The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a flagship scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana” (PMMSY) to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector and welfare of fishermen in the country with an investment of Rs.20,050 crore in all States/ Union Territories.  The scheme inter-alia envisages several welfare related activities for fishers and fish farmers including (i)  Group Accidental Insurance Coverage of Rs.5.00 lakh against death or permanent total disability, Rs. 2.50 lakh against permanent partial disability and  Rs. 25,000 against accidental hospitalization in the age group of 18 to 70 years, (ii) livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers families for conservation of fish resources during fishing ban/lean period in the age group of 18 to 60 years wherein assistance is provided @Rs.3000/- per fishers and beneficiaries’ own contribution of Rs.1500/- for three months during fishing ban/lean period, (iii) installation of transponders on 1,00,000 fishing vessels in all Coastal States and Union Territories with a total outlay of Rs. 364.00 Crore with two-way communication during any emergency while the fishers are at sea, (iv) fishing vessel insurance support, (v) replacement of net and boat as well support for acquisition and upgradation of fishing vessel for deep sea fishing.

Further, PMMSY also supports the development of fishing harbours, fish landing centres, cold chains, and market infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance income, training, skill development, and formation of fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to empower stakeholders with modern techniques and collective bargaining power. Moreover, PMMSY promotes diversification through seaweed farming, ornamental fisheries, and mariculture, while implementing development of climate resilient coastal fishermen village and model coastal fishing villages for targeted interventions and sustainable resource management to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal fishers communities and enhance their participation in fisheries value chains.

Besides, Government of India from the year 2018-19 has extended the facility of Kisan Credit Card to fishers and fish farmers to meet their working capital requirements and from  2025-26, the Government of India has enhanced the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) lending limit for the fisheries & allied activities from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh to enhance credit accessibility for fishers, farmers, processors and other fisheries’ stakeholder under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme. Till date, 4,76,237 KCC cards have been issued to fishers and fish farmers in all States/UTs with a disbursed amount of Rs. 3214.32 crore. This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 29th July, 2025.

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