Union Minister Bats for Joint Push to Boost PMMSY

Inland fisheries gets spotlight in Indore

Union Minister Bats for Joint Push to Boost PMMSY: The Inland Fisheries Meet 2025 held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh has brought new energy to India’s fishery sector. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh led the gathering, pushing for stronger partnerships between the Centre, States, and fisheries experts under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The goal? To build a self-reliant fisheries ecosystem, powered by technology and innovation.

Why this meet mattered?

Over the years, India’s fish production has surged by 142%, making us the second-largest fish producer globally. But to keep this momentum going, the government is calling for smarter solutions. Singh emphasized the need for modern aquaculture systems like RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) and Biofloc, along with traditional farming of Rohu and Catla, using water bodies like Amrit Sarovar.

Focus on collaboration and technology

The meet wasn’t just about speeches. It laid down concrete areas for growth—brood and seed quality, reservoir management, coldwater fish farming, and using drones and renewable energy for monitoring. Union Minister Singh stressed that state governments should make better use of the FIDF (Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund) and coordinate with ICAR to plan locally relevant projects. This approach supports India’s bigger goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Support for farmers and rural jobs

With over 3 crore Indians depending on fisheries, this sector holds massive potential for rural prosperity. The government’s ₹38,572 crore push includes funding through PMMSY, FIDF, PM-MKSSY, and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for fishers. The message was clear: boost nutrition, increase exports, and empower local fishers.

States showing the way

Madhya Pradesh hosted the event and proudly displayed its achievements in aquaculture. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh shared their region-based successes. From drone monitoring in reservoirs to promoting aquaculture startups, the focus remained on customizing central schemes to local needs.

Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand

A major takeaway was the stress on combining traditional knowledge with modern technology. Ministers like Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian talked about cold chain improvements, digital platforms, and rural employment through fishery startups.

Looking ahead

The meet served as a bridge between policy makers, researchers, and grassroot fishers. The central theme was simple: India’s fishery sector has grown rapidly, but now it must grow smarter and more sustainably. With proper funding, planning, and teamwork, the country is on the path to becoming a global leader in inland aquaculture.

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