New Delhi, September 10 (IANS). Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) completed six years on Thursday and during this period, a major change has been seen in the fisheries sector of the country. Fish production increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to a record 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. This information was given in the government fact sheet released on Thursday.
At the same time, fishery exports increased from Rs 46,663 crore in 2019–20 to Rs 73,890 crore in 2025–26, which shows the strong growth of the sector.
The fact sheet informed that the government is implementing PMMSY from the year 2020–21 with a total outlay of Rs 20,750 crore. The Government has reiterated its commitment by allocating a record Rs 2,500 crore in Budget Estimate 2026–27 under PMMSY, thereby strengthening fisheries infrastructure and livelihoods.
As of 11 August 2026, during the period 2020–21 to 2025–26, the Department of Fisheries has approved fisheries and aquaculture projects worth Rs 21,394.88 crore, including central share of Rs 9,510.89 crore. These approvals, given on the basis of proposals received from States, Union Territories and various implementing agencies, are helping in developing infrastructure and strengthening the value chain of the fisheries sector across the country.
The government statement further said that PMMSY focuses on transforming India's fisheries sector by increasing production and productivity, modernizing the value chain, creating livelihood opportunities, enhancing incomes, boosting exports and Gross Value Added (GVA), strengthening the safety and welfare of fishermen and improving fisheries management and regulation.
PMMSY also provides financial assistance for setting up Fisherman Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to economically empower fishermen and fish farmers and enhance their bargaining power. From FY 2021–22 to FY 2025–26, the Department of Fisheries approved projects worth Rs 544.86 crore for setting up 2,195 FFPOs across the country, including assistance for incubation, management costs and equity grant.
Under PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages as Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs) to strengthen climate resilience and economically empower coastal fishermen villages. This initiative is being implemented under the Central Sector Component of PMMSY with a unit cost of Rs 200 lakh per village, which is fully financed by the Government. Under this, assistance is provided for strong infrastructure, livelihood and post-harvest facilities for coastal fishing communities.
–IANS
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