Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Driving Fisheries Development in Kerala

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Kerala is a very helpful scheme focused on improving the fisheries sector in Kerala. With efforts in infrastructure, livelihood, and support systems, this scheme brings many benefits to the fishing community. If you want to know how PMMSY Kerala helps fishers, brings modern facilities, and improves socio-economic welfare, this article will guide you through all the main details.

Effect of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana in Kerala

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has played a big role in changing Kerala’s fisheries scene. With Rs. 1347.55 crore approved by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India for programs between 2020-21 and 2024-25, Kerala has seen great progress in fish production, better resource sustainability, and more job opportunities for fishers and fish farmers. The scheme’s complete approach makes sure better safety, security, and socio-economic welfare for those it helps.

Key Infrastructure and Livelihood Projects under PMMSY

Under PMMSY Kerala, several important infrastructure projects and livelihood programs have been started. These include building New Rearing & Grow-Out Ponds covering 89 hectares and Biofloc Ponds covering 22.5 hectares. Other projects include developing Brackish Water Aquaculture (172 hectares), setting up ornamental fish breeding units (822 units), and introducing new Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (20 units).

Also, Kerala has built up its fish processing and marketing facilities with new Ice Plants/Cold Storage units (16 units), Post-Harvest Transportation facilities (468 units), Live Fish Vending Centres (77 units), and Fish Feed Mills (5 units). Efforts to upgrade fishing harbors include modernization work on 3 harbors, maintenance and dredging on 6 existing harbors, and expansion of 2 more. Livelihood help has also been given to 1,71,033 beneficiaries during the fishing ban period.

Activity	Units/Area
New Rearing & Grow-Out Ponds	89 hectares
Biofloc Ponds	22.5 hectares
Brackish Water Aquaculture	172 hectares
Ornamental Fish Rearing & Breeding Units	822 units
Deep Sea Fishing Vessels	20 units
Ice Plants/Cold Storages	16 units
Post-Harvest Transportation Units	468 units
Live Fish Vending Centres	77 units
Fish Feed Mills	5 units
Fishing Harbours (Modernization, Maintenance, Expansion)	11 nos. (various works)
Livelihood Support during Fishing Ban	1,71,033 beneficiaries

Support Systems for Fishers: Vessel Communication and Kisan Credit Card

To improve safety and communication for marine fishers, the National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System under PMMSY plans to install transponders on 100,000 fishing vessels nationwide. Kerala has been given 12,711 transponders, making sure fishers can communicate well at sea. This modern technology aims to improve navigation safety and help with better monitoring.

Also, Kerala’s fisheries sector gets financial help through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. So far, 10,291 KCC cards have been given out so fishers can get credit at reasonable rates for their operation and livelihood needs. These support systems together help the fishing community do better with modern tools and financial help.

Kerala’s Unique Approach: State-Level Fishermen Insurance Scheme

Unlike many states, Kerala has chosen not to take the fishermen insurance help offered under PMMSY. Instead, the Kerala Government runs its own state-level fishermen insurance scheme that meets the specific needs of its fishing community. This local plan makes sure coverage and benefits match Kerala’s fishers’ specific needs and priorities.

This clear mix of Central schemes and Kerala’s own plans shows the state’s focus on growing fisheries in a sustainable and inclusive way.

For more details, you can visit the official website of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying: https://dof.gov.in.