GS 3 – Environment
Context:
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, has significantly transformed India’s fisheries sector, enhancing ecological sustainability, economic viability, and social inclusiveness. The scheme’s extension through 2025–26 underscores the government’s continued commitment.
Key Highlights:
- Fish Production:
- India’s fish production reached 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, more than doubling since 2013–14.
- Inland fisheries grew by 142%, making India the second-largest fish producer globally.
- Growth attributed to improved farming methods, infrastructure, and policy support.
- Infrastructure and Financial Investment:
- Projects approved: Over ₹21,274 crore; central funding ₹9,189 crore, with ₹5,587 crore released.
- Infrastructure: Harbours, cold storage, markets; ₹17,210 crore allocated.
- These investments reduce post-harvest losses and improve supply chain efficiency.
- Empowerment and Digital Integration:
- 26 lakh fishers and organisations registered on the National Fisheries Digital Platform.
- 4.76 lakh Kisan Credit Cards issued, with ₹3,214 crore disbursed.
- Enhances financial inclusion and support for small-scale fishers.
- Local Success Stories:
- Kapil Talwar (Uttarakhand): Established biofloc fish farm with 40% subsidy; created jobs for rural women.
- Mandya district: 306 lakes developed; 45,000+ fishers benefited, ₹5 crore in financial aid.
- Mysuru: 4 million fingerlings released; 742 beneficiaries received subsidies.
- New Initiatives:
- PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), 2024: ₹6,000 crore budget.
- Focus on formalising the sector, expanding insurance coverage, strengthening value chains, and capacity building.
- Challenges:
- Technology adoption, climate resilience, and market access remain hurdles.
- Sustained research, innovation, community participation, and environmental safeguards are critical for long-term growth.