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New Delhi : The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to enhance fish production to 220 lakh metric tons by 2024-25 from 137.58 lakh metric tons in 2018-19 at an average annual growth rate of about 9%. Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Giriraj Singh on May 26, 2020, said the ambitious scheme will result in doubling export earnings to Rs 1,00,000 crore and generate about 55 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities in fisheries sector over a period of next five years.
Dedicating the PMMSY to fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, fish vendors, and other stakeholders associated with the fisheries sector, Giriraj said that insurance coverage for fishing vessels is being introduced for the first time.
Addressing a press conference on the “PMMSY – A scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India” approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi on May 20, 2020, Giriraj said that the scheme envisages an estimated investment of Rs 20,050 crore comprising Central share of Rs 9,407 crore, State share of Rs 4,880 crore, and beneficiaries contribution of Rs. 5,763 crore. He added that the PMMSY will be implemented over a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories, according to a PIB release.
Giriraj said that under the PMMSY thrust will be given to enhancement of fish production and productivity, quality, sustainability, technology infusion, post-harvest infrastructure, modernisation, and strengthening of value chain, standards and traceability in fisheries sector from ‘catch to consumer’, establishing a robust fisheries management framework, fishers’ welfare, enhancement of fisheries export competitiveness.
He further mentioned that PMMSY will create a conducive environment for private sector participation, development of entrepreneurship, business models, promotion of ease of doing business, innovations and innovative project activities including start-ups, incubators etc. in fisheries sector.
The Fisheries Minister said that about 42% of the total estimated investment of the PMMSY is earmarked for creation and upgradation of fisheries infrastructure facilities. Focus areas include Fishing Harbours and Landing Centers, Post-harvest and Cold Chain Infrastructure, Fish Markets and Marketing Infrastructure, Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages and Development of Deep-sea Fishing.
Besides creating critical fisheries infrastructure by attracting private investments in fisheries sector, the scheme plans to reduce post-harvest losses from the present high of 25% to about 10% by modernising and strengthening value chain. Under the Swath Sagar plan, activities envisaged with a view to modernise the fisheries sector include promotion of Bio-toilets, Insurance coverage for fishing vessels, Fisheries Management Plans, E-Trading/Marketing, Fishers and resources survey and creation of National IT-based databases.
Underlining the need to enhance domestic fish consumption with corresponding health benefits, the Minister said that the Government will register “Sagar Mitra” and encourage formation of Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to help achieve the PMMSY goals. Youth will be engaged in fisheries extension by creation of 3,477 Sagar Mitras in coastal fisher villages.