Fueling the Blue Economy

Key Highlights:

• The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with a total outlay of ₹20,750 crore, has significantly strengthened India's fisheries sector.
• Fish production increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to a record 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
• Fisheries exports rose from ₹46,663 crore in 2019-20 to ₹73,890 crore in 2025-26.
• The scheme created employment opportunities for 58 lakh persons and allocated a record ₹2,500 crore in BE 2026-27.
• It approved ₹2,797 crore for cold-chain and marketing infrastructure and supported 2,195 Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs).

Detailed Insights:

• PMMSY was launched in 2020 to foster inclusive and sustainable growth, addressing critical gaps across the fisheries value chain.
• The scheme operates as an umbrella, comprising Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) components.
• The CS component supports genetic improvement, technology demonstrations, training, and harbour modernisation.
• The CSS component focuses on enhancing fish production, infrastructure, post-harvest management, and regulatory frameworks.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a CS sub-scheme, has an outlay of ₹6,000 crore to formalise the sector and expand insurance.
• PMMSY promotes technology-driven aquaculture systems like Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Bio-floc for enhanced productivity and sustainability.
• It has approved 12 Integrated Aquaparks and projects worth ₹198.17 crore for seaweed cultivation.
• The National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), launched under PM-MKSSY, drives digital transformation and formalisation of the sector.
• The scheme contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A flagship scheme for the sustainable and responsible development of India's fisheries sector.
• Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health.
• Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs): Collectives of fishers and fish farmers formed to enhance their bargaining power and economic empowerment.
• Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS): A technology for intensive fish farming that filters and recirculates water, minimizing water usage and waste.
• Bio-floc Technology: A sustainable aquaculture method that recycles nutrients using beneficial microbes, serving as natural feed and cleaning water.
• Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water): A UN goal aiming to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.