Programmes and Schemes for Fisheries in India

India is the 3rd largest fish producer and 2nd in aquaculture globally. To boost inland & marine fisheries, aquaculture, and fishers’ welfare, the Government of India has launched several programmes.

1. Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries (2015–20)

• Aim: Holistic development of the fisheries sector.
• Objectives:
  • Increase fish production & productivity.
  • Improve aquaculture infrastructure.
  • Welfare of fishers & fisherwomen.
• Impact: Raised India’s fish production to 137.5 lakh tonnes (2018–19).

2. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020–25)

• Flagship scheme of the Government of India under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Budget: ₹20,050 crore (largest ever for fisheries).
• Targets:
  • Double fishers’ income.
  • Increase fish production to 220 lakh tonnes by 2024–25.
  • Generate 55 lakh employment opportunities.
• Components:
  • Marine fisheries & aquaculture development.
  • Inland fisheries (ponds, tanks, reservoirs).
  • Cold chain, processing, and export promotion.
  • Insurance, KCC facility, and welfare support for fishers.

3. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF, 2018)

• Corpus: ₹7,522 crore.
• Objective: Develop infrastructure for fisheries & aquaculture.
• Areas supported:
  • Fishing harbors, landing centres.
  • Cold storage, ice plants.
  • Modern fishing vessels.
  • Aquaculture ponds, hatcheries.
• Support: Loans via NABARD, NCDC, scheduled banks with interest subvention.

4. National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen (Ongoing)

• Aim: Provide housing, group accident insurance, and saving-cum-relief for fishers.
• Components:
  • Housing: ₹1.2 lakh per fisher household.
  • Insurance: Accidental death/disability cover.
  • Saving-cum-relief: Provides financial support during fishing ban/lean season.

5. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB, 2006)

• Autonomous organization under DAHD&F.
• Focus areas:
  • Reservoir & cage culture.
  • Ornamental fisheries.
  • Fish feed mills.
  • Cold chain, markets, e-marketing.
• Outcome: Major driver of inland aquaculture expansion.

6. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fisheries (2020 onwards)

• Objective: Short-term working capital loans to fishers & fish farmers.
• Coverage: Working capital for nets, boats, feed, seed, fuel, medicines.
• Loan Limit: Up to ₹3 lakh with interest subvention.

7. Marine Fisheries Schemes

• Deep Sea Fishing Scheme (2017): Support to replace traditional trawlers with tuna longliners for sustainable fishing.
• Motorization of traditional crafts: Subsidies to mechanize fishing boats.
• Safety kits & GPS: Subsidies for modern navigation and safety devices.

8. Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Schemes

• Development of ponds and tanks for freshwater aquaculture.
• Integrated fish farming (fish-cum-poultry, fish-cum-pig).
• Ornamental fisheries support schemes.
• Reservoir fisheries development through cage & pen culture.

9. State-Level Examples

• Andhra Pradesh – Matsyakara Bharosa (2019) Financial assistance of ₹10,000 annually to each fisherman family.
• Tamil Nadu – Blue Revolution State Schemes; Focus on inland aquaculture, seaweed farming, cage culture.
• Kerala – Theeramythri Project; Women SHGs in fisheries for value addition & processing.
• West Bengal – Jal Dharo Jal Bharo; Promotes rainwater harvesting structures for aquaculture.