India’s fish production has seen a significant rise from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 due to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), as per the government’s update to Parliament. The PMMSY, operational since the 2020-21 fiscal year, has been instrumental in the comprehensive growth of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, leading to a notable increase in fish output nationwide.
Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted that the PMMSY has not only facilitated the overall development of the fisheries industry but has also emphasized the inclusive progress of women involved in the sector. The scheme offers financial aid of up to 60% of the unit cost for activities benefiting the beneficiaries.
Over the past six financial years, starting from 2020-21 until 2025-26, proposals worth Rs 4,178.30 crore have been approved under the PMMSY, benefiting 1,47,654 women in various states and Union Territories. The government has also ramped up its investments in fisheries infrastructure, particularly in cold chain and marketing facilities, to enhance post-harvest management and fortify the sector’s supply chain.
To further bolster the fisheries sector, projects worth Rs 2,797 crore have been sanctioned under the PMMSY and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) until April 2026. These initiatives aim to develop cold chain and marketing infrastructure nationwide, including the establishment of numerous cold storages, ice plants, fish transportation units, live fish vending units, fish kiosks, and fish markets across states and Union Territories.
The government’s strategic investments are geared towards strengthening the fisheries value chain, curbing post-harvest losses, expanding market reach, and boosting the income of fishers and fish farmers. These efforts align with supporting the sustainable advancement of India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
