How Has PM’s Fisheries Scheme Elevated India to the World’s 2nd Largest Fish Producer?
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Synopsis
The PMMSY initiative has transformed India's fisheries sector, leading to unprecedented growth in fish production and exports. As the country celebrates five years since its launch, the program is not just about fish but empowering women and enhancing livelihoods. This article dives into the achievements and future prospects of this groundbreaking program.
Key Takeaways
- India is now the second largest fish producer globally.
- PMMSY has increased fish production from 141.64 lakh tonnes to 195 lakh tonnes.
- 58 lakh employment opportunities have been created through the initiative.
- Over 99,000 women have been empowered through financial assistance.
- Significant investments in fisheries infrastructure have been made.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) marked its fifth anniversary on Tuesday, standing as a transformative initiative that has spearheaded the ‘Blue Revolution’ in India’s fisheries domain, propelling the nation to the position of the second largest fish producer globally.
Since its inception on September 10, 2020, this scheme has facilitated India in achieving a remarkable fish production figure of 195 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, a significant increase from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20, contributing nearly 8 percent of the world's fish production. As of February 2025, the country’s aquaculture productivity has surged from a national average of 3 to 4.7 tonnes per hectare, as per an official statement released on Tuesday.
India’s fisheries exports have displayed impressive growth, rising from Rs 46,662.85 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 60,524.89 crore in 2023-24, further solidifying the nation’s standing in the global seafood market.
The PMMSY initiative has successfully generated 58 lakh employment opportunities as of December 2024, exceeding its target of 55 lakh. Additionally, it has empowered 99,018 women through an allocation of Rs 4,061.96 crore sanctioned from 2020-21 to 2024-25, according to the statement.
This scheme aims to create an ecologically sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive fisheries sector by addressing key gaps in production, productivity, quality, technology integration, and post-harvest infrastructure.
PMMSY encourages women's involvement in fisheries by offering financial assistance covering up to 60 percent of the total project cost (up to Rs 1.5 crore/project) for beneficiary-oriented activities and the Entrepreneur Model. From 2020-21 to 2024-25, proposals totaling Rs 4,061.96 crore were sanctioned to benefit 99,018 women. States have initiated comprehensive training, awareness, and capacity-building programs with dedicated financial support for women beneficiaries.
Under PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries has designated 100 coastal fishermen villages as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) to enhance climate resilience and economic vitality. Technology adoption has advanced significantly with the establishment of 52,058 reservoir cages, 22,057 Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) and Biofloc units, and 1,525 sea cages approved, totaling an investment of Rs 3,040.87 crore.
To bolster value chains and minimize post-harvest losses, PMMSY has approved substantial infrastructure investments, including a total outlay of Rs 3,281.31 crore for 58 fishing harbours and landing centers. An allocation of Rs 1,568.11 crore for 734 ice plants/cold storages, 21 modern wholesale fish markets (including 3 Smart Markets), 192 fish retail markets, 6,410 fish kiosks, 134 value-added enterprise units, 27,297 post-harvest fish transport units, and 5 e-platforms for digital fish trade, according to the statement.
Moreover, 2,195 fisheries cooperatives as Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs) have been backed with a project outlay of Rs 544.85 crore, which facilitates enhanced market linkages, bargaining strength, and sustainable value chains for increased returns, as the statement concludes.
Point of View
It is evident that the PMMSY initiative represents a significant leap forward in India's agricultural policies. By focusing on sustainable practices and inclusivity, the program not only enhances economic opportunities but also strengthens the nation's food security. It is crucial that we continue to support such transformative initiatives for the betterment of our communities and environment.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a government initiative aimed at enhancing the fisheries sector in India, promoting sustainable practices, increasing production, and creating job opportunities.
How has PMMSY impacted fish production in India?
Since its launch, PMMSY has increased fish production in India from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, making India the second largest fish producer in the world.
What role does PMMSY play in women's empowerment?
PMMSY promotes women's participation in fisheries by providing financial assistance for projects, resulting in the empowerment of over 99,000 women since its inception.
What are some key achievements of PMMSY?
Key achievements of PMMSY include creating 58 lakh jobs, enhancing aquaculture productivity, increasing fisheries exports, and investing significantly in infrastructure.
How does PMMSY contribute to climate resilience?
PMMSY has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages, aiming to strengthen their economic viability and resilience against climate change.
