Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Fish Scheme (PMMSY)

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Fish Scheme (PMMSY)

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at transforming the fisheries and aquaculture sector into a robust, sustainable, and modern value-chain.
Launched in September 2020, the scheme seeks to drive what is often referred to as the “Blue Revolution” by boosting fish production and productivity, strengthening post-harvest and value-chain infrastructure, promoting technological upgrades, and improving the welfare of fishers, fish-farmers and allied workers.
By addressing critical gaps in production, infrastructure and technology, the scheme aims to bring sustainable growth in both inland and marine fisheries.

Why PMMSY? The Need & Context

• In India, the fisheries sector is a major livelihood source: it engages millions of fishers and fish-farmers across inland waters, reservoirs, rivers, lakes, ponds, and marine/coastal zones. Despite growth, there were significant bottlenecks: low productivity in many water bodies, under-developed post-harvest infrastructure, high losses (pre- and post-harvest), weak value-chain linkages, limited adoption of modern technology, and limited market/ export opportunities.
• The PMMSY therefore tries to fill these gaps: raise productivity (for example, increasing aquaculture productivity from ~3 tonnes/ha to ~5 tonnes/ha), increase domestic fish consumption, enhance exports, reduce losses, and double the incomes of fishers/farmers.

Key Objectives & Targets

Here are the major targets that PMMSY aims for:

• Raise total fish production from about 13.75 million metric tons (FY2018-19) to about 22 million metric tons by FY2024-25.
• Increase aquaculture productivity (e.g., inland water aquaculture) from 3 tonnes/ha to 5 tonnes/ha.
• Increase per-capita domestic fish consumption from ~5 kg to ~12 kg.
• Increase the contribution of the fisheries sector to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) (from ~7.28% in FY19 to ~9% by FY25).
• Reduce post-harvest losses from ~20-25% down to ~10%.
• Generate about 5.5 million (55 lakh) direct and indirect employment opportunities across the value chain.

Structure and Components of PMMSY

a) Scheme Architecture

PMMSY is structured as an umbrella scheme with two main components:

• Central Sector (CS) component: Projects of national importance, fully funded by the Central Government.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) component: Activities implemented by states/Union Territories with shared funding (Centre + State) and subdivided into beneficiary-oriented and non-beneficiary-oriented sub-components.

b) Broad Heads of Activities

Under the scheme, activities are grouped under three broad headings:

1. Enhancement of Production and Productivity – involving aquaculture expansion, intensification, species diversification. (nfdb.gov.in)
2. Infrastructure & Post-Harvest Management – building fish landing centres, cold chains, processing units, feed plants, hatcheries, aquaculture systems.
3. Fisheries Management & Regulatory Framework – strengthening institutional/management structures, traceability, data systems, capacity building.

c) Sub-components/Activities

Beneficiary‐oriented activities include things such as:

• Hatcheries, nurseries, grow-out ponds, cages, recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS) and bio-floc systems.
• Cold storage units, ice plants, fish processing units, transport, live fish vending stalls.
• Ornamental fish culture, seaweed cultivation, integrated fish farming in saline/alkaline areas.
• Formation of Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), start‐ups in fisheries, modernisation of fishing vessels and tracking systems (especially in marine sector).

Funding, Subsidy & Cost-Sharing Pattern

Funding Allocation

• Total outlay: approx. ₹20,050 crore for five years (FY2020-21 to FY2024-25).
• Under the sub‐scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah‑Yojana (PM‑MKSSY) (which falls under PMMSY), about ₹6,000 crore is earmarked for micro and small enterprises in fisheries (FY2023-24 to FY2026-27).

Cost & Subsidy Sharing Patterns

• For the Central Sector (CS) component: for beneficiary-oriented activities, the assistance from the Government is up to 40% of the unit/project cost for general category; 60% for women/SC/ST categories.
• For CSS – non-beneficiary or state‐implemented activities, the cost‐sharing between Centre and State is:
  • For North Eastern & Himalayan States: 90% Centre / 10% State. (
    For other States: 60% Centre / 40% State.
  • For Union Territories: 100% by Centre.

Implication for Beneficiaries

• A fish farmer, fish-vendor, SHG, cooperative, producer organisation or entrepreneur in women/SC/ST category could receive up to 60% subsidy of project cost under beneficiary‐oriented CSS component.
• The remaining cost must be borne by the beneficiary through own funds and/or bank credit/loan.
• The exact maximum monetary limit varies by project type, species, region etc. (For example, in some write-ups there is mention of up to ~₹60 lakh assistance for certain high-value units).

 Eligibility & Beneficiary Categories

Who can avail benefits under PMMSY? Some of the eligible categories are:

• Individual fishers, fish-farmers, fish workers and fish vendors. (
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) in fisheries sector.
• Fisheries Cooperatives, Federations, Producer Organisations (FFPOs/FFPCs).
• Entrepreneurs, private firms (sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs), companies engaged in fisheries and aquaculture.
• State Government/UTs and their agencies when implementing non-beneficiary oriented sub‐components.
• Typically special focus on women, SC/ST, differently-abled persons, economically weaker sections.

Major Activities & Programmes Under PMMSY

Inland Aquaculture & Freshwater Fisheries

• Construction of new ponds, renovation of existing water-bodies, recirculatory systems (RAS), cages in reservoirs.
• Fingerling production, improved seed supply, brood‐stock management.
• Integrated fish farming (e.g., combining fish with paddy, poultry, piggery).

Marine & Brackish Water Fisheries

• Modernisation of fishing vessels, provision of navigation/communication/tracking equipment.
• Cage culture, open sea aquaculture (in permitted zones), shrimp and crab culture, sea-weed farming.
• Landing centres, fish harbours, value addition and marketing infrastructure.

Post-Harvest Management & Value-Chain Strengthening

• Cold-chain systems, ice plants, fish processing units (freezing, filleting, packaging).
• Live‐fish vending centres, ornamental fish units, fish feeds & feed-mills.
• Marketing infrastructure, fish-markets, digital/online platforms for value-chain link-up.

Institutional Strengthening, Start-ups & Innovation

• Formation of FFPOs, fish-farmer collectives for better bargaining power.
• Support for fisheries start-ups, incubation centres, entrepreneurs in fisheries technologies.
• ICT/digital tools for disease surveillance (e.g., mobile apps for fish-disease reporting).

Resource Management, Excellence & Sustainability

• Species diversification, brood-stock banks, hatcheries, research & development.
• Promotion of biodiversity, environmentally sustainable aquaculture, reduction of fish-stocking pressure in natural systems.
• Traceability, certification, goods-practice standards, fish health management.

 Implementation Mechanism & Institutional Framework

• At the Centre: The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is the nodal department for PMMSY.
• At the State/UT level: Each State/UT prepares a State Fisheries Plan under PMMSY, and District Fisheries Offices are key implementation points.
• District/State Programme Units (DPU/SPU) may be set up to manage project implementation, monitoring and coordination.
• Eligible proposals (Detailed Project Reports – DPRs) from beneficiaries are evaluated, sanctioned, and funds released in phases/milestones. (nfdb.gov.in)
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Audit: frequent reviews, progress reports, physical verification, and compliance checks are built-in.

. How to Apply: Step-by-Step

If you are a fish-farmer or entrepreneur interested in availing the benefits of PMMSY, the following steps provide guidance:

1. Identify the activity you wish to undertake under PMMSY (pond construction, RAS, hatchery, cold-chain, cage culture, sea-weed, etc.).
2. Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Self-Contained Proposal (SCP) which includes: project description, species, production target, cost estimate, subsidy sought, water/body details, land/lease, bank account, MIS plan, marketing linkages. (dof.gov.in)
3. Gather necessary documents:
   • Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Bank Account details.
   • Land/lease document or proof of water-body access (pond/ reservoir/lease agreement)
   • Partnership deed or MOA (if applicable)
   • Proof of fish-farmer status, cooperative registration, producer organisation registration, etc.
4. Submit the application:
   • Via the official online portal (e.g., the DoF/PMMSY portal) or
   • Offline through the District Fisheries Office of your State/UT.
   • Ensure the application is approved by the State implementing agency.
5. After sanction: Implementation may proceed in stages: procurement, construction, stocking, harvesting, marketing. Maintain records of cost incurrence, implementation timelines, compliance with scheme guidelines.
6. Receive subsidy: Subsidy is typically released after verification of progress/completion of milestones. The beneficiary must co-contribute the balance fund and obtain bank loan if required.
7. Monitoring & Reporting: Keep track of production, sales, and periodic reporting to the fisheries department.

 Benefits of PMMSY for Fish-Farmers & the Sector

• Increased Production & Productivity: Up-gradation of technology (RAS, biofloc), improved seed and feed supply enhance yields.
• Income Stability & Growth: With higher productivity and linkages to markets, fish-farmers can potentially see higher incomes and stability.
• Reduced Post-Harvest Losses: Better infrastructure (cold-chains, processing) means less spoilage, better quality and better prices.
• Market Access & Value Addition: Fish-farmers can move beyond raw sales to processed/frozen/packaged fish, live vending, ornamental species etc., opening new revenue streams.
• Livelihoods & Employment: The scheme promotes job creation for communities, especially in rural/coastal areas.
• Focus on Women, SC/ST and Marginalised: Aimed at inclusive growth.
• Export Potential & National Growth: By ramping up infrastructure and fish-production, India’s export potential increases, which is good for national economy as well as local stakeholders.

Key Considerations & Challenges

While PMMSY has broad scope and potential, beneficiaries should keep in mind several practical factors:

• Water-body & Site Suitability: For aquaculture/ponds, the site (water availability, depth, soil permeability, drainage) matters.
• Species Selection & Market Linkage: Choosing species with good demand, linkages to market or processors is critical.
• Quality Seed & Feed: Good seed (fingerlings/brood-stock) and appropriate feed are essential for success.
• Bio-security & Good Aquaculture Practices: Disease control, water quality management, stocking density, regular monitoring matter.
• Capital & Co-finance Requirement: Even if subsidy covers 40-60%, the beneficiary must arrange the remaining funds and perhaps bank loan.
• Compliance & Documentation: Beneficiaries must adhere to guideline terms, keep records, and undergo inspection/verification.
• Operational Scale & Economics: Small units must ensure sufficient scale to be viable; cost estimates must be realistic.
• Market Risks & Price Volatility: Fish markets can be volatile; proper marketing & value-addition help mitigate risk.
• Environmental & Regulatory Considerations: Use of water-bodies, aquaculture in sensitive zones, and marine operations may need permissions/compliance with environmental norms.

Example: How It Works for a Fish-Farmer

Suppose a fish-farmer in Karnataka (or any state) wishes to start a 1 ha pond for culture of carps + tilapia, with improved technologies (aeration, good feed, water exchange). Under PMMSY:

• He prepares a DPR: cost of pond renovation ₹10 lakhs, cost of aeration & feed system ₹5 lakhs, cost of stocking/fingerlings etc ₹2 lakhs.
• Total cost = ₹17 lakhs. Suppose under his category (general category) subsidy is up to 40% => he may get up to ~₹6.8 lakhs subsidy. He needs to arrange the remaining ~₹10.2 lakhs (through own funds/loan).
• After approval, he implements the project, stocks fish, harvests within the cycle, sells fish to market/processor. With enhanced productivity perhaps yield doubles, and income improves.
• He reports his production, sales, cost, and subsidies; later maybe he expands into value-addition (filleting, cold storage) using further PMMSY sub-components.

This is a simplified scenario; actual amounts/dates vary by species, technology, region and the specific sub‐component of PMMSY.

Monitoring, Progress & State-Specific Implementation

• States have been given target‐based allocations and projects are sanctioned accordingly. For example, in one press release: in the last five years (2020-21 to 2024-25) the Department of Fisheries has supported fisheries infrastructure projects amounting to ₹17,210.46 crore (Central share ₹6,761.80 crore) across states including Karnataka.
• A set of fisheries clusters (34 notified) have been identified for integrated development under PMMSY for enhanced economies of scale. (District-level reviews and state‐level monitoring committees are active in states like Karnataka to evaluate progress, ensure training and link fish-farmers to market. (Press coverage indicates that in districts, training and tank/lake renovation under PMMSY are being carried out)

Impact and Outlook

• PMMSY has already begun showing impact in various states: improved infrastructure in cold chains/landing centres, more modern fishing vessels, increased pond renovations, and stronger producer organisations.
• Over the long term, if effectively implemented, the scheme has the potential to significantly strengthen India’s position in global fisheries exports, improve domestic fish consumption and nutrition, raise incomes for fish-sector workers, and contribute to rural/coastal development.
• With climate change, water-resource pressures, and sustainability concerns, PMMSY also opens opportunities for modern technologies (RAS, biofloc, recirculatory aquaculture), species diversification (ornamental, seaweed), and value-added processing, which are likely to become more important.

Key Takeaways for You (as a Fish-Farmer)

• If you are interested in fish-farming (ponds, tanks), cage culture, hatchery, live-fish vending, ornamental fish, seaweed etc., PMMSY offers a very good opportunity for subsidy, credit linkage, technology support and market linkage.
• Ensure you prepare the DPR carefully — cost estimates, species, water body, infrastructure, production forecasts, marketing plan.
• Choose your category and check what subsidy level applies (40% or 60% depending on category) and how much your own contribution will be.
• Link with the local District Fisheries Office and state implementing agency early — they can guide you about official portal, required forms, eligibility, timelines and local state/UT add-ons.
• Focus on building a sustainable business model: Good seed, proper feed, good pond/ tank management, water quality, good harvesting, access to market (or processing). Subsidy helps, but operational success depends on your careful work.
• Consider scaling or value-addition: rather than just farming and selling raw fish, explore packing, processing, live-fish retail, ornamental fish, seaweed, etc. These may entail higher subsidies or special sub-components under PMMSY.
• Keep in mind the monitoring and record-keeping aspect: You will need to maintain documents, perhaps reports, maybe meet certain timelines or milestones for subsidy release.

• Also consider that the scheme is not unlimited — funds are sanctioned based on state budget, project merit, and timely execution. So early and well-prepared application improves your chance.

  (Apply link FISH Scheme dof.gov.in)

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is a well-designed, ambitious scheme aimed at unlocking the full potential of India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. For an individual fish-farmer or entrepreneur, it offers access to subsidy support, technological upgrades and market-value opportunities that previously may have been harder to access. But success will depend not just on subsidy — but on good farming practices, market linkages, operational discipline and compliance with scheme guidelines.