A Big Leap for Indian Fisheries
In 2020, the Indian fisheries sector was poised for a major transformation, thanks to the reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recognizing the immense potential of the Blue Economy, Modi launched a series of initiatives to systematically develop the sector, including the creation of a dedicated Fisheries Ministry.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail this progress. Undeterred, Modi turned this crisis into an opportunity by announcing the Atmanirbhar Bharat package for the fisheries sector. This package included a significant investment of ₹20,050 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), marking the largest-ever investment in the history of Indian fisheries.
PMMSY: Addressing Critical Gaps
With this fresh injection of funds and renewed focus, the PMMSY began to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain, from fish production, productivity, and quality to technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing. The scheme identified key strategic priority areas, including:
- Marine fisheries
- Inland fisheries
- Fishermen’s welfare
- Infrastructure and post-harvest management
- Cold water fisheries
- Ornamental fisheries
- Aquatic health management
- Seaweed cultivation
Transforming Inland Fisheries
In its three years of operation, the PMMSY has successfully transformed inland fisheries, taking it beyond traditional waters and introducing innovative technologies. This has inspired many talented and enterprising youth to venture into the fisheries sector.
- Young women entrepreneurs from the Kashmir Valley are now efficiently rearing cold-water rainbow trout using a recirculatory aquaculture system.
- Aquapreneurs in Nellore have become successful exporters of biofloc-cultured shrimps.
Expanding Fisheries to Non-Traditional Areas
The PMMSY has also expanded fisheries activities to non-traditional areas.
- Almost 20,000 hectares of fresh pond area are being brought under inland aquaculture.
- Even in landlocked states like Haryana and Rajasthan, farmers are successfully converting their saline wastelands into productive aquaculture zones.
Empowering Fisherwomen
The PMMSY has empowered fisherwomen to explore remunerative options and alternative livelihoods, such as:
- Ornamental fisheries
- Pearl culture
- Seaweed cultivation
The launch of a ₹127 crore Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district is a testament to the Modi government’s commitment to promoting seaweed cultivation.
Strengthening Fisheries Infrastructure
The PMMSY has enabled the establishment of:
- 900 fish feed plants
- 755 hatcheries
The scheme is also supporting research and genetic improvement of:
- Indian White Shrimp at Chennai
- Specific pathogen-free brood stock
- Domestication of tiger shrimp in the Andaman Islands
Record-Breaking Fish Production and Exports
India is now among the world’s top three countries in fish and aquaculture production and is the largest shrimp exporter globally.
- Fish production reached an all-time high of 174 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
- Shrimp production increased by 267% from 3.22 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 11.84 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
- Seafood exports doubled from ₹30,213 crore in 2013-14 to ₹