In Uttar Pradesh, the PMMSY has expanded across all 75 districts, directly benefitting 14,013 people and providing indirect employment to 3.5 lakh others. Projects worth ₹1,294.32 crore have been sanctioned, focusing on infrastructure, training, and awareness programs for fish farmers.

India’s fisheries sector has witnessed significant advancements under various government initiatives aimed at enhancing livelihoods, developing infrastructure, and fostering sustainable practices, the union minister of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, said in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Key among these efforts is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme targeting comprehensive development in fisheries and aquaculture. Implemented from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25, PMMSY aims to generate 55 lakh employment opportunities nationwide and support fishers, fish farmers, and allied workers.

Development Projects Across Regions

Under PMMSY, the Union Territory of Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu received approvals for projects worth ₹135.17 crore. These include construction of rearing ponds, cold storage facilities, and a modern fishing harbor at Vanakbara in Diu. To date, 10 beneficiaries in the UT have received support, ranging from freshwater aquaculture assistance to motorized transport vehicles for fish vendors, the minister said. Additionally, the UT runs three other schemes to assist fishermen, including financial aid for those affected by natural calamities and subsidies for equipment purchases, benefiting over 450 individuals in recent years.

In Uttar Pradesh, the PMMSY has expanded across all 75 districts, directly benefitting 14,013 people and providing indirect employment to 3.5 lakh others. Projects worth ₹1,294.32 crore have been sanctioned, focusing on infrastructure, training, and awareness programs for fish farmers. Training sessions have been conducted for over 3,200 fish farmers to enhance skills and awareness about modern practices.

Meanwhile, Karnataka has leveraged the Blue Revolution scheme to modernize its fisheries sector, particularly in Dakshina Kannada District. Fishermen have transitioned from traditional wooden boats to fiber-reinforced plastic boats and advanced fishing methods like gillnet and deep-sea fishing. Infrastructure improvements include developing 10 fishing harbors and 13 fish landing centers along the coast. Artificial reefs have been established at 56 locations to support small-scale fishers, boosting sustainability and catch efficiency.

Credit Access for Fishers

The government has extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to fishers and fish farmers, enabling them to access working capital. Since 2018-19, 4.39 lakh KCCs have been issued, disbursing ₹2,810 crore. Over the last three fiscal years, a cumulative credit of ₹57,864 crore was allocated to the fisheries sector, with states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Gujarat leading in disbursement.

Achievements and Future Outlook

The minister said that the initiatives under PMMSY and related schemes have resulted in multifaceted benefits, including increased fish production, enhanced exports, and adoption of sustainable practices. Development of modern infrastructure, such as cold chains and fishing harbors, has further bolstered India’s blue economy. With ongoing investments and focused programs, the fisheries sector is poised to significantly contribute to food security, rural employment, and economic growth.