Rs 20k-Cr Fisheries Scheme Achieves Output Target

New Delhi: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has been able to achieve some of the important targets, including those of job creation and augmenting per capita fish consumption.

Launched in 2020-21 for five years till this fiscal at a total outlay of Rs20,050 crore, it envisaged to add an addition fish production of 70 lakh metric tons (to 220 lakh metric tons by 2024-25), enhance aquaculture productivity from the national average of three tons to five tons per hectare, reduce post-harvest losses from 25 per cent to around 10 per cent, generate about 55 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities, enhance fisheries exports from Rs46,589 crore (2018-19) to Rs1 lakh crore, increase per capita fish consumption from 5-6 kg to 12 kg during, encourage private investment, and facilitate growth of entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.

The PMMSY has already successfully generated about 58 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities and enhanced per capita fish consumption from 5-6 kg to 12-13 kg, official sources told Bizz Buzz.

Besides, annual fish production in the country also went up to an all-time record of 175.45 lakh tonne in 2022-23, they said, adding that fisheries exports rose to Rs60,524.89 crore in 2023-24. Further, aquaculture productivity has already increased to 4.7 tonne per hectare. Also, post-harvest losses have come down to 10-15 per cent.

The Indian fisheries and aquaculture sectors have become fastest growing agriculture allied sectors in the country, says a government website. The share of inland fisheries and aquaculture in overall fish production has gradually increased over the last several years. India has also become a top producer and exporter of shrimp as a result of using contemporary technologies. New areas, such as salty and brackish waterways, reservoirs, and flood plains, are being used for profitable aquacultures. Wastelands are being transformed into wealthy lands.