PM Matsya Sampada Yojana Driving Fisheries Growth, Fisher Welfare: Govt

New Delhi, Feb 5 (KNN) The government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for enhancing the overall growth of the fisheries sector and improving the well-being of fish farmers across the country, said Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha.

Inter-Ministerial Collaboration and Cooperative Approach

In written reply to a question in the Upper House, the Minister said that the Ministry of Cooperation is working with the Department of Fisheries through a Joint Working Group to expand small-scale fishermen’s participation in deep-sea fishing, value chains, processing and exports. 

He noted that Ministry of Cooperation is supporting this effort by strengthening fishery cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) through access to institutional finance, cooperative-led asset creation and coordinated implementation via the National Cooperative Development Corporation.

The Department of Fisheries provides the policy framework, technical guidance and scheme support for deep-sea fishing and related fisheries activities. 

Working in close coordination, both Ministries are promoting fisher collectivisation, deployment of deep-sea vessels, development of processing and cold-chain infrastructure, and strengthening the marine fisheries value chain through cooperatives and FFPOs.

Investment Outlay under PMMSY and FIDF

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is being implemented with a record outlay of Rs 20,050 crore from FY 2020–21 to promote holistic fisheries development and fisher welfare. 

In addition, the Rs 7,522.48 crore Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, operational since 2018–19, provides credit guarantees and NCDC-backed financial support for marine fisheries infrastructure through cooperatives.

Livelihood Support and Infrastructure Development

PMMSY offers comprehensive support to strengthen fisheries livelihoods, including boats and nets, communication and tracking systems, sea-safety kits and insurance, assistance for deep-sea fishing vessels, promotion of alternative livelihoods such as seaweed and bivalve farming, skill development, and cold-chain and marketing infrastructure. 

It also supports the construction of fishing harbours and fish landing centres to ensure safe landing and berthing of vessels.

Role of FIDF in Fisheries Infrastructure

Under FIDF, concessional financing is extended to eligible entities such as State Governments, Union Territories and State agencies for developing fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure. 

This covers fishing harbours, fish landing centres, deep-sea fishing vessels, cold-chain facilities, fish markets, mariculture units and related assets, with the objective of strengthening coastal livelihoods, boosting fish exports and promoting sustainable fisheries management.

(KNN Bureau)