National Productivity Council (NPC), an autonomous body, is undertaking seven major field studies to revitalize the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, announced these interventions during an event held at NPC headquarters in New Delhi.
The field studies conducted by NPC aim to strengthen the delivery mechanisms of the Department and cover various areas, including improving fish marketing systems, enhancing production practices, optimizing storage containers, upgrading fish marketing infrastructure, evaluating technologies, monitoring implementation, and minimizing post-harvest losses.
According to Minister Rupala, PMMSY offers a wide range of activities to benefit fishers, fish farmers, youth, women, and entrepreneurs. The scheme has promoted cluster development, improved economies of scale, enhanced the sector's competitiveness, and generated higher incomes for stakeholders.
Additionally, PMMSY has fostered an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and encouraged private sector participation. The government has provided substantial financial assistance under PMMSY to individuals and groups involved in the fishing industry, supporting critical infrastructure and supply chain development. As of March 31, 2023, projects worth Rs. 14,659.12 crores have been approved.
PMMSY, implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is a scheme aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India.
With an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores, PMMSY addresses crucial gaps in the fisheries value chain, covering aspects such as fish production, productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing. Since the fiscal year 2020-21, PMMSY has been implemented in all states and union territories.
Sundeep Nayak, the Director General of NPC, highlighted India's position as the second largest aqua-resource producing country and a leading exporter of fish and fish products. The fisheries sector provides livelihoods to over 2.8 crores of fishers and fish farmers, along with numerous others in the value chain. PMMSY's diverse activities have significantly benefited fishers, fish farmers, youth, women, and entrepreneurs.
By fostering cluster development, improving competitiveness, and generating higher incomes, the scheme has accelerated the sector's growth in an organized manner. Moreover, PMMSY has created an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and private sector participation.
The concerted efforts under PMMSY and the field studies conducted by NPC demonstrate the government's commitment to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. By promoting best practices, technological advancements, and infrastructure improvements, PMMSY aims to unleash the full potential of India's fisheries resources and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.
In the presence of Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Sundeep Kumar Nayak, Director General of the National Productivity Council (NPC), Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, OSD of the Department of Fisheries, and other distinguished individuals, Parshottam Rupala, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, inaugurated a significant series of field studies at the NPC Headquarters in New Delhi.
