In a move that is set to further strengthen India’s fisheries sector, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Cabinet Minister of Panchayati Raj and Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. launched projects worth Rs 255 crores for seven coastal states and UTs under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These projects aim to improve fisheries infrastructure and livelihoods through modern harbours, training centres, and storage facilities.
Aqua Insurance — a first-of-its-kind initiative — under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), was also unveiled. It aims to mitigate risks and provide financial security to marginalised farmers.
Eligible beneficiaries will include registered aquafarmers, firms, companies, societies, cooperatives, fish farmer-producer organisations and other entities involved in the fisheries value chain as identified by the Department of Fisheries.
The scheme also provides a 10 percent additional benefit for SC, ST, and women beneficiaries.
Another key highlight was the official start of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census (MFC 2025). This census will now be completely digital, using a mobile app called VyAS-NAV, developed by ICAR-CMFRI. The app enables supervisors and field staff to collect geo-tagged, real-time data from 1.2 million marine fisher households across 3,477 fishing villages. The full fieldwork is scheduled for November–December 2025, after a preparatory phase including staff training and village-level validation.
Singh also emphasised the need for sustainable fishing practices, climate-resilient coastal villages, and improved fisher safety through tools like safety transponders. He spoke about expanding mariculture and seaweed farming and promised greater support for women’s participation in fisheries. Plans for better infrastructure in Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands were also highlighted.
Minister of State. Prof SP Singh Baghel noted that India is now the second-largest fish producer in the world. He credited this to schemes like PMMSY and stressed the importance of digital tools, innovation, and stronger Centre-State cooperation for continued growth.
George Kurian, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, echoed the need for deeper collaboration between the Centre and States. He pointed to the huge potential in India’s ocean economy — what Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls the “Blue Chakra.” He also stressed on the need to promote seaweed farming, artificial reefs, and better use of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, said the sector has grown by 9.8% since 2014–15. He called for smart harbours, updated fisheries regulations, and better use of PMMSY funds.
