About the Scheme
- Launched in September 2020 by the Department of Fisheries for a five-year period (2020–21 to 2024–25), and now extended up to 2025–26.
- Designed as an umbrella programme with both Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored components.
- The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) leads capacity-building, training, and awareness initiatives.
Major Achievements
- India has risen to become the second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing around 8% of global output.
- The scheme has supported the creation of 58 lakh livelihoods.
- A total of 99,018 women have been directly empowered through fisheries-related interventions.
Key Strategic Initiatives
- Women-centric support: Financial assistance of up to 60% for projects led by women, along with targeted measures for climate-resilient coastal villages.
- Technology integration: Rapid expansion of Biofloc units and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to increase sustainable productivity.
- Formalisation and digital access:
- PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) brings fishers and aquaculture farmers into formal structures.
- National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) offers unified access to schemes, services, and documentation.
- Climate-resilient coastal villages: Development of 100 coastal villages with climate-proof infrastructure, diversified livelihood opportunities, and disaster-preparedness systems.
Significance
- Strengthens India’s blue economy by improving productivity, sustainability, and value-addition.
- Enhances incomes of small and marginal fishers through modern technology and market integration.
Supports gender inclusion and climate-preparedness in coastal and inland fisheries.
