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Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

At a glance

PMMSY is India's biggest-ever investment in fisheries. It was launched on 10 September 2020 with a total outlay of Rs 20,050 crore (Rs 9,407 crore from the Centre, Rs 4,880 crore from states, and Rs 5,763 crore from beneficiaries). It ran from 2020-21 to 2024-25 and has been extended into 2025-26. The scheme helps people at every step of the fish value chain — from growing and catching fish to storing, processing, and selling it. A newer sub-scheme, PM-MKSSY, adds about Rs 6,000 crore to formalise the sector and support micro and small fish businesses.

Who is eligible

  • Fishers and fish farmers (freshwater, brackish water, and marine)
  • Fish workers, fish vendors, and fisheries cooperatives
  • Self Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups, and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs)
  • Private companies, entrepreneurs, and startups in fisheries
  • SC/ST persons, women, and differently-abled persons get a higher subsidy rate

Benefits

  • Subsidy on project cost: up to 40% of the unit cost for the general category, and up to 60% for SC/ST and women, on beneficiary-oriented projects.
  • Supported projects include: fish ponds and hatcheries, cage culture, biofloc and RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems), seaweed and ornamental fish units, fishing boats and safety kits, ice plants, cold storage, fish transport vehicles (cycles, ice boxes, insulated trucks), and fish kiosks.
  • Livelihood support for fisher families during the fishing ban season and insurance cover for fishers are also part of the scheme — confirm current rates on the official portal.

How to apply

  1. Prepare a simple project proposal (a Detailed Project Report, or DPR) for the activity you want, or use the department's model DPRs.
  2. Submit it to your District Fisheries Officer or your State Fisheries Department. Many states also accept applications through the PMMSY portal (pmmsy.dof.gov.in).
  3. The state reviews and approves projects, then the subsidy is released in stages as work is completed.

Documents required

  • Aadhaar card and bank account (linked to Aadhaar)
  • Proof of land or water area ownership, or a lease agreement (for pond/farm projects)
  • Caste certificate (if claiming the SC/ST rate)
  • Project report (DPR) and cost estimates
  • Photographs and any state-specific forms — confirm the full list with your district office

Key dates & status

  • Approved May 2020; launched 10 September 2020
  • Original period: 2020-21 to 2024-25; extended to 2025-26
  • PM-MKSSY sub-scheme approved in February 2024
  • Applications are accepted through state departments as annual action plans are sanctioned — timing varies by state

Common questions

Q: I have a small pond. Can I get help? Yes. New pond construction and inputs for fish farming are supported activities. Apply through your district fisheries office.

Q: How much money will I get? Government pays a share of the approved unit cost — up to 40% (general) or 60% (SC/ST/women). You arrange the rest yourself or through a bank loan.

Q: Do I need land documents? For pond and farm projects, yes — ownership papers or a valid lease.

Q: Is there support during the fishing ban? Yes, PMMSY includes livelihood and nutritional support for eligible fisher families during the ban period. Ask your district office for current amounts.

Sources: https://pmmsy.dof.gov.in/, https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/PMMSY%20BookEnglish.pdf, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=155173&ModuleId=3, https://www.ibef.org/government-schemes/pradhan-mantri-matsya-sampada-yojana. Last verified: 2026-08-07. Always confirm current details on the official portal before acting.