Delhi, Sept.10: India’s fisheries sector has recorded significant gains in production, exports, infrastructure and employment over the past six years under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with the Centre stating that the flagship scheme has accelerated investment across States and Union Territories while strengthening the country’s fisheries value chain.
As PMMSY completed six years on September 10, the government released a factsheet highlighting the programme’s performance since its launch in 2020. According to the data, India’s fish production increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to a record 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while fisheries exports rose from Rs 46,663 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 73,890 crore in 2025-26.
The government said the scheme was designed to modernise the fisheries sector, improve sustainability and create new livelihood opportunities by addressing critical gaps across the fisheries value chain. Building on the earlier Blue Revolution programme, PMMSY has focused on strengthening infrastructure, improving productivity and expanding market access for fishers and fish farmers across the country.
According to the factsheet, the scheme has generated employment for 58 lakh people engaged in fisheries and aquaculture-related activities. It has also approved projects worth Rs 2,797 crore to strengthen cold-chain facilities and marketing infrastructure, improving post-harvest management and market connectivity.
Collective institutions have also received support under the programme. A total of 2,195 Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) have been assisted through projects valued at Rs 544.86 crore, aimed at strengthening producer groups and expanding market opportunities.
The Union Government has earmarked a record Rs 2,500 crore for PMMSY in the Union Budget for 2026-27, reaffirming its commitment to further developing the fisheries sector.
The government also highlighted large-scale investments approved under the scheme across States and Union Territories. As of August 11, 2026, fisheries and aquaculture projects worth Rs 21,394.88 crore had been sanctioned between 2020-21 and 2025-26, including a Central share of Rs 9,510.89 crore. The approvals were based on proposals submitted by States, Union Territories and implementing agencies to strengthen fisheries infrastructure and expand the value chain nationwide.
Infrastructure development has remained a major component of the programme. During the past five years, the Department of Fisheries approved Rs 3,741.89 crore for 28 fishing harbour development projects, 25 fish landing centre projects and 23 dredging projects to improve fisheries infrastructure across the country.
According to the government, PMMSY continues to focus on increasing fish production and productivity, modernising the fisheries value chain, creating employment opportunities, raising incomes, boosting exports and gross value added, strengthening fishers’ welfare and improving fisheries management and regulation.
