PMMSY: bridging gaps in the fisheries sector

Source: The post is based on the article “PMMSY: bridging gaps in the fisheries sector” published in “The Hindu” on 15th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Agriculture- Economy of animal rearing

News: The article talks about Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which has made substantial investments in the Indian fisheries sector over three years. It has focused on technology, expanding into new areas, and aiding the well-being and development of fishers and related businesses, bringing about significant transformation.

What initiatives has the Indian government taken to improve the fishing community?

Separate Ministry: Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the systemic development of the sector by carving out a dedicated Fisheries Ministry.

Financial Boost: A significant sum of ₹20,050 crore was allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package.

Addressing Gaps: PMMSY targeted critical gaps in the fisheries value chain, from fish production to post-harvest infrastructure and marketing.

Strategic Priority Areas: The scheme emphasized marine fisheries, inland fisheries, welfare of fishermen, infrastructure, cold water fisheries, ornamental fisheries, aquatic health management, and seaweed cultivation.

Technological Infusion: Young entrepreneurs, especially women in Kashmir, are rearing cold water trout using recirculatory aquaculture systems.

Expanding Fisheries: 20,000 hectares of pond area is now under inland aquaculture, with saline wastelands in Haryana and Rajasthan being converted for aquaculture.

Empowering Women: Fisherwomen have ventured into ornamental fisheries, pearl culture, and seaweed cultivation, with a ₹127-crore Seaweed Park inaugurated in Tamil Nadu.

Infrastructure and Research: The PMMSY has enabled the establishment of 900 fish feed plants, 755 hatcheries, and is supporting research in shrimp genetics and breeding.