4 Years of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has completed four years of Implementation.

About

• It is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and was launched in 2020.
• Aim: To give momentum to the ‘sunrise’ fisheries sector through consolidated efforts from various schemes and initiatives.
• The PMMSY is an umbrella scheme with two separate Components namely Central Sector Scheme (CS) and  Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Component is further segregated into Non-beneficiary oriented and beneficiary orientated subcomponents/activities:
  • Enhancement of Production and Productivity
  • Infrastructure and Post-harvest Management
  • Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework.

Fisheries Sector of India

• India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture producing nation in the world. 
• India is the 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries products with a growth in exports of 26.73% in terms of quantity between FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23. 
• Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish producer in the country followed by West Bengal and Gujarat.
• In terms of employment, the sunrise sector supports the livelihood of over 30 Mn people in India. 
• The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has implemented a flagship scheme “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)- to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India.

Challenges of the Fisheries Sector in India

• Overfishing: Overexploitation of fish stocks due to excessive fishing pressure is a significant challenge. 
• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: IUU fishing undermines efforts to manage and conserve fish stocks.
  • It includes activities such as fishing without proper authorization, disregarding catch limits, and using banned fishing gear. 
• Lack of Infrastructure and Technology: Inadequate infrastructure and outdated fishing technology hinder the efficiency and productivity of the fisheries sector.
  • Poor storage and transportation facilities lead to post-harvest losses, while outdated fishing vessels and gear limit the ability of fishers to catch fish sustainably.
• Poor Fisheries Management: Limited enforcement of regulations, lack of comprehensive data on fish stocks, and inadequate monitoring and control measures exacerbate the problem of overfishing and IUU fishing.
• Pollution and Habitat Destruction: Pollution from industrial activities, coastal development, and agricultural runoff poses a threat to marine and freshwater habitats.
  • Similarly, habitat destruction through activities such as coastal reclamation, mangrove deforestation, and dredging further exacerbates the loss of valuable fish habitats.
• Climate Change: Climate change is altering oceanic and freshwater environments, affecting fish distribution, migration patterns, and reproductive cycles.
  • Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events disrupt fish populations and destabilize fisheries ecosystems.
• Socio-economic Issues: Poverty, lack of alternative livelihood options, and unequal distribution of resources contribute to the vulnerability of fishing communities. 

Government Initiatives for the Growth of the Sector

• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): Established in 2006, NFDB serves as the apex body for the planning and promotion of fisheries development in India.
  • It implements various schemes and programs aimed at enhancing fish production, improving infrastructure, and providing support to fishers and fish farmers.
• Blue Revolution: Launched in 2015, the Blue Revolution aims to promote sustainable development and management of the fisheries sector.
  • It focuses on increasing fish production and productivity through the adoption of modern technologies, enhancing infrastructure facilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening fisheries governance.
• Sagarmala Programme: The Sagarmala Programme, launched in 2015, aims to promote port-led development and unlock the potential of India’s maritime sector.
  • It includes initiatives to develop fishing harbors, cold chain infrastructure, and fish processing facilities to support the growth of the fisheries sector.
• National Fisheries Policy: The Government of India formulated the National Fisheries Policy in 2020 to provide a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
  • The policy focuses on promoting responsible fisheries management, conserving aquatic biodiversity, enhancing fish production, and improving the socio-economic status of fishers and fish farmers.
• Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs): The Government has established FFDAs at the district level to provide technical guidance, training, and extension services to fish farmers.
  • These agencies play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about modern aquaculture practices, facilitating access to credit and inputs, and promoting entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
• In order to address the infrastructure requirement for fisheries sector, the union Government during 2018-19 created the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total funds size of Rs 7522.48 crore.
  • In the earlier phase of implementation of FIDF during the period from 2018-19 to 2022-23, a total 121 fisheries infrastructure projects have been approved for creation of various fisheries infrastructures. 
• Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA): The CAA regulates and promotes coastal aquaculture activities to ensure sustainable development and environmental conservation.
  • It formulates guidelines for shrimp farming, regulates the use of coastal land for aquaculture purposes, and monitors compliance with environmental norms to prevent adverse impacts on coastal ecosystems.

Way Ahead

• The fisheries sector in India holds significant potential for growth and development, given the country’s extensive coastline, numerous rivers, and inland water bodies.
• Measures that can further help the sector:
  • Strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
  • Providing financial support and incentives for adopting sustainable practices and modern technologies in fisheries.
  • Ensuring the protection and restoration of aquatic habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.
  • Strengthening supply chain infrastructure and establishing better market linkages to ensure fair prices for fishers and access to domestic and international markets.

Source: PIB