Modernization of Fisheries Sector: India’s Blue Revolution Gains Momentum Under PMMSY

Blue Economy as a National Priority

India’s fisheries sector, a vital contributor to food security, livelihoods, and exports, is undergoing a major transformation under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). With the largest ever investment of ₹20,050 crore between 2020-21 and 2025-26, this flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is driving what experts call a new Blue Revolution.

The initiative focuses on sustainability, modernization, and resilience, aiming not just at improving infrastructure but also enhancing livelihoods of millions of fishermen, ensuring women’s participation, combating illegal fishing, and preparing the sector for climate change.

PMMSY: Scaling Infrastructure for Fisheries Growth

Since its launch, PMMSY has spearheaded the creation of robust post-harvest and market-linked infrastructure across India.

• 734 Cold storages and ice plants sanctioned.

• 27,301 fish transportation units including:

  • 10,924 motorcycles with ice boxes.

  • 9,412 bicycles with ice boxes.

  • 3,915 auto rickshaws.

  • 1,265 live fish vending units.

  • 1,406 insulated trucks and 379 refrigerated trucks.

• 6,410 fish kiosks established.

• 202 retail fish markets and 21 wholesale markets developed.

This massive infrastructure expansion, at an outlay of ₹2,375.25 crore, is strengthening value chains and reducing post-harvest losses.

Additionally, over the past 11 years, the Government of India has sanctioned 117 fishing harbours and fish landing centres at a cumulative cost of ₹9,832 crore, under schemes including Blue Revolution, FIDF, and PMMSY.

Financing Growth: Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

The FIDF provides concessional finance to eligible entities, including states and UTs, for developing fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure. This financing mechanism ensures that credit and institutional financeare easily available to modernize the sector, especially for small and medium players.

The government has also extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to fishers and fish farmers since 2018-19, enabling them to meet working capital requirements.

Addressing Climate Change: Building Resilient Coastal Economies

While no official reports on climate change impact on fish breeding and migration have been filed, research institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have highlighted risks from rising temperatures and erratic monsoons. Studies under NICRA (National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture) confirm impacts on fish habitats, physiology, and breeding cycles.

PMMSY incorporates climate resilience through:

• Eco-friendly aquaculture methods and sustainable fishing practices.

• Artificial reefs and river ranching to restore native fish stocks.

• Development of 100 Coastal Fishermen Villages (CFV) into Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV).

This program aims to make these villages economically vibrant hubs of sustainable fishing, directly benefitting thousands of families across coastal India.

Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing

Illegal fishing poses a global challenge, and India has built a multi-layered enforcement and surveillance system:

• Indian Coast Guard empowered under the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981.

• Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs) implemented by coastal states and UTs.

• Technology-enabled monitoring via ReALCraft portal for online registration and licensing of vessels.

• Biometric identity cards issued to marine fishers.

• Deployment of tracking and communication devices like VHF, NAVIC, DAT, and ISRO-developed transponders.

Under the National Rollout Plan of PMMSY, 1,00,000 mechanized and motorized vessels are being equipped with tracking devices, ensuring both surveillance and fisher safety near International Maritime Boundary Lines (IMBL).

International Cooperation for Sustainable Fisheries

India’s commitment extends beyond its borders. The country actively engages with Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and has signed bilateral MoUs to address cross-border fisheries issues.

India also hosts the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BoBP-IGO), which promotes regional cooperation among India, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. This body emphasizes small-scale fisher welfare, sustainable practices, and technical cooperation.

Insurance, Safety Nets, and Digital Transformation

To strengthen fisher welfare, the government has integrated insurance and digital platforms into fisheries development:

1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY):

   • One-time incentive for aquaculture insurance.

   • Additional 10% incentive for SC/ST and women beneficiaries.

   • Digital integration through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) for identity creation and benefit access.

2. Group Accidental Insurance Scheme:

   • ₹5 lakh for death or permanent total disability.

   • ₹2.5 lakh for permanent partial disability.

   • ₹25,000 for accidental hospitalization.

This combination of digital platforms, insurance coverage, and financial assistance enhances socio-economic security for fishers and aquaculture farmers.

Empowering Women in Fisheries

Recognizing the crucial role of women in fisheries, the government provides special incentives:

• 60% governmental assistance (vs. 40% for others) under PMMSY.

• Skill development, training, and cooperative building programs.

• Concessional access to Kisan Credit Card facilities.

• Dedicated promotion of women-led cooperatives, SHGs, and producer groups.

These measures are aimed at ensuring inclusive growth and gender equity within the sector.

Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy

The modernization of India’s fisheries sector is not limited to physical infrastructure but extends to livelihood sustainability and biodiversity conservation. By encouraging climate-smart practices, digital integration, international partnerships, and inclusive financing, India is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable blue economy development.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, while presenting details in the Lok Sabha on 19th August 2025, underlined the government’s holistic approach: combining infrastructure growth, fisher welfare, women empowerment, and climate resilience to secure the future of India’s fisheries.

Fishing for the Future

The modernization of India’s fisheries sector under PMMSY is not just about upgrading technology—it is about transforming the lives of millions of fishermen, aquaculture farmers, and coastal communities. With investments crossing ₹20,050 crore, strong policy backing, and a focus on sustainability, the fisheries sector is becoming a pillar of India’s food security, employment generation, and export growth.

The journey towards a modern, resilient, and inclusive fisheries sector marks a significant step in India’s ambition of achieving a Blue Revolution 2.0, where prosperity and sustainability go hand in hand.