New Delhi: The centre in 2020 had announced a record investment of Rs 20050 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as it bids to transform the fisheries and aquaculture sector and generate employment opportunities. This included a central share of Rs 9,407 crore state share of Rs 4,880 crore and, beneficiaries contribution of Rs 5,763 crore.
On Monday, Assam's Water Resources Minister described the scheme as a "revolutionary step" taken by the government to create a blue revolution across the nation while sharing the latest data. "Till date it has benefited over 10 lakh people", Hazarika said on X (formerly Twitter). According to the infographic shared by the minister, Rs 18,721 has already been sanctioned so far.
The monthly requirement of fish for consumption in Assam is over 37,000 metric tonnes (MT), of which around 98% is produced here in the state, according to fisheries minister Parimal Suklabaidya in the assembly on Wednesday.
Anticipated outcomes of this initiative include a significant boost in fish production, expected to surge from 13.75 million metric tons in 2018-19 to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25. This growth trajectory foresees a sustained average annual increase of about 9 percent in fish production, accompanied by an elevation in the sector's contribution to the Agriculture GVA.
Moreover, the scheme targets to double export earnings, projecting a remarkable rise from Rs. 46,589 crore in 2018-19 to approximately Rs. 1,00,000 crore by 2024-25. This surge in exports is poised to augment the country's economic standing on the global stage.
Crucially, the PMMSY is expected to generate approximately 15 lakh employment opportunities, with three times as many indirect opportunities along the supply and value chain.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to encourage private investment and nurture entrepreneurship within the fisheries sector to foster innovation and sustainable growth. As part of its comprehensive strategy, the PMMSY also aims to significantly enhance domestic fish consumption, promoting healthier dietary habits and bolstering food security.
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