PM-PMMSY Opens New Avenues for MSMEs in Blue Revolution 2.0

In Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Meet 2025, held on 13th June 2025, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajeev Ranjan has called for a collaborative effort for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Union Minister underlined the vital role of the fishery sector in the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.  

Rajeev Ranjan in his address emphasized on the critical link between fisheries and aquaculture and livelihood of over 30 million people in the sector in India, with 70% of fish production coming from inland states. As noted by the minister India ranks second globally in fisheries production.

“The production of fisheries has to be increased. 70% of the contribution comes from inland states... We had a meeting with the governments of the inland states... We will have a technical session. Later, we will decide how to move ahead,” -Union Minister in a video shared on X account (initially posted by ANI).

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

Event’s most notable moment was the mention of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PM-PMMSY)- a visionary scheme launched in 2020 by the Department of Fisheries under the  Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Not a solely Central-sector scheme, PM-PMMSY aims to bring Blue Revolution 2.0 by holistic development of the fisheries sector with sustainable and responsible practices. The scheme intends to modernize infrastructure and double fish farmer’s income to cumulatively boost India’s powerhouse position in fisheries. Designed to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain, PMMSY targets: 

• To increase fish production by 2025 to 22 million metric tonnes in order to boost self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on imports.

• To double export earnings from Rs. 46,000 crore to Rs. 1,00,000 crore and create meaningful employment by providing better market linkages.

• To enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses from 20-25% to 10% by improving post-harvest infrastructure and quality.

• To generate 55 lakh employment opportunities in not only fisheries and aquaculture sector but also ancillary industries, particularly in rural and coastal areas.

A cornerstone of the government’s efforts in this sector is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with a vision of Blue Revolution 2.0, PMMSY aims to double fish farmers' income, modernize infrastructure, and boost India's share in the global fish market. 

Opportunities for  MSME

Significant opportunities lie for the MSMEs and rural entrepreneurs in the fisheries and aquaculture ecosystem. To assist these businesses the government of India has in view to extend their aid through policy support, incentive based credit and infrastructural investments. This will initiate a cluster-based approach for integrated development in fish feed, food-processing, goods transport and marketing. The scheme encourages digital platforms and traceability systems which can be ideal for tech-based MSMEs as this will enable e-commerce and direct-to-consumer fish sales. Ornamental fisheries and biofloc technology are also untapped areas with large entrepreneurial potential.

PMMSY also emphasizes on supporting fisher youth, women SHGs and marginalized communities by backing them, to have an inclusive and sustainable sector with strong supply chains. The growing trend of protein-rich diets and increase in domestic demand also opens the door for PPP-modeled business and agri tech innovations.Therefore, ultimately enhancing standards in fishery products and promoting export competitiveness thus ensuring consumer safety.

Towards Developed India

To fully reap the fruit from the scheme necessary gaps are needed to be addressed. Despite its flawless appearance, underlying issues demand significant efforts. Limited financial inclusion and awareness and participation challenges discourages local fishermen. Push for increased production in the absence of modern technology compromises with sustainability, resulting in decaying maritime ecosystems. Addressing these issues demand a cohesive effort from all the stakeholders including academia and civil society. Regular monitoring of the progress of maritime industry is also the need of the hour.

India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2027 makes fisheries an economic driver. The scheme perfectly aligns with the vision making PM-PMMSY one of the most ambitious fisheries programs globally. It holistically blends infrastructure development with welfare, innovation, and entrepreneurship.