The PMMSY’s third anniversary promises to be a watershed moment in India’s path to change and revitalize the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and food security.
Parshottam Rupala, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, will speak at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on September 15, 2023, marking the third anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The event will serve as a celebration of the successful execution of PMMSY, a transformative initiative aiming at changing India’s fisheries sector. Minister Rupala will inaugurate the “Matsya Sampada Jagrukata Abhiyan,” a six-month outreach project by the Department of Fisheries, on this occasion. The fundamental purpose of this endeavor is to ensure the scheme’s efficient execution and to reach out to potential stakeholders, allowing qualified beneficiaries to take advantage of the scheme’s benefits.
From September 2023 to February 2024, as part of the “Matsya Sampada Jagrukata Abhiyan,” 108 Matsya Kisan Sammelans would be held around the country. The goal is to promote awareness among prospective beneficiaries about the fisheries sector’s diverse potential and how PMMSY can empower fishers and fish farmers. Furthermore, the Abhiyan aims to promote information and knowledge about the Department of Fisheries and its field institutes’ nine years of achievements and success stories across the country.
The launch of an Exhibition on Fisheries, highlighting innovations, efforts, and achievements in the fisheries industry by startups, colleges, universities, Fish FPOs, and Fish Cooperatives, will be one of the highlights of the 3rd Anniversary celebration. This event will provide a venue for stakeholders to share ideas and discuss prospects for growth and development in the fisheries industry.
The event will be held in a hybrid format, with over 20,000 attendees expected from throughout the country. It promises to be a historic event, bringing together fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, government officials, and enthusiastic participants from the thriving fisheries and aquaculture industries. The event’s overarching purpose is to highlight the achievements of PMMSY and other initiatives undertaken by the Government of India’s Department of Fisheries during the last nine years.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying; Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Information and Broadcasting; and Tulsi Silawat, Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, Government of Madhya Pradesh, will speak at the event. The event will also feature key officials such as Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries; Joint Secretary, Sagar Mehra; Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Ms. Neetu Prasad; Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Chief Executive of NFDB; and Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries) of ICAR.
Representatives from state and territorial fisheries departments, officials from the Department of Fisheries, the National Fisheries Development Board, ICAR institutes, and other relevant Departments/Ministries, PMMSY beneficiaries, fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders involved in the fisheries sector from across the country are expected to attend. The event is being organized by the Department of Fisheries, with assistance from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad.
Fisheries and aquaculture activities are critical in terms of providing food, nutrition, and job possibilities. They provide a substantial source of income for around 3 crore Indian fishers and fish farmers. India is the world’s third-largest fish producer, accounting for around 8% of worldwide fish production. In addition, India is a major mp producer and seafood exporter, ranking second in aquaculture production.
Several revolutionary initiatives for the holistic development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector have been launched by the Government of India over the last nine years. The Blue Revolution Scheme, with a Rs. 5000 crore investment target, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), with a Rs. 7522 crore investment target, and the establishment of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in June 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on September 10, 2020, to build on these achievements and boost the fisheries sector’s production and productivity. PMMSY aspires to improve fish production and productivity, build fisheries infrastructure, promote domestic fish consumption, and prioritize the livelihood and welfare of fisher communities with an unprecedented investment of Rs. 20,050 crores over a five-year period.
PMMSY, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on bridging major gaps in fish production, productivity, technology, and post-harvest infrastructure. As of August 2023, PMMSY had sanctioned a total project cost of Rs. 16,924.02 crores under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (Rs. 15,335.09 crore) and Central Sectoral Schemes (Rs. 1,588.93 crore), covering 35 states/UTs and other implementing agencies.
