Context:
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship scheme aimed at transforming India’s fisheries sector into a sustainable, modern, and economically viable industry.
Key Highlights:
- Scheme Overview
- Launched in 2020 under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
- Part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
- Implementation period: 2020–21 to 2024–25 (extended in phases).
- Objectives
- Enhance fish production to 22 million metric tonnes by 2024–25.
- Double fishers’ income.
- Generate employment opportunities in fisheries and allied sectors.
- Promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices.
- Key Components
- Inland fisheries and aquaculture development.
- Marine fisheries and deep-sea fishing promotion.
- Development of infrastructure:
- Fishing harbours
- Cold chain and storage facilities
- Fish landing centres
- Value chain strengthening from production to marketing.
- Financial Outlay
- Total investment: Around ₹20,050 crore.
- Includes Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Scheme components.
- Institutional Mechanisms
- Establishment of Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
- Use of technology and digital platforms for monitoring and traceability.
- Beneficiaries
- Fishermen and fish farmers
- Entrepreneurs and cooperatives
- Self-help groups (SHGs) and private investors
Relevant Prelims Points:
- PMMSY launched in 2020.
- Implemented by Department of Fisheries.
- Focus on both marine and inland fisheries.
- Target: 22 MMT fish production.
- Linked to Blue Revolution 2.0.
- Includes insurance and welfare schemes for fishermen.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Significance
- Contributes to food security and nutrition.
- Boosts export earnings (India among top fish exporters).
- Supports rural livelihoods and coastal economy.
- Promotes Blue Economy framework.
- Challenges
- Overfishing and marine resource depletion.
- Poor post-harvest infrastructure.
- Climate change impacts on fish stock and ecosystems.
- Limited access to credit and technology for small fishers.
- Governance and Sustainability Issues
- Need for regulation of fishing practices.
- Weak implementation of marine conservation norms.
- Fragmented institutional coordination.
- Way Forward
- Promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
- Strengthen cold chain logistics and export infrastructure.
- Enhance skill development and capacity building.
- Integrate with climate-resilient strategies.
- Encourage private investment and PPP models.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue Economy
- GS Paper 2: Government schemes and rural development