Govt Seeks To Eliminate Fish Imports In Northeast With PMMSY Initiatives: Joint Secretary

In a significant boost to the fishery sector, the Indian Government has approved projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for Northeast India worth more than Rs 1,700 crore, which is beyond the original goal of Rs 1,500 crore. This effort attempts to close the gap between the region's production and demand for fish and lessen reliance on imports.

In an exclusive interview with Pankhi Sarma of Business North East (BNE), Sagar Mehra, the Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), stated that the northeastern region has enormous potential for fisheries development and that these investments will not only improve local production but also open up new economic opportunities.

Since more than 90% of people in the Northeast consume fish, the government is working to improve the fisheries value chain by establishing modern fish markets, aqua parks, and infrastructure upgrades with an aim to access foreign markets, particularly for high-value fish species, as the area moves closer to satisfying local demand, indicating a new era for Northeastern fisheries.

Below are the excerpts from the Q&A interview:

BNE: Could you provide details about the recent outreach program in Assam and its impact on the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)?

Joint Secy Sagar Mehra: For fisheries resource development in the northeastern region, the centre has various schemes and programs like the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and the Kisan Credit Card Scheme (KCCS). Moreover, the extension machinery comparatively is not strong in fisheries departments at the state and central levels. So, to reach out to beneficiaries, we decided to go out in the field and inform farmers and fishers about the benefits available under all these schemes and programs so that they can take advantage of them. 

Under PMMSY, we targeted to invest more than Rs 1500 crore. But we have already sanctioned projects worth more than 1700 crore. With the grounding of all these projects and activities, there would be a jump in fish production because 95% of the population in the northeastern region eats fish. These programs would boost production and eliminate the existing gap in demand and supply. There won't be any need to import fish from the neighbouring or other states. 

BNE: How is the government encouraging private-sector investment in fisheries?

Joint Secy Sagar Mehra: Attracting private investment is a top priority. Under PMMSY, we provide subsidies of up to 60 per cent, with the remaining 40–60 per cent contributed by beneficiaries with their savings or bank loans. Additionally, the FIDF offers concessional financing with an interest of up to 3% FIDF. To date, we have raised investments of almost Rs 6,000 crore, with a government contribution of Rs 600 crore, while every rupee spent (Rs 9–10) was a private investment. 

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a central sector sub-scheme under PMMSY, has been launched to formalize the fisheries sector and support micro and small enterprises with an investment of over Rs 6,000 crore from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27. However, the Union Cabinet has approved the extension of FIDF for an additional three years, up to 2025-26.

Additionally, there are no direct subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Saha Yojana (PM-MKSSY). Instead, private investments are incentivized through measures like aquaculture insurance and investments in value chain efficiencies. This approach ensures the active participation of the private sector in the fisheries industry.

BNE: What measures are being taken to improve the marketing infrastructure supply chain and create better markets for Assam's fishermen?

Joint Secy Sagar Mehra: The government has backed the establishment of wholesale and retail fish markets, insulated and refrigerated vans, and tricycles and bicycles with iceboxes to improve marketing infrastructure. We recently approved an aqua park in Assam that will offer end-to-end solutions from the production of fingerlings to the distribution of processed fish and a modern fish market incorporating digitization and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. These state-of-the-art facilities will increase efficiency, minimize post-harvest losses, and guarantee that fish farmers get the best possible price for their produce.

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BNE: Is there adequate cold storage infrastructure in Assam for fish preservation?

Joint Secy Sagar Mehra: Yes, in order to guarantee the preservation of fish after harvest, we have backed the construction of many ice plants and cold storage facilities in Assam. In order to improve the supply chain and preserve fish quality from harvest to market, we keep approving bids for this kind of infrastructure.

BNE: Considering Assam's strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia, are there efforts to promote cross-border trade in fisheries?

Joint Secy Sagar Mehra: We are trying our best to meet the domestic demand. Once we achieve that, we shall work on meeting the demand-supply gap in domestic consumption. Thereafter, we are almost in to ensure that 'rainbow trout', especially in the higher altitudes, is positioned for the export market. In keeping with our overarching objective of increasing India's footprint in global seafood markets, we are negotiating with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) to ease seafood exports to nearby nations.

BNE: How do you tackle logistical challenges, ensure quality seed availability, and mitigate risks such as natural calamities, especially flash floods?

Joint Secy Sagar Mehra: Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), we have implemented aquaculture insurance to control risks and encourage farmers to use insurance as a risk mitigation strategy. In order to guarantee that farmers have prompt access to high-quality fish seed, Assam has been assisted in the building of many hatcheries. With constant efforts to improve infrastructure resilience and farmer readiness, addressing logistical issues and lessening the effects of natural disasters are crucial components of our continuing endeavours.