New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) In a significant move aligned with a “whole of government approach”, the Ministry of Cooperation is joining forces with the Department of Fisheries through a Joint Working Group (JWG). This initiative aims to enhance participation of small-scale fishermen in deep-sea fishing, value-chain development, processing, and exports, as disclosed to Parliament on Wednesday.

The Department of Fisheries is executing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), backed by an unprecedented investment of Rs 20,050 crore starting from the Financial Year 2020-21. This initiative is designed for the comprehensive development of fisheries, ensuring the prosperity of both fishermen and fish farmers. A primary goal of this flagship scheme is to empower traditional and small-scale fishers to engage in deep-sea fishing activities. Under the PMMSY framework, traditional fishers receive financial assistance for acquiring deep-sea fishing vessels as well as upgrading existing vessels to meet export standards.

The Ministry of Cooperation plays a pivotal role in bolstering fishery cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) by enhancing access to institutional finance, facilitating cooperative-based asset creation, and ensuring coordinated implementation via the NCDC. In contrast, the Department of Fisheries establishes the policy framework, offers technical guidance, and provides scheme-based support for deep-sea fishing and related activities, as noted by Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.

Both ministries collaborate closely to foster the collectivization of fishers, deployment of deep-sea fishing vessels, enhancement of processing and chilling infrastructure, and reinforcement of the marine fisheries value chain through fishery cooperatives and FFPOs.

In addition, the Department of Fisheries is overseeing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), which has a total fund size of Rs 7,522.48 crore since its inception in 2018-19. The Centre has also approved a credit guarantee facility under the FIDF.

Financial support has been extended through the NCDC under both the PMMSY and FIDF to advance the development of marine fisheries infrastructure via cooperatives, as stated by the minister.

The PMMSY aims to support livelihood enhancement activities, including providing boats and nets to traditional fishermen, facilitating communication and tracking devices, supplying sea-safety kits, extending insurance coverage to fishers, aiding in the acquisition of deep-sea fishing vessels, and promoting alternative livelihoods like seaweed cultivation and bivalve culture, alongside training and skill development programs. It further envisions establishing fishing harbors and fish landing centers to ensure the safe docking and berthing of fishing vessels.

The FIDF also provides concessional financing for the development of various fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure facilities to eligible entities, including state governments and Union Territories. This encompasses the construction of fishing harbors, fish landing centers, deep-sea fishing vessels, cold chain facilities, fish markets, and mariculture units, thereby supporting coastal livelihood empowerment, fish export growth, and sustainable resource management, the minister concluded.