PMMSY: Transforming India’s Fisheries Infrastructure

The Indian government’s flagship initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is transforming the fisheries sector with an investment of ₹20,050 crore from 2020 to 2026. This ambitious program aims to enhance sustainable fish production, improve livelihoods and boost exports.

A cornerstone of PMMSY is the development of critical infrastructure, including 26 fishing harbours, 22 fish landing centres and 21 wholesale fish markets across various states and Union Territories. These facilities are designed to streamline operations, reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate better market access for fishers. Additionally, the scheme supports cold chain infrastructure such as cold storages, ice plants and freezing units to maintain the quality and shelf life of seafood products.

Beyond infrastructure, PMMSY emphasizes capacity building, technology adoption and the promotion of export-oriented species. It also focuses on brackish water aquaculture, disease management and traceability systems to ensure quality and sustainability.

Through these concerted efforts, the fisheries sector is poised for significant growth, contributing to economic development and food security in coastal and rural communities.