Why in News?

Inauguration of Key Fisheries Projects under PMMSY

• The Union Minister recently inaugurated and laid the foundation for several important fisheries projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• One key highlight was the launch of a Reservoir Fisheries Cluster at the Halali Dam.
• The Minister also kickstarted other PMMSY-supported projects focused on improving fish farming facilities, increasing fish production, and creating livelihood opportunities—especially in inland areas where fishing can boost local economies.

Support to Beneficiaries and Technological Integration

• The Minister handed out certificates to various groups involved in fisheries, such as cooperatives, Fish Farmers Producers Organisations (FFPOs), and start-ups working in the sector.
• Fishermen also received Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and aquaculture insurance.
• These efforts are especially aimed at supporting marginalized communities by giving them better digital access and ensuring they have financial protection through targeted insurance schemes.

Growth of Inland Fisheries Since 2015

• Since 2015, the Government has invested ₹38,572 crore through major schemes to boost the fisheries sector. Thanks to these efforts, India’s fish production has more than doubled—from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. A large part of this growth came from inland fisheries and aquaculture, which now make up over 75% of the total, increasing by 140% to reach 147.37 lakh tonnes.

• This sector plays a vital role in rural development. It allows for fish to be produced year-round, makes better use of available natural resources, and turns unused land into a source of income—especially benefiting small and marginal farmers across the country.

Technology-Driven Growth and Innovation

• Under PMMSY and Blue Revolution, the Government approved 45,000 inland units boosting productivity by up to 20 times. 
• A pilot initiative with ICAR-CIFRI (Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute) was also launched to explore the use of drones for fish transport, monitoring, and sustainable fisheries management. 

State of India’s Fisheries Sector

• India is the world’s 3rd largest producer of fish and ranks 2nd in aquaculture, just behind China. It also holds the 4th spot globally in fish exports, contributing about 7.7% to the world’s total fish production.
• Most of India’s fish—over 75%—comes from inland fisheries. The leading fish-producing states are Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 

• About: 
  • The Department of Fisheries is implementing the PMMSY, a scheme aimed at ushering in a Blue Revolution through the sustainable and responsible development of India’s fisheries sector.
    • It focuses on the comprehensive growth of the sector while ensuring the welfare of fishers.  
  • PMMSY is being implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.  
• Objective: 
  • PMMSY addresses gaps in fish production, productivity, quality, and post-harvest infrastructure, modernizing the value chain while ensuring fishers’ socio-economic welfare. 

Blue Revolution

The Blue Revolution is a major initiative aimed at growing the fisheries sector in a sustainable and organized way. It focuses on increasing fish production through inland and marine fisheries as well as aquaculture. To make this more effective, the government combined all existing fisheries-related schemes into one unified program called “Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries.”

Run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the program provides focused support to every part of the fisheries sector.