Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, is a flagship scheme of Government of India, to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development. Did you know India is the world’s third largest producer of fish after China and Indonesia.
The share of fisheries sector in the total GDP (at current prices) during FY 2017-18 (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 2020) was Rs. 1,75,573 crore. As of 2019, Andhra Pradesh is the highest fish producing state with 34. 50 lakh tonnes production followed by West Bengal (17.42) and Gujarat (8.35).On observing the map of India one can see that more than 8 out of 28 states are located at sea side, giving the Indian fishing industry an edge over others.
The program which we are talking about i.e., Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was digitally launched by our Respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi on 10th September 2020 . On the same day he launched an app named E- Gopala, aimed at providing information related to livestock and marketplace for direct use of farmers.
Shri Narendra Modi focused on development of fisheries sector in the country with an estimated investment of ₹20,050 crore during a period of five years as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, which is the highest investment till date in fisheries in India. It is expected that this will lead towards the higher employment situation in India. PM Modi said “For the first time such a big plan has been made in the country. The investment being made as part of PMMSY scheme in the fisheries sector surpasses all previous investments made in fisheries since Independence,”.
This program was first launched in Bihar as almost 76% of people in Bihar depend on agriculture. Also the reverse migration due to covid -19 has resulted in increased unemployment. The situation was further worsened by the flood which affected almost 7.6 lakh people . This scheme aims at providing employment opportunities as well as supplementing the income of those engaged at agriculture and allied practices.
It is expected that a sum total of 55 lakhs employment will be provided under this scheme for fisheries sector. However, There are many reservations about the scheme. People and many leaders are fearful of the consequence, if the scheme fails to perform well it will prove to be a huge blow to the budget.
PMMSY also requires a proper implementation and awareness. Thus, the E-Gopala application was launced to help the farmers maintain a proper breeding and trading knowledge.
Important facts about PMMSY:
• This scheme is launched in 21 states of the country where more than twenty thousand crore rupees will be spent in the next 4-5 years ; aiming to increase the fish production from 13.75 million metric tons (2018-19) to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25.
• In Patna, Purnia , Sitamarhi, Madhepura , Kishanganj and Samstipur many facilities have already been introduced and new infrastructure with modern equipment are provided to introduce the new market.Generation of about 15 lakhs direct gainful employment opportunities
• The PM Kisan Nidhi has directly transferred money to the bank account of more than 10 crore farmers to setup the production.
• The PMMSY aims at generating around 15 lakhs direct gainful employment opportunities and increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs 1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
• This scheme aims at double the earning capacity and many more aspects of farmers who are dependent on fishing agriculture.Although the scheme is promising and looks into an ignored sector to supplement the farmers’ income, it is not without any complications. The success of the scheme will need proper implementation and regular scrutiny.