Fisheries and aquaculture support the livelihoods of lakhs of families across India — from fishermen along the coastline to farmers rearing fish in village ponds. Yet the sector has long been held back by weak infrastructure, low pond productivity and heavy post-harvest losses.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was introduced to close these gaps. Implemented by the Department of Fisheries across all States and Union Territories, it supports the sector from production through to storage, processing and marketing, and works to raise the income of fishers and fish farmers.
This guide covers PMMSY's benefits, eligibility, subsidy details and application process for 2026.
What is Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the Government of India's flagship scheme for fisheries and aquaculture, launched on 10 September 2020. Its stated purpose is a "Blue Revolution" in the sector — growth that is sound for the environment, viable as a business, and inclusive of the communities that depend on it. The scheme is run by the Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
PMMSY was announced as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package, carrying an outlay of ₹20,050 crore — the largest sum ever committed to Indian fisheries. It is delivered through two components: a Central Sector component, borne entirely by the Centre, and a Centrally Sponsored Scheme component, where the cost is shared with the State governments. Support extends across the whole chain, from fish seed and pond farming to cold storage, processing and market access, along with training and welfare measures for fishers.
Planned initially for FY 2020–21 to FY 2024–25, PMMSY was later extended to FY 2025–26, and it continues to be funded — the Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated ₹2,500 crore to the scheme.
Key Takeaways: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
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Detail
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Information
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Full Form
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Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
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Launched On
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10 September 2020
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Ministry
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Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (Dept. of Fisheries)
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Investment
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₹20,050 crore
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Subsidy
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40% of unit cost (General) · 60% (SC/ST/Women)
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Eligibility
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Fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, vendors, SHGs, cooperatives, FFPOs, entrepreneurs, SC/ST/women/differently-abled persons
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Duration
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FY 2020–21 to FY 2024–25, extended to FY 2025–26. ₹2,500 crore allocated in Union Budget 2026–27.
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Official Portal
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pmmsy.dof.gov.in / NFDP portal
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Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
The main objectives of the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana are:
- Increase fish production and productivity sustainably
- This scheme helps unlock India’s fisheries potential through responsible and balanced growth.
- Modernise and strengthen the fisheries value chain — production, harvesting, processing, and marketing
- Double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers and generate meaningful employment
- Enhance the fisheries sector's contribution to Agricultural GVA and to exports
- Ensure social, physical and economic security for fishers and fish farmers
- Build a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework
Key Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
The main benefits offered to farmers under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana are:
1. Financial support for fisheries infrastructure:
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana assists in building and improving key facilities such as fishing harbours, landing centres, fish markets, feed plants, seed farms, and processing units. These facilities make the fisheries value chain stronger from handling to selling.
2. Support for fish farmers:
Fish farmers can get financial help for ponds, cages, hatcheries, nurseries, aeration systems, and other equipment. For someone starting or expanding fish farming, this support can reduce the upfront investment pressure.
3. Assistance for fisheries management:
The scheme also focuses on better management of fishery resources. It supports scientific practices, fishery management plans, and information systems so the sector can be managed in a more organised way.
4. Credit-linked subsidy:
PMMSY offers credit-linked subsidy support for fish farmers who want to take up fish farming as a business. This makes it easier to access funds and move from small-scale activity to a more stable business model.
5. Marketing and export support:
Cold chains, processing units, and packaging facilities are also supported under the scheme. Better storage and packaging can protect fish quality and open up stronger market and export opportunities.
Targets of PMMSY
The scheme set clear, measurable targets aimed at transforming India's fisheries sector:
- Fish production: Increase from 13.75 million metric tonnes to 22 million metric tonnes
- Aquaculture productivity: Raise from 3 tonnes per hectare to 5 tonnes per hectare
- Per-capita fish consumption: Increase from 5 kg to 12 kg
- Fisheries GVA contribution: Raise from 7.28% to around 9%
- Export earnings: Double from ₹46,589 crore to around ₹1,00,000 crore
- Post-harvest losses: Reduce from 20-25% to 10%
- Employment: Generate an additional 55 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.
- Income: Double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers
- Private investment: Encourage business growth and private participation in the fisheries sector.
Key Components & Activities Covered Under PMMSY
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is an umbrella scheme with two components that fund a wide range of fisheries activities.
Two Components: CS vs CSS
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Component
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Funding Pattern
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Central Sector (CS)
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Entire project cost borne by the Central Government. For beneficiary-oriented activities carried out by central bodies like the NFDB, central assistance is 40% (General) and 60% (SC/ST/Women) of unit cost.
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Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
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Government assistance for beneficiary-oriented activities is 40% (General) and 60% (SC/ST/Women) of unit cost — the beneficiary contributes the balance. This government share is then split between the Centre and the State/UT.
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Subsidy Rate
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Category
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Subsidy (% of unit/project cost)
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General
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40%
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SC / ST / Women
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60%
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Funding Pattern (Centre–State Share)
Under CSS, the government's share is further split between the Centre and the State:
- North-Eastern & Himalayan States — 90% Centre : 10% State
- Other States — 60% Centre : 40% State
- Union Territories — 100% Central funding
Sub-Components/Activities
The PMMSY Scheme covers three major activity areas:
- Enhancement of Production & Productivity
- Infrastructure & Post-Harvest Management
- Fisheries Management & Regulatory Framework
Eligibility Criteria for PMMSY
The following can apply for and benefit from the PMMSY scheme:
- Fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, and fish vendors
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)
- Fisheries cooperatives and federations
- Fish Farmers Producer Organizations / Companies (FFPOs/Cs)
- Entrepreneurs and private firms
- SC / ST / Women / Differently-abled persons
- State Governments, UTs, and their fisheries entities
- State Fisheries Development Boards (SFDB)
- Central Government and its Entities
How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
You can apply for PMMSY both online and offline.
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Prepare Documents
Gather required documents: Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID, land/water ownership or 10-year lease agreement, bank passbook, Detailed Project Report (DPR), and caste certificate (if applicable for reserved categories).
Step 2: Register on NFDP Portal
Visit nfdb.gov.in, click "Registration," enter your mobile number, verify with OTP, create a password, and fill in your Aadhaar details and bank information. Complete e-KYC verification.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
Log in to the NFDP portal, select the PMMSY component you're applying for (aquaculture, cold chain, fishing vessels, etc.), and fill in your personal and banking details.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload your DPR/business proposal and scanned copies of KYC documents, land proofs, and category certificates.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Preview your application, click Submit, and save the generated Application Number.
Offline Application (Alternative)
Submit a Self-Contained Proposal or DPR directly to your District Fisheries Officer as per Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana guidelines.
After Submission:
Applications are verified by District Fisheries Officers. Once approved, subsidy is released to your bank account through DBT in installments.
Documents Required for PMMSY
Keep these documents ready before you apply:
- Aadhaar card, PAN card (linked to your mobile number)
- Bank account details (passbook / cancelled cheque)
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) or project proposal
- Land ownership or lease papers (lease of at least 7 years if land is leased)
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
- Business Registration Certificate (for enterprises, FPOs, or organizations)
- Partnership Deed or Memorandum of Association (for partnerships or organizations)
- Passport-size photograph
- Other KYC documents (PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Helpline and Support
If you need help with your PMMSY application or have questions about the scheme, here are the official contacts you can reach out to.
National Helpline
NFDB Toll-Free Number: 1800-425-1660
Open Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on weekends)
Official Websites
pmmsy.dof.gov.in: PMMSY scheme information
nfdp.dof.gov.in: NFDP registration