The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme for the persistent and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country, has lately been unveiled in digital format. Along with PMMSY, several other initiatives in the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors have also been introduced.
Objectives of PMMSY
Operating as a part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, PMMSY has several goals it aims to achieve. It intends to adopt “Cluster or Area-based Approaches” to create fisheries clusters through backward and forward linkages. The scheme is also designed to especially focus on employment-generating activities such as seaweed and ornamental fish cultivation.
Moreover, PMMSY is determined to bridge critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, management, modernization, and strengthening of the value chain. It also plans to establish a robust fisheries management framework and work towards fishers’ welfare.
Targets Set by PMMSY
PMMSY has set ambitious targets to enhance the fisheries sector in the country. It targets to increase fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne and expand fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25. The scheme also aims to double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers while reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25% to approximately 10%. Furthermore, PMMSY intends to generate an additional 55 lakh direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in the fisheries sector and allied activities.
Budget and Period of Implementation
Expected to make the highest ever investment in the fisheries sector, PMMSY estimates an investment of Rs. 20,050 crore for a period of 5 years from the financial year 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. The scheme will be implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate components – Central Sector Scheme where the project cost will be borne by the Central government and a Centrally Sponsored Scheme where all the sub-components or activities will be implemented by the States or Union Territories, with the cost shared between Centre and State.
Other Introductions for Animal Husbandry
In addition to PMMSY, several other notable introductions have been made in the field of animal husbandry. This includes the e-Gopala App, a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace, and information portal for farmers. It provides solutions ranging from livestock management, quality breeding services, nutrition guidance, to alert mechanisms for government schemes and campaigns. An impressive investment of Rs. 84.27 crores has established the state-of-the-art Semen Station under Rashtriya Gokul Mission in Purnea, Bihar. This station holds the prestige of being one of the largest semen stations in the government sector, producing 50 lakh semen doses per annum.
Various In vitro fertilization (IVF) Laboratories are also being set up across the country, funded by a 100% grant in aid. These labs play a critical role in propagating elite animals of indigenous breeds, thereby enhancing milk production and productivity significantly. The use of Sex-sorted Semen in Artificial Insemination is another breakthrough move that allows the production of only female calves with over 90% accuracy, intensifying the growth rate of milk production in the country. Lastly, the demonstration of IVF Technology at Farmer’s Doorstep aims to propagate technology, allowing for multiplication of high-yielding animals at a faster rate as a female cattle can potentially give birth to 20 calves in a year.