Government expands fisher insurance, seasonal livelihood support and marine resource conservation under PMMSY

Key Highlights

• ₹130.68 crore released for insurance coverage of 167.64 lakh fishers between 2021–22 and 2026–27.
• ₹86.17 crore in insurance claims settled for 1,774 fishers, according to the annexure.
• PMMSY projects worth ₹21,461.03 crore approved nationally, including a central share of ₹9,571.09 crore.
• ₹2,328.89 crore in PMMSY proposals sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh.
• Andhra Pradesh provided ₹150 crore in diesel subsidy to 63,840 beneficiaries during 2023–24 to 2025–26.
• ₹511.46 crore provided to 2,55,731 marine fishers during fishing-ban periods in 2025–26 and 2026–27.
• 91.1% of 135 assessed marine fish stocks were at sustainable levels, according to ICAR-CMFRI’s 2022 assessment.

Government Expands Financial Safety Net for Fishers

The Centre is strengthening financial and livelihood support for India’s fishing communities through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with insurance, seasonal assistance and resource-conservation measures forming key components of the programme.

Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh provided the details in the Lok Sabha.

Under the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS), implemented through the National Fisheries Development Board, the Centre released ₹130.68 crore between 2021–22 and 2026–27 to provide insurance coverage to 167.64 lakh fishers, averaging around 33.52 lakh fishers a year.

The annexure accompanying the government’s response records 1,774 claims settled, with total settlements of approximately ₹86.17 crore.

Andhra Pradesh Gets ₹2,328.89 Crore PMMSY Approval

The PMMSY is being implemented across all States and Union Territories, with total approved proposals of ₹21,461.03 crore, including a central share of ₹9,571.09 crore.

For Andhra Pradesh, the Centre has sanctioned fisheries development proposals worth ₹2,328.89 crore, including a central share of ₹681.38 crore.

The scheme supports fisheries development as well as long-term measures designed to improve marine resource availability, including artificial reefs and sea ranching.

₹150 Crore Diesel Subsidy for Andhra Fishermen

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has reported providing ₹150 crore in diesel subsidy to 63,840 beneficiaries during 2023–24 to 2025–26.

The support is intended to ease operating costs for marine fishing communities, particularly in a sector where fuel prices can significantly influence fishing economics.

In addition, ₹511.46 crore has been provided to 2,55,731 marine fishers during fishing-ban periods in 2025–26 and 2026–27.

The assistance is designed to support traditional fishing families during periods when fishing activity is restricted to protect fish stocks during critical breeding periods.

Government Backs Sustainable Marine Fish Stocks

Alongside financial assistance, the government is supporting resource conservation and scientific monitoring.

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) monitors fish landings and conducts biological research and coastal ecosystem surveys across coastal States and Union Territories.

The Fishery Survey of India (FSI) conducts exploratory surveys in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), generating data on demersal and oceanic fish stocks.

According to the Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022 published by ICAR-CMFRI, 91.1% of the 135 assessed marine fish stocks were at sustainable levels.

The government said available scientific evidence indicates that environmental stressors such as climate variability and marine pollution can affect the distribution, abundance and seasonal availability of some species, although no direct and conclusive impact on overall marine fish production has been established solely from these factors.

FIDF Supports Fisheries Infrastructure

The government is also using the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) to expand fisheries infrastructure.

Across States and Union Territories, 253 projects have been approved at a total cost of ₹6,657.57 crore, with ₹4,979.04 crore considered for interest subvention.

Infrastructure investment under the programme is intended to complement PMMSY interventions and strengthen the wider fisheries value chain.

Seasonal Support Helps Protect Fishing Livelihoods

PMMSY provides livelihood and nutritional assistance to socio-economically disadvantaged active traditional fisher families during fishing bans and lean seasons.

The seasonal support serves a dual purpose: providing income protection when fishing is restricted while encouraging conservation of fish resources during important breeding periods.

The Centre is also working with State governments on artificial reef development, sea ranching and uniform annual fishing closures during critical breeding periods to enhance fish stocks in coastal waters.

Insurance Coverage Extends Across States and UTs

The insurance programme covers fishing communities across the country.

Among the larger insurance beneficiary bases recorded in the annexure were Tamil Nadu with 27.81 lakh fishers, Telangana with 18.54 lakh, Odisha with 53.92 lakh and Maharashtra with 5.26 lakh.

The data shows that accident insurance is being used as a financial safety mechanism for fishing communities, with claims providing support to families affected by insured incidents.

Impact on Hospitality, Seafood and Coastal Tourism

The government’s combination of fisher insurance, seasonal financial support and marine-resource conservation has implications for the broader seafood, hospitality and coastal tourism ecosystem.

For hotels and restaurants: Greater financial stability among fishing communities can contribute to continuity in local seafood supply chains, particularly in coastal markets.

For seafood businesses: Artificial reefs, sea ranching and scientific stock monitoring could support long-term fish availability, helping build a more sustainable seafood supply base.

For coastal tourism: Healthier marine ecosystems and stable fishing communities can support destinations where seafood, fishing culture and coastal livelihoods are part of the visitor experience.

For culinary tourism: Sustainable local seafood availability can strengthen regional seafood cuisines and destination dining experiences.

For coastal communities: Insurance and fishing-ban support can reduce livelihood vulnerability, helping traditional fishing communities remain economically active while conservation measures are implemented.

Bottom Line

The latest PMMSY measures indicate a dual approach to fisheries policy: protecting fishers financially while protecting the resource on which their livelihoods depend. Insurance coverage, seasonal assistance, infrastructure investment and marine conservation could strengthen the long-term resilience of India’s fisheries sector—and, in turn, support the seafood supply chains that feed the country’s hospitality and coastal tourism industries.