Fisheries and aquaculture are an important source of food, nutrition, employment and income in India. The sector provides livelihood to about 16 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and almost twice the number along the value chain. The scheme aims to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India. It will be implemented over a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories.
Objectives of Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Harnessing of fisheries potential in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner
- Enhancing of fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification, diversification and productive utilization of land and water
- Modernizing and strengthening of value chain-post-harvest management and quality improvement
- Doubling fishers and fish farmers incomes and generation of employment
- Enhancing contribution to Agriculture GVA and exports
- Social, physical and economic security for fishers and fish farmers
- Robust fisheries management and regulatory framework
The Gross Value Added (GVA) of 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. The sector has immense potential to double the fishers and fish farmers’ incomes as envisioned by the government and usher in economic prosperity.
The PMMSY will be implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate components namely (a) Central sector scheme (CS) and (b) Centrally sponsored scheme (CSS). Majority of the activities under the scheme would be implemented with active participation of States/UTs. A well-structured implementation framework would be established for effective planning and implementation of PMMSY. This inter-alia includes creation of State Programme Units in all States/UTs & District Programme Units and Sub-District Programme Unit in high fisheries potential districts.
Features of the Scheme
- Thrust will be given for infusing new and emerging technologies like recirculatory aquaculture systems, biofloc, aquaponics, cage cultivation to enhance production and productivity, quality, productive utilization of waste lands and water for aquaculture. Activities like mariculture, seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries having potential to generate huge employment will be promoted.
- Well-structured extension support services are envisaged under PMMSY. Youth would be engaged in fisheries extension by creation of 3347 Sagar Mitras in coastal fisher villages. Besides, a large number of Fisheries Extension Services Centers would be set up in private space to create job opportunities for young professionals.
- Support will be provided for safety and security of fishers at sea, acquisition of technologically advanced fishing vessels for fishermen for promotion of deep-sea fishing, upgradation of fishing vessels for improving the export competitiveness, communication and/or tracking devices and bio-toilets in fishing vessels.
- Aqua Parks as hub of fisheries and aquaculture activities with assured, affordable, quality inputs under one roof, post-harvest infrastructure facilities, business enterprise zones, logistic support, business incubation centers, marketing facilities would be established.
- PMMSY also envisages
. promotion of high value species
. establishing a national network of brood banks for all commercially important species
. genetic improvement
. establishing nucleus breeding center for self-reliance in Shrimp broodstock
. organic aquaculture promotion and certification
. use of blockchain technology
. aquatic health management supported by a modern laboratory network.
Major Impact, including employment generation potential
- Enhancing fish production from 137.58 lakh metric tons (2018-19) to 220 lakh metric tons by 2024-25.
- Sustained average annual growth of about 9% in fish production.
- An increase in the contribution of the GVA of fisheries sector to the Agriculture GVA from 7.28% in 2018-19 to about 9% by 2024-25.
- Double export earnings from Rs.46,589 crores (2018-19) to about Rs.1,00,000 crores by 2024-25.
- Enhancing productivity in aquaculture from the present national average of 3 tonnes to about 5 tonnes per hectare.
- Reduction of post-harvest losses from the reported 20-25% to about 10%.
- Enhancement of the domestic fish consumption from about 5-6 kg to about 12 kg per capita.
- Generate about 55 lakhs direct and indirect employment opportunities in the fisheries sector along the supply and value chain.
