Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan, marking three successful years of the Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY). The event, organized by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, in Indore, was graced by Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan and Dr. L. Murugan. This awareness campaign aims to reach out to 2.8 crore fish farmers and 3477 coastal villages, enhancing outreach and ensuring ‘last mile connectivity’. It will run for six months from September 2023 to February 2024, encompassing 108 events. The primary goals of the Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan are disseminating information about the GoI’s 9-year achievements, showcasing success stories of beneficiaries, and connecting with the fishing community.
During the event, Union Minister Shri Rupala launched a bouquet of 239 projects approved under PMMSY, spanning 15 states, with a total investment of Rs 103.11 crore. These projects cover activities such as trout culture, pearl culture, cage culture, cold storage, bioflocs & RAS, and have significantly impacted income, employment, women empowerment, and self-confidence among beneficiaries.
Shri Rupala also announced the approval of a Rs 25 crore aquapark in Bhopal, encompassing research facilities, processing units, aqua tourism, and ornamental fisheries, highlighting the government’s commitment to the sector’s growth. Dr. Sanjeev K Balyan emphasized the increasing significance of the fisheries sector, with its budget expanding from Rs 300 crore to over Rs 38 thousand crore since 2014. He expressed hope for further progress, especially in shrimp farming.
Dr. L Murugan underscored the importance of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for fishers and fish farmers, and welcomed the participants, showcasing the sector’s achievements through government initiatives like PMMSY. The event also featured the launch of a booklet highlighting the 9-year journey of the Indian fisheries sector, showcasing key achievements under various initiatives.
Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala and dignitaries inaugurated an exhibition featuring stalls by fisheries start-ups, educational institutions, cooperatives, and institutes. The products exhibited ranged from nets and feeds to value-added items. Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Tulsi Ram Silawat, praised the progress in the state’s fish production and emphasized the importance of the fishermen community’s development.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi highlighted the achievements in fish production, exports, and shrimp production and efforts to promote alternative sources of livelihood like seaweed farming and pearl culture. The event witnessed participation from 35 States/UTs and around 75,000 attendees, both physically and virtually. Success stories were shared by beneficiaries, demonstrating the transformative impact of government schemes on their livelihoods. For instance, entrepreneurs from various states have seen substantial increases in income and employment through initiatives like aquaculture, RAS and Biofloc fish cultivation, seaweed cultivation, and pearl farming.