New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the PMMSY i.e. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. This program is expected to provide employment to 55 lakh people. Also, fish cryobanks will now be established in the country. Through these, farmers will be able to increase fish production through fish sperm of essential species. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was announced in the budget. After this, while announcing the Corona relief package, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that a fund of Rs 11,000 crore would be made available for activities in marine, inland fisheries and aquaculture.
What is PMMSY i.e. Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY-Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana)- Fisheries is an emerging sector in the country. Around 15 lakh people are currently employed in this sector. The central government has set a target to increase it to about 55 lakh in 2024-25. With the aim of increasing fish production and creating employment, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY-Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) was launched on Thursday. According to Fisheries Secretary Dr. Rajiv Ranjan, a target has been set to increase fish production from 137.58 lakh tonnes in 2018-19 to 220 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
According to Ranjan, a big target has been set to increase the average aquaculture productivity from 3.3 tonnes per hectare to 5.0 tonnes per hectare in 2024-25. There is a plan to increase fisheries exports to Rs 1 lakh crore by 2024-25 and Rs 2 lakh crore by 2028. India has now become the world’s second largest aquaculture producer and the fourth largest seafood exporter.
Fisheries in numbersFrom 2014-15 to 2018-19, the fisheries sector has grown by 10.87%. Fish production in India has increased by 7.53%, fisheries exports by 9.71%. India’s global share of fish production has reached 7.73%.
Secretary Dr. Ranjan informed that some policy reforms have been done recently in the fisheries sector. Such as creation of Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund and providing KCC facility for fishermen. A loan of up to Rs 2 lakh can be availed for fisheries through KCC facility. The Secretary outlined the investment opportunities in fisheries. Such as brackish water aquaculture, seaweed farming and ornamental fisheries etc.
Who can take advantage of this scheme
People of fisherman community: Only people belonging to the fisherman community will get the benefit of this scheme.
Aquaculture: Individuals who are associated with aquatic areas and are engaged in or interested in aquaculture will be considered eligible.
Fishermen affected by natural disaster: Fishermen who have faced and suffered badly from any natural disaster will also get the benefit.
Aquatic Animal Farming: Such persons or fishermen who know how to do fish farming but can also farm other aquatic animals will also be included in this scheme and provided benefits.
Now through this Kisan Credit Card, farmers can fulfill their financial needs during fish, lobster farming and business. Kisan Credit Card holders can avail loan up to Rs. 3 lakh at 4% interest rate.
Farmers are given a separate discount on interest on paying the loan on time. Farmers can apply for a Kisan Credit Card by writing an application in the bank. A photo, identity card, residence certificate and a photocopy of the land’s Khasra-Khatauni have to be attached with the application.
Tags: Kisan Credit Card, prime minister, PM Narendra Modi
FIRST PUBLISHED : September 10, 2020, 12:56 IST