PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA – GOVERNMENT SCHEME

PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA – GOVERNMENT SCHEME

News: PMMSY: Successfully addressing critical gaps in the fisheries value chain

 

What's in the news?

●       In 2020, just the Indian fisheries sector was preparing for a big leap due to the reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who understood the immense potential of the Blue Economy, and initiated systemic development of the sector including carving out a Fisheries Ministry, the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to halt the progress.

●       However, the PM turned this crisis into an opportunity by announcing the Atmanirbhar Bharat package for the fisheries sector.

●       A significant sum of ₹20,050 crore was allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in September 2020, committing the biggest-ever investment in the history of Indian fisheries.

 

Key takeaways:

●       PMMSY has expanded inland fishing even to landlocked States; priorities include infrastructure and post-harvest management, fishermen’s welfare, cold water fisheries, ornamental fisheries and seaweed cultivation.

 

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

Launched in: Union Budget 2019-20.

 

Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

 

Type: The PMMSY will be implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate Components namely

(a) Central Sector Scheme (CS)

(b) Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

 

Fund allocation:

●       Highest ever investment of Rs. 20050 crores in fisheries sector comprising Central share of Rs. 9407 crore, State share of Rs 4880 crore and Beneficiaries contribution of Rs.5763crore.

 

Tenure of the scheme:

●       PMMSY will be implemented over a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories.

 

Aims and Objectives of PMMSY:

  1. Harnessing of fisheries potential in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner.
  2. Enhancing of fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification, diversification and productive utilization of land and water.
  3. Modernizing and strengthening of value chain - post-harvest management and quality improvement.
  4. Doubling fishers and fish farmers incomes and generation of employment.
  5. Enhancing contribution to Agriculture GVA and exports.
  6. Social, physical and economic security for fishers and fish farmers.
  7. Robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.

 

 Background of Fisheries Sector:

●       Fisheries and aquaculture are an important source of food, nutrition, employment and income in India. Fish being an affordable and rich source of animal protein, is one of the healthiest options to mitigate hunger and malnutrition.

●       The sector provides livelihood to more than 20 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and twice the number along the value chain.

●       The Gross Value Added (GVA) of the fisheries sector in the national economy during 2018-19 stood at Rs 2,12,915 crores (current basic prices) which constituted 1.24% of the total National GVA and 7.28% share of Agricultural GVA.

●       Fisheries growth rate in the last 2 years, shows an impressive growth of 14.3% from 2019-20 to 2021-22.

●       Further, fish production reached an all-time high of 141.64 lakh tons during 2019-20 to 161.87 lakh tons (provisional) during 2021-22.

●       Similarly in exports, we have achieved the all-time high exports of 13.64 lakh tonnes valuing Rs 57,587 crores (USD 7.76 bn) dominated by exports of shrimps. At present we are exporting to 123 countries.

 

Achievements of the PMMSY scheme:

  1. For development of Inland fisheries, 20 integrated reservoir development projects have been undertaken by installing 20,622 cages.
  2. For development of Marine fisheries 276 deep sea fishing vessels have been approved and initiated for procurement. 10 marine hatcheries for providing quality seed to the farmers have been approved. Nearly 1556 nos. of cage going to be installed in sea have been sanctioned already.
  3. So far PMMSY has supported 31.47 lakh farmers under insurance coverage from 22 state and 7 UTs and additional 6.77 lakh farmers have been covered for livelihood and nutritional support during lean/ban period.
  4. Further, to help meet working capital and short-term credit requirements of the sector, the Government has extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to Fishers, Fish Farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups, Women Groups, etc. As on Jan 2022, a total of 6,35,783 applications have been submitted and an amount of Rs 1,04,179 Lakh has been sanctioned.
  5. To strengthen the fisheries infrastructure and augment fish production, as of date a total of 19 fishing harbours and fish landing centers proposals have been approved to the tune of Rs. 912.03 crores.
  6. Through the PMMSY, it is envisaged that an estimated 68 lakh Employment will be generated by the end of 2024-25.
  7. Earlier, Marine fish production dominated India’s total fish production. However, with adoption of science-based practices and technology in 2019, 74% of fish production was contributed by inland fisheries and the rest 26% by marine fisheries.
  8. In this scheme, Aquaculture promotion will be undertaken especially in the saline and alkaline areas of Northern India. Another key concern is Aquatic health management and focus is laid on the address of diseases, anti-biotic and residue issues which will be supported by an integrated laboratory network.

 

Challenges in Implementation of the Scheme:

  1. Infrastructural and Technological Gap: The fisheries sector faces a lack of adequate infrastructure and technology for fish production, processing, storage, transportation and marketing.
  2. Lack of Human Resource Development: Lack of skilled and trained manpower and extension services for fish farmers and fishermen affects the adoption of best practices, innovations and standards in the sector.
  3. Financial Inclusion and Social Protection:  Inadequate access to timely credit and insurance for fish farmers and fishermen exposes them to various risks and vulnerabilities such as natural disasters, diseases, market fluctuations, etc. 
  4. Regulatory and Legal Compliance:  The fisheries sector faces a lack of awareness and compliance with the regulatory and legal framework for fisheries management such as fishing rights, licenses, quotas, conservation measures, quality control, traceability, etc. This affects the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.

 

The Prime Minister envisioned PMMSY as a tool of Atma Nirbhar Bharat towards the purpose of rural development by utilizing rural resources and boosting rural economy in a rapid way. PMMSY can be a key factor for augmenting the livelihood of the rural sector of the nation. The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ in the fisheries sector.