The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), convened a  “Fisheries Secretaries Conference 2025” and National Workshop on Harnessing Technology and Innovation in Aquaculture on 23^rd May 2025 in New Delhi, to review the  progress of Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) with focus on achievements and key deliverables across schemes. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), Department of Fisheries (DoF), MoFAH&D. Senior officers from the State Fisheries Departments, Reserve Bank of India, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Open Network for Digital Commerce, Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium, National Cooperative Development Corporation and ICAR also participated in the meeting.

In the Keynote address, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), MoFAH&D urged States to strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at upscaling the fisheries sector through innovation, infrastructure, and institutional synergy. Emphasis was laid on the extensive use of satellite technology to enhance fisher safety and operational efficiency covering aspects such as resource mapping, biometric identification, and facial recognition. The development of smart, integrated fishing harbours and modern fish markets aligned with green and blue sustainability principles was identified as a key future priority. Shri Likhi highlighted a pilot project on drone technology for live fish transport, aiming to develop a 70 kg payload drone capable of carrying live fish in difficult terrains from aggregator to distribution point. He also called for strengthening of drone initiative through standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a supportive subsidy structure. The promotion of advanced fisheries technologies, with support from ICAR institutes, was encouraged alongside a strong focus on processing, marketing, and packaging, particularly through cluster development and a thriving startup ecosystem. Special emphasis was placed on leveraging Amrit Sarovars for fisheries promotion, seeking active support from the states. Secretary, DoF also called for the promotion of ornamental fisheries, and the development of seaweed farming and artificial reefs, encouraging private sector participation in these emerging areas.

Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland), DoF highlighted key issues related to inland fisheries in the Inland States and Union Territories, urging States to step up mobilisation of applications for registration on the National Fisheries Development Portal (NFDP) and to facilitate increased access to benefits under various central sector schemes to strengthen implementation of various fisheries initiatives. He also gave a  presentation on the departmental summit to be organised by DoF this year.

Ms Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), DoF emphasized the importance of developing robust infrastructure, smart harbours, and species diversification. Coastal states were urged to lead the transition towards smart and sustainable fisheries by advancing mariculture zoning, adoption of cutting-edge technology, ReALCraft (technology used for vessel monitoring) and fast-tracking smart harbour projects in alignment with the FAO’s Blue Port initiative and national sustainability objectives.

During the review, it was noted that while States and Union Territories are making notable strides in advancing fisheries development under PMMSY and allied initiatives, a few implementation-level challenges remain that require focused attention and support. It was noted that access to institutional credit for fish farmers continues to be a concern, in light of collateral requirements under Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) scheme. It was highlighted that  there is scope to further sensitise financial institutions and banks on modern Fisheries practices and technology-driven models to enable more inclusive and effective lending. With rising fish production, many states have emphasized the need to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, including hygienic fish kiosks and modern fish markets, to enhance value chain efficiency. Additionally, improving market linkages—both physical and digital—will help ensure fair prices and stable incomes for fishers and farmers. Need to accelerate outreach through dedicated registration campaigns for schemes like FIDF and enrolment on the NFDB portal was also discussed while the states called for support in organizing such registration drives.

The meeting served as a vital step towards aligning efforts across multiple stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the PM-MKSSY and various schemes and initiatives of the department by fostering collaboration, enhancing capacity-building initiatives, and bridging communication gaps between stakeholders.

Background

The Government of India has spearheaded the transformation of the fisheries sector through various schemes and initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Blue Revolution, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) etc. with highest ever investment of Rs. 38,572 crore since 2015.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme launched under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana offers a comprehensive aquaculture insurance. The aquaculture insurance under PM-MKSY focuses on mitigating risks and extending financial incentive particularly to small and marginalized farmers. Through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), the Sub-scheme offers seamless digital access to insurance, helping safeguard the incomes of fishers and fish farmers against unexpected losses while also promoting better tracking and formalization within the fisheries sector. Eligible beneficiaries include registered aquafarmers, firms, companies, societies, cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and other entities involved in the fisheries value chain as identified by the DoF. For intensive aquaculture systems such as recirculatory aquaculture systems, the premium is capped at ₹1 lakh per farmer for 1800 m³. Farmers can choose between Basic Insurance, which covers losses from natural calamities and other parametric risks, and the Comprehensive Insurance, which includes Basic Insurance and disease coverage. Additionally, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women beneficiaries are eligible for an extra 10% incentive, further promoting inclusivity.

PM-MKSSY also focuses on creating work-based identities on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) for better understanding of the sector and engaged stakeholders. This is expected to ensure that the benefits reach the right beneficiaries in an equitable manner. Hence, fisheries extension shall play a critical role in enabling efficient implementation of PM-MKSSY.

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Aditi Agrawal

(Release ID: 2130865)