivers of this growth is the state government’s “Ghare Ghare Pukhuri Ghare Ghare Maach” scheme, which works in tandem with the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. The scheme focuses on expanding pond areas and increasing production to 3000 kg/ha/year. It promotes community-based fish farming and aims to ensure self-sufficiency in fish production while providing nutritional security to farmers. The project also includes training and capacity building to enhance fish farmers’ knowledge and practices.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focused approach to revitalising India’s fisheries sector exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy addressing current and future challenges. By fostering an environment of growth and sustainability, these initiatives enhance the sector’s economic contribution and improve the lives of countless individuals across the country. As India continues to harness the full potential of its fisheries resources, the Prime Minister’s leadership remains instrumental in steering the sector towards a prosperous and equitable future.
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