The Ministry of Cooperation is teaming up with the Department of Fisheries through a Joint Working Group to enhance the involvement of small-scale fishermen in deep-sea fishing, value-chain development, processing, and exports. The Department of Fisheries is executing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with a record investment of Rs 20,050 crore from the Financial Year 2020-21 to foster fisheries’ comprehensive growth and the welfare of fishermen and fish farmers. One of the primary aims of the PMMSY is to empower traditional and small-scale fishers for deep-sea fishing activities by offering financial aid for acquiring deep-sea fishing vessels and upgrading existing ones for export readiness.
The Ministry of Cooperation supports the initiative by strengthening fishery cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) through financial access, cooperative-based asset creation, and coordinated implementation via NCDC. Simultaneously, the Department of Fisheries provides the necessary policy framework, technical guidance, and scheme-based assistance for deep-sea fishing and related fisheries operations, as highlighted by Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in a written response to the Rajya Sabha. Both ministries collaborate closely to encourage the collective efforts of fishers, deployment of deep-sea fishing vessels, establishment of processing and chilling infrastructure, and enhancement of the marine fisheries value chain through fishery cooperatives and FFPOs.
Furthermore, the Department of Fisheries is actively managing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs 7,522.48 crore since 2018-19, including the provision of a credit guarantee facility. Financial support has been extended through the NCDC under the PMMSY and the FIDF to develop marine fisheries infrastructure via cooperatives. The PMMSY also includes provisions for livelihood strengthening activities like providing boats and nets, communication and tracking devices, sea-safety kits, insurance cover, training, skill development, cold-chain facilities, and marketing support for traditional fishermen.
Additionally, the scheme focuses on constructing fishing harbours, fish landing centers, and ensuring safe landing and berthing of fishing vessels. The FIDF offers concessional finance for various fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure development to eligible entities, including state governments, Union Territories, and state entities, for the construction of fishing harbours, fish landing centers, deep-sea fishing vessels, cold chain facilities, fish markets, mariculture units, and allied activities to bolster coastal livelihoods, fish export growth, and sustainable resource management.
