New Delhi, May 20 (IANS): The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a scheme to promote a Blue Revolution in the country through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries, was cleared by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
With a target of doubling the income of fishermen, fish farmers and fish workers by 2024, the Scheme will be implemented during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the PMMSY will address the critical gaps in the fisheries sector and aid it in realising its potential.
It will help in augmenting fish production and productivity at a sustained average annual growth rate of about 9 per cent to achieve a target of 22 million metric tons by 2024-25 through sustainable and responsible fishing practices, said the Ministry.
The scheme also aims to improve availability of certified quality fish seed and feed, traceability in fish and including effective aquatic health management and help in creation of critical infrastructure including modernisation and strengthening of value chain.
The PMMSY, a 5-year scheme, will be implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate Components namely (a) Central Sector Scheme (CS) and (b) Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
The entire project/unit cost will be borne by the Central government (i.e. 100 per cent central funding). Wherever direct beneficiary oriented i.e. individual/group activities are undertaken by the entities of the Central government including the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the central assistance will be up to 40 per cent of the unit/project cost for general category and 60 per cent for SC/ST/Women category, said the Ministry.
In the northeastern & Himalayan states, the Centre will contribute 90 per cent of the scheme while state' share will be 10, but in other states, the Centre's share will be 60 per cent and state's share 40 per cent.
In Union Territories, 100 per centfinancial assistance of the scheme will be given by the Centre.