Department of Fisheries (DoF) under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) organized the Fisheries Secretaries Conference 2025 along with a National Workshop on Harnessing Technology and Innovation in Aquaculture in New Delhi. The conference reviewed the implementation and progress of:
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
Key Focus Areas & Technological Interventions
Satellite technology to improve
- Fisher safety
- Operational efficiency
- Resource mapping
- Biometric and facial recognition for identity verification
Drone-based live fish transport:
- Pilot project to develop 70 kg payload drones for difficult terrains
Smart, integrated fishing harbours and modern fish markets aligned with green and blue sustainability
ReALCraft technology emphasized for vessel monitoring and advancing smart harbours
Promotion of Innovation & Startups
- Encourage use of advanced fisheries technologies with ICAR support
- Focus on:
- Processing, packaging, and marketing
- Cluster-based development
- Startup ecosystem promotion
- Promotion of fisheries using Amrit Sarovars with state participation
- State-Level Engagement and Implementation
Strengthening Implementation in States & UTs
- Inland states urged to:
- Register on National Fisheries Development Portal (NFDP)
- Mobilize applications to access central sector schemes
- Coastal states asked to:
- Promote species diversification and mariculture zoning
- Adopt sustainable fisheries practices
Infrastructure & Financial Access Issues
- Concerns raised about:
- Access to institutional credit for fish farmers due to collateral requirements under Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
- Lack of awareness among financial institutions about modern fisheries models
- Need to:
- Improve post-harvest infrastructure (e.g., hygienic fish kiosks)
- Strengthen market linkages (physical and digital)
Significance of Conference
- Serves as a strategic platform to align central and state efforts
- Aims to:
- Foster collaboration
- Bridge stakeholder communication gaps
- Enhance implementation of national fisheries schemes
- Drive technology adoption and capacity building in the fisheries sector
Flagship Schemes Reviewed
Background & Investments
- Since 2015, Government of India has invested Rs. 38,572 crore in the fisheries sector
- Major schemes include:
- PMMSY
- PM-MKSSY
- FIDF
- Blue Revolution
1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Launched to enhance fish production, value chain efficiency, and farmer incomes
2. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
- Focused on infrastructure creation across the fisheries sector
3. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
- Sub-scheme under PMMSY
- Offers comprehensive aquaculture insurance
Features of PM-MKSSY:
Digital integration via NFDP for:
- Insurance access
- Work-based identity creation
- Tracking sector participation and entitlements
Insurance Options:
- Basic Insurance: Covers natural calamities and parametric risks
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes disease coverage
- Premium cap: ₹1 lakh per farmer for 1800 m³ in intensive aquaculture systems
Eligibility:
- Registered aqua-farmers
- Firms, companies, cooperatives, FFPOs
Inclusivity:
- Additional 10% incentive for SC, ST, and women beneficiaries