The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India inter-alia aims enhancement of fish production and productivity and the steps taken to boost inland fisheries and aquaculture production primarily include support for expansion of aquaculture, intensification, diversification of species, introduction of high yielding species, infusion of technology such as Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS), Biofloc and Cage culture. Thrust is also given for supply of quality and disease free fish seeds through establishment of quality brood banks, hatcheries, seed rearing units, fish disease and fish farms water quality management, supply of quality feed, training and skill development to fish farmers.

Under PMMSY, during last three financial years (2020-21 to 2022-23) and current financial year (2023-24), projects worth Rs. 7263.67 crore have been approved for the development of the inland fisheries and aquaculture sector primarily aiming towards enhancement of fish production, creation of employment opportunities and income to fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders.

PMMSY also lays special focus on training, skill development, skill upgradation and capacity building through trainings, awareness building programmes and exposure visits to various stakeholders especially fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, fish vendors, entrepreneurs, officials, fisheries Cooperatives and members of Fish Farmer Producer Organizations for various fishing, aquaculture and post-harvest related activities. The Training, Awareness, Exposure and Capacity Building programmes are carried out through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in collaboration with the State/UT Fisheries Departments, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) Institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Central and State Universities and Colleges and Fisheries Research Stations with support under PMMSY. During last three financial years (2020-21 to 2022-23) and current financial year (2023-24), a total of 3703 Training, Exposure and Capacity Building programs have been conducted for training and capacity building of 2,56,974 beneficiaries. In addition, 5,469 outreach and awareness programmes with participation of about 139 lakh fisheries and other stakeholders were also conducted during the above said period.

This information was given by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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