CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Fisheries Sector’s Key Role in Food Security, Livelihood, and Economy

Nearly 30 million people in India depend directly on fisheries for their livelihood. Hence, the welfare and support of fishermen and entrepreneurs is essential for the holistic development of the fisheries sector. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, while addressing a mobilization camp held in Depalpur, Indore district, for registration on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP).

He emphasized India’s global leadership as the top producer of farmed shrimp and the second-largest producer in aquaculture and fish production. Kurian also discussed the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020 with an investment of ₹20,050 crore, and the recently approved Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samriddhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSY), introduced for 2023-27 with a budget of ₹6,000 crore.

He highlighted the NFDP, launched on September 11, 2024, to formalize the fisheries sector, with over 1.8 million stakeholders already registered. Urging all stakeholders to register on NFDP, he noted that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision for a Developed India 2047, aiming to position India as a global leader in fisheries and aquaculture.

Additionally, Kurian stressed the importance of an approved Aquapark and Research Center in Madhya Pradesh, with a total outlay of ₹25 crore, to boost fish production through capacity building. A fish parlor was also inaugurated to promote fish consumption and improve market access for fish products.

Under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, a nationwide special registration campaign is being conducted from February 14 to 22, 2025, to accelerate the approval process and ensure that eligible stakeholders can benefit from PMMKSY schemes.

As part of this effort, a mobilization camp was held on February 20, 2025, in Depalpur, Indore district, in collaboration with State/Union Territory Fisheries Departments, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), and Common Service Centers (CSCs). The focus is on speeding up registrations, increasing approval rates, and ensuring access to financial aid, aquaculture insurance, and performance grants under PMMKSY.

In Madhya Pradesh, 60,426 people have registered on the NFDP portal, with 33,820 applications approved and 25,402 applications in progress.

The camp witnessed the participation of 1,500 fisheries cooperative societies, fishermen, and entrepreneurs. The registration outreach program concluded with a strong call for active stakeholder participation.

This initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to supporting fishermen and fish farmers through digital empowerment and improved access to financial benefits. It is a major step towards sustainable development and the welfare of those engaged in the fisheries sector.

The event was attended by Narayan Singh Panwar, Minister of Fisheries Welfare and Fisheries Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shankar Lalwani, Member of Parliament, Indore, and Ravi Kumar, Director, Fisheries Department, Indore.

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