GS 3 – AGRICULTURE

NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN FOR NATIONAL FISHERIES DIGITAL PLATFORM REGISTRATION

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has launched a nationwide campaign from February 14–22, 2025, to boost registrations on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP). This initiative, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), aims to streamline the fisheries sector, enhance financial access, and promote aquaculture insurance.

Key Objectives:

• Formalizing the fisheries sector by integrating stakeholders into institutional finance and government programs.
• Enhancing value chain efficiencies, fish safety, and quality assurance.
• Promoting aquaculture insurance and financial incentives.

Implementation & Collaboration:

• Led by State/UT Fisheries Departments, NFDB, and Common Service Centers (CSCs).
• Camps set up in fisheries hotspots to expedite registrations.

PMMKSSY & NFDP Benefits:

• Rs 6,000 crore budget (2023–2024) to support small & micro-enterprises in fisheries.
• Over 17 lakh stakeholders already registered on NFDP.
• Financial assistance & performance grants:
  • Micro-enterprises: Support for 6.4 lakh units and 5,500 cooperatives.
  • Aquaculture insurance: Up to ₹25,000/ha for farms up to 4 ha.
  • Performance grants: Up to ₹35 lakh (general), ₹45 lakh (SC/ST/women enterprises).

Target Beneficiaries:

• Fishers, fish farmers, vendors, processors, and micro-enterprises in the fisheries sector.
• Proprietary firms, partnerships, cooperatives, SHGs, and startups.

This initiative is expected to boost productivity, expand markets, and strengthen India’s fisheries sector.