New Delhi : The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a new Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The scheme will run for four years (2023-24 to 2026-27) with an estimated outlay of ₹6000 crore. So far, ₹11.84 crore has been sanctioned under PM-MKSSY.
Support for Aquaculture Farmers
Under Component 1-B of PM-MKSSY, one-time incentives are provided to aquaculture farmers who purchase insurance. Farmers with up to 4 hectares of water spread area can receive 40% of the insurance premium cost, capped at ₹25,000 per hectare. The maximum incentive for a single farmer is ₹1 lakh. For intensive aquaculture methods such as cage culture, Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), bio-floc, and raceways, farmers are eligible for 40% of the premium cost, with a maximum incentive of ₹1 lakh for farms up to 1800 m³. SC, ST, and women beneficiaries receive an additional 10% incentive over the general category.
Financial Support for Fisheries Enterprises
Component 3 of PM-MKSSY provides financial incentives to fisheries micro and small enterprises in the form of performance grants to help them adopt safety and quality assurance systems in fish and fishery products. The grants are structured as follows:
- Microenterprises: 25% of total investment or ₹35 lakh (whichever is lower) for general category, and 35% or ₹45 lakh for SC, ST, and women-owned enterprises.
- Small enterprises: 25% of total investment or ₹75 lakh (whichever is lower) for general category, and 35% or ₹100 lakh for SC, ST, and women-owned enterprises.
- Village Level Organizations, SHG Federations, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and Cooperatives: 35% of total investment or ₹2 crore, whichever is lower.
The scheme aims to enhance the economic stability of fish farmers, improve fisheries infrastructure, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
This information was provided by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on April 2, 2025.
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