Women-led cooperatives in fisheries, seaweed cultivation and marine processing gain stronger policy backing with financial incentives, digital integration and high-seas fishing support

Key Highlights

• 213 women-led fisheries cooperatives formed in Andhra Pradesh between April 2021 and June 2026
• 27,447 women beneficiaries covered across 12 coastal districts
• Cooperatives operate in fisheries, seaweed cultivation and marine processing
• Eligible for performance grants of up to ₹2 crore under PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
• Government plans to establish 12,000 fisheries cooperatives nationwide and strengthen 5,500 existing Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies

News

The Government of India is strengthening women’s participation in the fisheries sector by promoting women-led cooperative societies under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with Andhra Pradesh emerging as a leading state in the initiative.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, 213 women-led coastal cooperative societies have been established in Andhra Pradesh between 1 April 2021 and 15 June 2026, benefiting 27,447 women across 12 coastal districts.

These cooperatives are engaged in marine fisheries, seaweed cultivation and seafood processing, supporting women’s entrepreneurship while expanding livelihood opportunities in the coastal economy.

Krishna, Bapatla and Kakinada Lead

Among the districts, Krishna recorded the highest number of women-led cooperatives with 42 societies, followed by Bapatla (34) and Kakinada (32).

In terms of beneficiaries:

• Krishna – 6,197 women
• SPSR Nellore – 4,428 women
• Bapatla – 4,332 women
• West Godavari – 2,653 women
• Kakinada – 2,409 women

Government Expands Incentives

To strengthen fisheries cooperatives across the country, the Centre is encouraging registration on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP).

Registered cooperatives can access several incentives, including:

• Performance grants of up to ₹2 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
• Priority for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) fishing access passes
• Priority in obtaining Letters of Authorization (LoA) for High Seas fishing
• Reduction in High Seas fishing authorisation fees from ₹25,000 to ₹5,000

Blue Economy Push

As part of its Blue Economy strategy, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has prepared an action plan to establish 12,000 fisheries cooperatives across India, including women-led coastal cooperatives in uncovered villages and panchayats.

Additionally, the PM-MKSSY, a sub-scheme of PMMSY, aims to strengthen 5,500 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies through mentoring, capacity building and need-based financial assistance.

The information was shared by Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Hospitality Industry Impact

The growth of women-led fisheries cooperatives can strengthen seafood sourcing for hotels, restaurants and foodservice businesses by expanding organised production, seafood processing and seaweed cultivation. Community-led cooperatives can improve product quality, traceability and direct market access, enabling hospitality businesses to source locally processed seafood while supporting inclusive and sustainable supply chains.

Seaweed cultivation also presents opportunities for restaurants and food manufacturers exploring sustainable ingredients and innovative menu offerings.

Travel & Tourism Impact

Women-led fisheries cooperatives can support coastal, rural and culinary tourism by showcasing traditional fishing practices, seafood processing and seaweed farming. Coastal destinations in Andhra Pradesh could leverage these community enterprises to develop seafood trails, local food festivals, experiential tourism and women-led entrepreneurship initiatives that enrich visitor experiences while generating local employment.

Why It Matters

The expansion of women-led fisheries cooperatives reflects the government’s broader push for inclusive growth within India’s Blue Economy. By combining financial incentives, digital integration and market access support, the initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs while strengthening seafood value chains that benefit the hospitality, food processing and tourism industries.