Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

🔷 Context and Purpose

Fisheries in India, for a long time, have remained an underutilized yet high-potential sector. Recognizing this, the Government of India launched PMMSY in 2020 with a vision to bring about a Blue Revolution—but not just in terms of production. The focus is sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

This means:
✔️ Boosting fish production
✔️ Ensuring environmental balance
✔️ Improving fisherfolk livelihoods
✔️ Modernizing the fisheries value chain

🔸 Type and Tenure

A unique feature of PMMSY is its dual nature:

• It is both a Central Sector Scheme (fully funded by the Centre for specific components),
• And a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (shared funding between Centre and States for broader implementation).

🕒 Timeline: FY 2020–21 to FY 2024–25

🗺️ Cluster-Based Approach:
Wherever possible, development is done in clusters—so that infrastructure, markets, and services are concentrated and efficient. It avoids scattered, inefficient investments.

🎯 Objectives of PMMSY

1. Harnessing India’s Fisheries Potential – tapping into both inland and marine fisheries.
2. Modernizing the Value Chain – from production to post-harvest handling (cold storage, transport, etc.).
3. Post-Harvest Management & Quality Control – to reduce wastage and ensure hygiene.
4. Strengthening the Regulatory Framework – better laws, compliance, and oversight.
5. Doubling Incomes of Fishers & Farmers – through capacity building, better prices, and direct market linkages.

🏆 Key Aims (Quantitative Targets)

Let’s remember these targets:

Objective	Target by 2024–25
🎣 Fish Production	22 million metric tonnes
📈 Fisheries share in Agri-GVA	Raise to 9%
🌍 Export Earnings	₹1 lakh crore
🧊 Post-Harvest Losses	Reduce from 25% to ~10%

Each of these targets is not just a number, but a strategy for economic and social upliftment.

🔧 Salient Features of PMMSY

1. Infrastructure-Centric Investment:
   👉 42% of the total budget goes to build fishing harbors, cold chains, markets, deep-sea fishing vessels, and fisheries villages.
2. Swath Sagar Plan:
   A multi-faceted initiative including:
   • Bio-toilets on boats (dignity and hygiene)
   • Vessel Insurance (risk coverage)
   • E-trading platforms
   • Fisheries Resource Surveys
   • Centralized IT databases
3. National Network of Brood Banks:
   👉 Species-specific brood banks in each State/UT to ensure quality fish seed production and breed conservation.
4. Integrated Laboratory Network:
   For managing diseases, checking antibiotics and residues, and ensuring aquatic health.
5. Aqua Parks:
   Think of these as “one-stop hubs”—offering infrastructure, services, and training for fisheries and aquaculture.
6. PMEU (Project Monitoring & Evaluation Unit):
   A dedicated monitoring unit under the Ministry, led by a Joint Secretary, for real-time evaluation.

🚀 Key Initiatives Under PMMSY

1. NFDP – National Fisheries Digital Platform
   • Tech backbone for data-driven and evidence-based management.
2. PM-MKSSY – Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana
   • A ₹6,000 crore sub-scheme under PMMSY.
   • Supported by the World Bank and AFD (French Development Agency).
   • Focus: Value chain strengthening and financial inclusion.
3. Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan
   • A mass awareness campaign to educate fishers about schemes and best practices.
4. River Ranching Programme
   • Enhances fish stock in rivers using scientific breeding and restocking.
   • Nodal Agency: National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
5. NSPAAD Phase-II (National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases)
   • Focused on early detection and containment of fish diseases.
6. Genetic Improvement of Penaeus indicus
   • Establishing a National Genetic Improvement Facility for shrimp breeding—a step towards high-value aquaculture exports.

🧠 Why PMMSY Matters for UPSC and India

✅ Fisheries provide nutritional security, employment, and livelihood to millions, especially in coastal and tribal belts.

✅ India ranks 3rd in fish production globally—yet its value chain was outdated.

✅ With PMMSY, India is moving from production-centric to value-centric fisheries—by focusing on export quality, disease control, and ecosystem preservation.

📌 In Summary

PMMSY is not just a scheme—it’s a mission to transform Indian fisheries from a livelihood activity to an organized, tech-enabled, export-oriented economic sector. And it does so while upholding sustainability and empowering fishers at the grassroots.