Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Launch Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna and Unveil Key Initiatives on 4th Anniversary of PMMSY
New Delhi, September 10, 2024 — Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, will launch the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna and release the Standard Operating Procedure on Production & Processing Clusters in the Fisheries Sector during the 4th Anniversary celebrations of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY) on September 11, 2024, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
A Major Push for India’s Fisheries Sector
The event will also see the release of booklets on the promotion of indigenous species and conservation of state fishes, along with announcements of several national priority projects under PMMSY for the financial year 2024-25. These projects focus on enhancing fish production and productivity, developing post-harvest infrastructure, and implementing value chain augmentation interventions.
The celebration will be attended by key stakeholders from the fisheries sector, including representatives from state and union territory fisheries departments, officials from the Department of Fisheries, National Fisheries Development Board, ICAR institutes, and beneficiaries of PMMSY. The event will be organized in a hybrid format, allowing participation both physically and virtually from across the nation.
Transformational Impact of PMMSY
Launched in May 2020, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY) has been a game-changer for India’s fisheries sector, driving growth and sustainability. Over the past four years, PMMSY has addressed critical gaps in fish production and productivity, improved quality and traceability, and modernized the fisheries value chain with an investment of ₹20,050 crore—the highest ever in India’s fisheries sector. The initiative also emphasizes inland fisheries and aquaculture, recognizing their critical role in boosting national food security.
Speaking about the achievements of PMMSY, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted, “The PMMSY is not just about increasing fish production; it’s about creating a holistic framework for sustainable fisheries management, boosting rural economies, and ensuring food security. This program has laid a strong foundation for the modernization and expansion of India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.”
Major Initiatives to Be Announced
During the event, the Union Minister will announce several major initiatives, including:
- Launch of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna (PM-MKSSY): A sub-scheme under PMMSY, PM-MKSSY will be implemented from 2024-25 with an investment plan of ₹6,000 crore, focusing on enhancing production, productivity, and welfare of fish farmers and workers.
- Notification of Centers of Excellence and Nucleus Breeding Centers: These centers will focus on advancing breeding practices and ensuring quality seed supply for various fish species.
- Development of Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages: These villages will be developed as hubs of sustainable and climate-adaptive practices, strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.
- Launch of a Digital Portal for Fisheries: This portal aims to provide a centralized platform for information dissemination, access to government schemes, and digital services for fishers and fish farmers.
Government’s Commitment to Blue Revolution
Since 2014, the Government of India has been spearheading a Blue Revolution through a series of initiatives and investments totaling ₹38,572 crore. These initiatives include the Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries (₹5,000 crore), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (₹7,522.48 crore), and now PMMSY (₹20,050 crore). Collectively, these programs focus on enhancing production, reducing post-harvest losses, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.
“The launch of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna and other key projects underlines our government’s commitment to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. We are paving the way for a robust, resilient, and modernized fisheries industry that not only meets domestic demand but also boosts exports,” stated Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
A Landmark Occasion for the Fisheries Sector
The event will also celebrate the achievements of PMMSY over the past four years, showcasing the transformation of the sector through core and trunk infrastructure development, modernization of fishing harbours, mechanization of traditional fishing crafts, and provision of modern facilities like cold chains, clean fish markets, and financial assistance for fishers during lean periods.
The event is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, government officials, fish farmers, and entrepreneurs, promoting knowledge exchange and highlighting the way forward for India’s fisheries sector.
Future Prospects and Challenges
While the government’s initiatives promise significant benefits, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to resources, maintaining sustainability, and addressing environmental concerns. Critics have pointed out that rapid industrialization and infrastructure development in coastal regions could pose risks to fragile marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities.
“There is a fine balance that needs to be struck between development and conservation,” noted Kishor Biswas, an environmental artist and activist. “While the government’s efforts are commendable, it is crucial to ensure that these projects do not come at the expense of our marine biodiversity and the traditional practices of coastal communities.”
As India continues its journey towards becoming a global leader in fisheries and aquaculture, the initiatives announced under PMMSY and PM-MKSSY will be pivotal in shaping the sector’s future, ensuring it remains sustainable, inclusive, and resilient to the challenges of climate change and global market dynamics.