Fishermen in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district are reaping real benefits from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government’s big push to boost the fisheries sector and improve lives for those in the trade.
Launched on September 10, 2020, with a whopping Rs 20,050 crore investment, PMMSY runs across all states and Union Territories until 2024-25. The 2023-24 Union Budget added a sub-scheme worth Rs 6,000 crore to help fish vendors, small businesses, and better market links for everyone involved.
In Neemuch, local fisheries cooperative societies are jumping on these opportunities. Small fishermen get subsidies of 40% to 60% to buy motorcycles, bicycles, and three-wheeler auto-rickshaws with ice boxes—key gear for safely moving fish to markets.
The scheme also includes the “Savings cum Relief Scheme,” where eligible members receive Rs 3,000 straight into their bank accounts during the fishing ban period, easing tough times.
PMMSY has sparked fresh ideas to ramp up fish production too. For the first time, the Jai Joganiya Matsya Sahakari Samiti set up two pen catcher units at Naya Purana Dam in Ratangarh, Neemuch. Plus, four new cage culture units now operate in the district, helping boost output and strengthen finances for local fishermen’s groups.
Devchand Shah Inwati, the District Fisheries Officer, shared with : “Through PMMSY, we’ve given out motorcycles and ice-box rickshaws to fishermen, making it easier for them to transport and sell fish. Adding cage culture and pen catcher units is increasing fish yields and building a stronger economic foundation for our cooperatives.”
Gopal Das, Secretary of the Jai Joganiya Fisheries Cooperative Society in Manpura village, added: “We got a 10-year lease for fish farming at the Naya-Purana pond, 60 km from Neemuch. PMMSY provided Rs 3.6 lakh for a 2-hectare pen catcher unit, and we also built a cage culture setup. We’re so grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this game-changing support.”
Motilal, another society member, said the scheme has changed their daily grind: “We got a motorcycle with an ice box under PMMSY, which simplifies transporting and selling fish. Thanks to PM Modi, it’s really boosted our income.”
Shantilal, a fellow fisherman, chimed in: “We catch and sell fish in nearby areas. The motorcycle and box from PMMSY make our jobs smoother, and we fetch better prices now. The government’s help means a lot to us.”
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
