- Rs 255 crore fisheries projects launched under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana at Coastal States Meet 2025 to boost marine fisheries.
- Introduction of sustainable efforts like Marine Fisheries Census, Turtle Excluder Device project, and Vessel Communication SOP for greener marine activities.
- Support for fishermen and aquafarmers including Aqua Insurance and Kisan Credit Cards; certificates awarded to encourage excellence in fisheries.
Investment and Projects Launched at Coastal States Meet 2025
At the recently held Coastal States Meet 2025 in Mumbai, fisheries projects worth Rs 255.30 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) were officially launched. These projects focus on seven coastal states and Union Territories (UTs), aiming to strengthen India’s marine fisheries and aquaculture sector. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh led this important event, highlighting the government’s focus on improving coastal fisheries infrastructure and growth.
Key Efforts for Sustainable Marine Fisheries
Alongside the project launches, several efforts to support marine sustainability were introduced, including:
- Marine Fisheries Census Operations: Complete data collection to better understand and manage marine resources.
- Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Project: Measures to protect endangered marine turtles by stopping their capture in fishing nets.
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Vessel Communication and Support System: Improving safety and communication for coastal fishing vessels.
Fisheries’ Role in India’s Economy and Livelihood
India’s fisheries sector plays a very important role in supporting rural livelihoods and adds greatly to the country’s economy. With a long coastline of 7,500 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million square kilometres, marine resources have huge potential.
The marine fisheries sector’s yearly potential is estimated at 5.31 million tonnes. Coastal states and UTs, with about 3,477 coastal fishing villages, make up around 72% of India’s total fish production and nearly 76% of seafood exports. This shows the great need to maintain and improve fisheries infrastructure and the lives of communities involved.
Benefits for Fishermen and Aquafarmers under PMMKSSY
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY) offers many benefits to fishermen and aquafarmers, focusing on financial protection and credit support:
- Aqua Insurance: Offered for the first time to provide special insurance coverage to aquafarmers, especially helping poor communities with digital access and focused support.
- Kisan Credit Cards (KCC): Makes credit access easier for aquafarmers and fishermen, helping them invest in better fishing and aquaculture resources.
Appreciating Excellence in the Fisheries Sector
Certificates were given to outstanding groups during the meet to encourage quality and innovation:
- Cooperatives doing well in fisheries
- Fisheries Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs)
- Fishery startups bringing new technologies and methods
- Coastal fishing villages that are strong against climate changes and promote sustainability
Exhibition and Technical Sessions at the Meet
The event also had a technology exhibition showing new products, technologies, and efforts in fisheries and aquaculture. Technical sessions focused on practical policy tips, marine fisheries safety, sustainable mariculture, and increasing export capacity to make Indian fisheries more competitive worldwide.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Coastal States Meet 2025 |
| Project Outlay | Rs 255.30 Crore under PMMSY |
| Key Initiatives | Marine Fisheries Census, Turtle Excluder Device, SOP for Vessel Communication |
| Benefits to Fishermen | Aqua Insurance, Kisan Credit Cards |
| Coastal Fishing Villages | About 3,477 villages |
| Total Marine Fisheries Potential | 5.31 million tonnes |
| Official Website | pmmsy.nic.in |
Overall, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is setting the path for a sustainable, strong, and successful fisheries sector. If you are part of India’s lively fishing community or just interested in the sector’s growth, these efforts will help build better livelihoods and protect marine resources.