India is one of the largest fish-producing nations in the world, contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. The fisheries and aquaculture sector not only provides affordable protein to millions of households but also supports more than 28 million fishermen and fish farmers directly and indirectly.
Recognizing its potential, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as part of the Blue Revolution to boost sustainable fish production, infrastructure, and value chain development. The scheme focuses on modernization, innovation, and inclusivity by extending higher subsidies to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women beneficiaries.
In addition to PMMSY, many state governments have introduced their own fisheries schemes to supplement central support. Together, these initiatives aim to double farmer incomes, enhance exports, and create employment opportunities in the sector.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of PMMSY and State Fisheries Schemes for 2024–25, covering subsidy patterns, project costs, and beneficiary benefits in a simple, human-friendly manner.
Objectives of PMMSY
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has been designed with the following key goals:
- Enhancing Fish Production and Productivity through expansion and modernization of hatcheries, ponds, and aquaculture systems.
- Doubling Incomes of Fish Farmers by reducing production costs and improving market linkages.
- Strengthening Infrastructure including cold storages, ice plants, refrigerated vehicles, and retail markets.
- Promoting Sustainable Aquaculture with innovative techniques like RAS (Recirculatory Aquaculture System) and Biofloc technology.
- Encouraging Inclusivity by offering higher subsidy rates to SC, ST, and women beneficiaries.
- Boosting Exports and Reducing Post-Harvest Losses through efficient cold-chain and value-addition facilities.
Components of PMMSY and Subsidy Details
Below is a humanized explanation of major components under PMMSY. For each project, the government provides subsidies, which vary for general category beneficiaries (usually 40%) and SC/ST/women beneficiaries (usually 60%).
1. Hatchery and Pond Development
- Freshwater Finfish Hatcheries
- Project Cost: ₹25 lakh per hectare
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women)
- Purpose: To increase seed production of freshwater species like rohu, catla, mrigal, etc.
- New Grow-out Ponds
- Project Cost: ₹7 lakh/hectare
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women)
- Purpose: Expansion of pond area to rear fish till market size.
- Inputs for Freshwater Aquaculture
- Covers species like scampi, pangasius, tilapia, etc.
- Project Cost: ₹4 lakh/hectare
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women).
- Saline/Alkaline Ponds
- Project Cost: ₹8 lakh/hectare
- Special support for farmers in saline or problematic soil areas.
- Polythene Lining of Ponds
- Additional assistance up to ₹2 lakh per hectare to prevent water seepage and improve productivity.
2. Ornamental Fish & Innovative Systems
- Ornamental Fish Units (Medium Scale)
- Project Cost: ₹8 lakh/hectare
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women).
- Purpose: Promotes aquarium trade and ornamental fisheries.
- Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) & Biofloc
These modern systems allow intensive fish farming in small spaces with water recycling.- Large RAS Units (₹50 lakh/unit) – Subsidy 20% (General), 25% (SC/Women).
- Medium RAS Units (₹25 lakh/unit) – Subsidy 40% (General), 60% (SC/ST/Women).
- Small RAS Units (₹7.5 lakh/unit) – Subsidy 40%/60%.
- Backyard Mini RAS Units (₹0.5 lakh/unit) – Subsidy 40%/60%.
These systems are suitable for urban farmers and entrepreneurs with limited land.
3. Reservoir Cage Culture
- Installation of Cages in Reservoirs
- Project Cost: ₹3 lakh per unit
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women).
- Benefits: Utilizes reservoirs for fish production without land acquisition.
4. Cold Chain & Post-Harvest Infrastructure
Efficient cold storage is critical to prevent spoilage and ensure quality fish reaches the market.
- Ice Plants/Cold Storages
- 10-ton Capacity: ₹40 lakh per unit
- 20-ton Capacity: ₹80 lakh
- 30-ton Capacity: ₹120 lakh
- 50-ton Capacity: ₹150 lakh
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women).
- Refrigerated Vehicles (₹25 lakh/unit) and Insulated Vehicles (₹20 lakh/unit) ensure safe transport.
- Fish Vending Solutions
- Motorcycles with Ice Box: ₹0.75 lakh
- Cycles with Ice Box: ₹0.10 lakh
- Three-Wheelers/e-rickshaws with Ice Box: ₹3 lakh
- Live Fish Vending Centres: ₹20 lakh
All come with 40–60% subsidy support.
5. Fish Feed Mills
Fish feed is one of the highest costs in aquaculture. PMMSY supports local feed production:
- Mini Fish Feed Mill (2 ton/day): ₹30 lakh
- Medium Feed Mill (8 ton/day): ₹100 lakh
- Large Feed Mill (20 ton/day): ₹200 lakh
- Mega Feed Plant (100 ton/day): ₹650 lakh
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women).
This helps farmers access affordable, high-quality feed.
6. Fish Retail and Market Infrastructure
- Fish Retail Markets (including ornamental) – ₹100 lakh/unit
- Fish Kiosks – ₹10 lakh/unit
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women).
These facilities enhance consumer access to hygienic fish products while supporting small vendors.
State Fisheries Schemes (2024–25)
In addition to PMMSY, states implement their own fisheries programs. Here’s a summary of major State Plan Schemes for 2024–25:
1. Welfare of Scheduled Caste Families in Fisheries
- Lease Subsidy on Panchayati/Government Ponds
- 1st Year: 50% subsidy (up to ₹50,000/ha).
- 2nd to 5th Year: 40% subsidy (up to ₹40,000/ha).
- Maximum: 4 hectares per SC farmer.
- Subsidy on Fishing Nets
- 60% subsidy (up to ₹24,000).
- Auction Subsidy for Notified Waters
- 50% subsidy, maximum ₹5 lakh.
- Rehri with Stove, Gas Chulha, Utensils for Selling Fish
- 60% subsidy, project cost ₹60,000.
- Inputs for SC Farmers
- 60% subsidy up to ₹90,000/ha, max 4 hectares.
2. Intensive Fisheries Development Programme
- Solar Systems for Aquaculture Power Supply
- 75% subsidy, up to ₹3.75 lakh (10 kW system).
- Renovation of Panchayati or Own Ponds
- Project Cost: ₹2 lakh/ha
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women), max 4 hectares.
- Inputs for Aquaculture
- ₹1.5 lakh/ha project cost
- Subsidy: 40% (General), 60% (SC/Women).
- Insurance Premium Subsidy
- 50% subsidy for shrimp crop insurance.
- Four-Wheelers for Fisheries Activities
- Subsidy 25%, maximum ₹2.25 lakh.
- Support for Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs)
- Financial assistance provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Special Focus: Benefits for SC/ST/Women
Across both PMMSY and State Plans, SC, ST, and women beneficiaries enjoy higher subsidy levels (usually 60% compared to 40% for general category). This ensures inclusive growth, greater participation of marginalized groups, and empowerment of women entrepreneurs in the fisheries value chain.
Impact and Opportunities
- Boosts Farmer Income – Lower input costs and better infrastructure increase profitability.
- Generates Employment – New hatcheries, feed mills, vending centres create jobs.
- Reduces Post-Harvest Losses – Cold chain facilities minimize wastage.
- Promotes Entrepreneurship – Encourages youth and women to start aquaculture ventures.
- Supports Sustainability – Modern techniques like RAS and Biofloc conserve water and land.
