How Are Women in Sheikhpura Becoming 'Aatmanirbhar' through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Women empowerment through economic independence.
- Successful implementation of the PMMSY initiative.
- Direct and indirect job creation in the fisheries sector.
- Support for sustainable fish farming practices.
- Significant government investment for holistic development.
Sheikhpura, July 9 (NationPress) Women in Bihar's Sheikhpura district are embracing self-sufficiency thanks to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), initiated by the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This initiative aims to empower women economically and foster their independence.
Rajmani Devi, a participant from Kamani village, shared her experience: "Upon learning about the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, I applied for it. This scheme has truly transformed my life, making me self-reliant."
She sustains her livelihood by cultivating fish in a pond covering one bigha and even exports fish to states beyond Bihar.
Rajmani also enjoys benefits from the government under this scheme. She recounted her struggles after her husband's passing in 1988, having to raise her children amidst numerous challenges.
"After discovering this scheme, I applied and am now reaping the benefits. I encourage everyone to utilize the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana," she urged.
Another participant praised PMMSY, stating it is an excellent welfare program for the unemployed. With hard work, beneficiaries can achieve substantial profits and improve their quality of life.
Previously, the productivity of unutilized land was poor. However, by transforming these areas into fish ponds, women are generating employment and achieving self-sufficiency.
They have expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this initiative.
Ashish Kumar, the District Fisheries Officer, highlighted that over 100 farmers in the district are benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, which has significantly boosted fish farming.
This scheme creates both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was introduced by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, to foster an ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially inclusive development of India's fisheries sector.
With an investment of ₹ 20,050 crore, PMMSY aims to achieve a Blue Revolution through sustainable practices. This scheme will be operational across all states and union territories for five years, from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. In the recent Union Budget for 2023-24, a new sub-scheme under PMMSY was announced with a funding of ₹ 6,000 crore to support fish vendors, fishermen, and small enterprises to enhance value chain efficiencies and market access.