PMMSY and PM-MKSSY strengthen aquaculture through financial assistance, biosecurity measures, insurance incentives and working capital support

Key Highlights

• ₹6,885.18 crore fisheries and aquaculture projects approved under PMMSY during 2023-24 to 2025-26
• ₹3,159.83 crore Central share approved, with ₹2,208.74 crore released to States and UTs
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) continues to provide working capital support for fishers and fish farmers
• Government strengthens shrimp farming through disease surveillance, biosecurity and diagnostic infrastructure
• 103.73 lakh fishers covered under accidental insurance over the last three years
• Aquaculture insurance offers 40% premium subsidy, with additional incentives for women and SC/ST farmers

News

The Government of India has outlined a series of measures aimed at improving the welfare of shrimp farmers by expanding financial support, strengthening disease management, promoting aquaculture insurance and enhancing fisheries infrastructure under its flagship schemes.

The Department of Fisheries said it continues to implement major programmes including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and the Blue Revolution Scheme to support the sustainable growth of India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

During 2023-24 to 2025-26, fisheries and aquaculture development proposals worth ₹6,885.18 crore were approved under PMMSY, with a Central share of ₹3,159.83 crore. The Centre has released ₹2,208.74 crore to States and Union Territories for implementing approved projects.

Measures to Protect Shrimp Farmers

To address challenges such as rising production costs, disease outbreaks and volatility in international shrimp prices, the government has intensified support for shrimp farming through:

• Biosecurity promotion
• Disease surveillance and early warning systems
• Aquatic animal disease diagnostics
• Capacity building and farmer training
• Dissemination of best management practices
• Strengthening hatcheries and aquatic animal health infrastructure

Under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), regular monitoring and early detection systems are helping reduce production losses and improve farm resilience.

Insurance Support for Fishers and Aquaculture Farmers

The Centre is also expanding insurance coverage under PMMSY.

During the last three years, the Department of Fisheries released ₹54.03 crore to provide accidental insurance coverage for 103.73 lakh fishers, averaging 34.57 lakh beneficiaries annually.

The insurance includes:

• ₹5 lakh for death or permanent total disability
• ₹2.5 lakh for permanent partial disability
• ₹25,000 towards accident-related hospitalisation expenses

In addition, PM-MKSSY offers a one-time incentive covering 40% of aquaculture insurance premiums, subject to prescribed limits.

The insurance covers:

• Natural disasters
• Floods and cyclones
• Pollution
• Structural damage to farms
• Crop losses
• Aquatic diseases under comprehensive insurance plans

Women and SC/ST aquaculture farmers receive an additional 10% incentive, encouraging wider adoption of insurance among vulnerable farming communities.

Working Capital Through Kisan Credit Card

The government also continues to extend Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to fishers and fish farmers, enabling easier access to working capital for aquaculture operations and farm management.

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

A stronger and more resilient shrimp farming sector can improve the availability of one of India’s most consumed seafood products across hotels, restaurants and institutional catering. Investments in disease control, insurance and aquaculture infrastructure are expected to stabilise shrimp production, helping foodservice operators secure more reliable domestic supplies while supporting premium seafood offerings.

Improved farm sustainability and reduced production risks may also contribute to consistent quality standards for hospitality businesses that depend on shrimp for domestic and export-oriented menus.

Travel & Tourism Impact

Shrimp aquaculture plays an important role in many coastal tourism destinations. A healthier aquaculture sector can support seafood-based culinary tourism, strengthen local coastal economies and enhance destination dining experiences. Stable shrimp production also benefits seafood festivals, coastal restaurants and tourism-driven hospitality businesses that showcase regional cuisine.

Why It Matters

Shrimp is one of India’s leading seafood export products and a key contributor to coastal livelihoods. By combining financial assistance, disease surveillance, insurance support and infrastructure development, the government aims to make shrimp farming more resilient against production and market risks while strengthening India’s seafood supply chain for domestic consumption, exports, hospitality and tourism.