Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha about the status of Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FPPOs) across India and the implementation of Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) projects in Tamil Nadu.

In a written reply to questions in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, union minister of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh provided detailed updates on two flagship initiatives aimed at transforming India’s fisheries sector. The information, released through the Press Information Bureau (PIB), underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture, infrastructure development, and livelihood generation for millions of fishers and coastal communities. The minister’s response highlights both national-level achievements under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and state-specific advancements in Tamil Nadu under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

FIDF aims to create and strengthen fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure in the country. It provides concessional finance for development of various fisheries infrastructure facilities to the eligible entities, including state governments/union territories, state entities and other stakeholders for development of identified fisheries infrastructure facilities.  Under FIDF, the department of fisheries, provides interest subvention up to 3 per cent per annum for providing the concessional finance by the nodal loaning entities (NLEs) at the interest rate not lower than 5 per cent per annum. 

FPPOs in the Country – Collective Strength for Fish Farmers

The minister informed the upper house that the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, inter-alia provides focused support for the formation and strengthening of fish farmers producer organisations (FPPOs). These FPPOs serve as farmer-producer collectives that empower small-scale fishers and aqua-farmers by enabling them to access credit, technology, markets, and inputs collectively, thereby reducing middlemen and improving income levels.

While exact nationwide figures were detailed in the reply, the scheme’s emphasis on FPPOs aligns with broader efforts to organise fragmented fisheries activities into viable business entities, the minister said. FPPOs facilitate bulk procurement of feed and seeds, adoption of modern farming practices, value addition through processing units, and direct market linkages. The minister’s update comes at a time when the fisheries sector contributes significantly to India’s GDP, exports, and employment, supporting over 2.8 crore people directly or indirectly. By promoting FPPOs, the government aims to enhance productivity, ensure quality standards for exports, and build resilience against climate change impacts on marine and inland fisheries.

The minister’s Rajya Sabha disclosure is expected to provide a reassurance about the scheme’s on-ground implementation, especially in coastal and inland states where traditional fishing communities often face economic vulnerabilities.

FIDF in Tamil Nadu – Major Infrastructure Push

Turning to Tamil Nadu-specific developments, the minister detailed the progress under the fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure development fund (FIDF), a Rs 7,522.48 crore scheme launched in 2018-19 to create and upgrade critical fisheries infrastructure. The FIDF provides concessional finance with up to 3 per cent interest subvention through nodal lending entities, enabling states to develop harbours, fish landing centres, cold chains, processing units, and aquaculture clusters.

According to the data shared, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a significant beneficiary with seven major proposals approved, alongside 101 additional components or sub-projects, bringing the total to 108 initiatives. The cumulative project cost sanctioned for the state stands at Rs 2,169.03 crore, out of which Rs 1,955.98 crore has already been disbursed or committed through loans. These projects include modernisation of fishing harbours, establishment of ice plants and cold storage facilities, development of aquaculture parks, and strengthening of value chains for both marine and inland fisheries.

Tamil Nadu, with its extensive 1,076 km coastline and vast inland water resources, is one of the leading states in fish production. The FIDF interventions are expected to boost annual fish output, reduce post-harvest losses (currently estimated at 15-20 per cent nationally), and create direct and indirect employment opportunities. The minister’s reply emphasised that the department of fisheries is closely monitoring implementation to ensure timely completion and optimal utilisation of funds.

Broader Impact and Government Vision

The twin updates on FPPOs and FIDF reflect the centre’s integrated approach to the “blue economy”. PMMSY and FIDF together aim to increase fish production to 22 million tonnes (a target largely on track), double exports to Rs 1 lakh crore, and generate millions of jobs. In Tamil Nadu alone, the infrastructure push is projected to benefit thousands of artisanal fishers, women self-help groups involved in fish processing, and young entrepreneurs entering aquaculture.

The minister also highlighted complementary measures such as skill development programmes, insurance coverage for fishers, and adoption of technologies like bio-floc and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). These steps address challenges like overfishing, climate variability, and market volatility while promoting sustainable practices.

Way Forward and Expected Outcomes

Going ahead, the government plans to expand FPPO coverage to more districts and scale up FIDF approvals based on state proposals. Additional focus areas include deep-sea fishing vessels, marine cluster development, and traceability systems for exports. For Tamil Nadu, pending components under the 108 projects are expected to be completed in the coming financial year, further enhancing the state’s fisheries infrastructure.

The fisheries sector’s growth is critical not only for food security but also for export earnings and rural prosperity. With India being the second-largest fish producer globally, initiatives like PMMSY and FIDF are positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture.