Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on March 18, 2025, provided information on government’s efforts for the comprehensive development of the fisheries and dairy sectors. He stated that the Ministry is actively implementing several schemes to enhance infrastructure, ensure financial support, and provide social security measures to those involved in these industries.
The government has introduced significant initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), and the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF). These schemes aim to promote sustainable practices, enhance productivity, and improve the overall livelihood of those in the fisheries and dairy sectors.
In the last four years, the Department of Fisheries has approved numerous marine fisheries development projects, including the introduction of 480 deep-sea fishing vessels and the upgradation of 1,338 existing vessels. These measures are designed to strengthen export capabilities. Furthermore, mariculture activities are gaining momentum with support for 1,525 sea cages, 10 marine fin-fish hatcheries, and 2,307 bivalve cultivation units. Seaweed cultivation is also being expanded with 47,245 rafts and 65,480 monoline tube nets.
A notable highlight under the PMMSY is the provision of accidental insurance coverage for fishers, including deep-sea fishermen. The government bears the entire insurance premium, offering coverage of Rs. 5 lakh for death or permanent total disability, Rs. 2.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and Rs. 25,000 for hospitalization expenses due to accidents. Additionally, an insurance premium subvention scheme for fishing vessels is in its final stages, offering financial protection against losses caused by natural calamities and accidents.
In the last four years, the Department of Fisheries has approved numerous marine fisheries development projects, including the introduction of 480 deep-sea fishing vessels and the upgradation of 1,338 existing vessels. These measures are designed to strengthen export capabilities. Furthermore, mariculture activities are gaining momentum with support for 1,525 sea cages, 10 marine fin-fish hatcheries, and 2,307 bivalve cultivation units. Seaweed cultivation is also being expanded with 47,245 rafts and 65,480 monoline tube nets.
To equip fishers with modern skills and knowledge, the Ministry offers comprehensive training programs through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). These programs cover various aspects of aquaculture, including freshwater and brackish water farming, mariculture, ornamental fisheries, and fish processing.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), established in 2018-19 with a fund size of Rs. 7,522.48 crore, continues to provide concessional financing for developing fisheries infrastructure. The fund has supported 136 projects with a total approved cost of Rs. 5,801.06 crore.
Projects include fishing harbors, fish landing centers, cold storage facilities, modern fish markets, and fish feed mills. The FIDF scheme offers an interest subvention of up to 3% per annum, ensuring financial accessibility for states, union territories, and other eligible entities.
