The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, has approved a proposal for the Union Territory (U.T.) Administration of Lakshadweep under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) amounting to ₹62.43 crore, with a central share of ₹44.20 crore. This initiative includes the implementation of multiple fisheries-related activities, such as four ice-plant units.
Currently, no proposals for containerized ice plants exist for Chetlat, Kiltan, or Bitra. However, a 5-tonnes/per day block ice plant is operational in Bitra. Under PMMSY, sanctions have been issued for two 5-tonnes/per day Direct Expansion (DX) block ice plants for Chetlat and Kiltan, each allocated ₹68.44 lakh, with tenders for procurement already released. Power for these plants will be supplied through the Union Territory's diesel-based generation system, with efforts underway to integrate renewable energy sources like solar power.
While specific studies on the impact of ice plants on fish preservation or livelihoods have not been conducted, broader improvements under PMMSY suggest positive outcomes. Fish production in Lakshadweep has significantly increased from approximately 500 tonnes in the 1960s to around 20,000 tonnes annually in recent years. These trends indicate that enhancements in preservation and processing infrastructure have led to better product quality, resulting in increased incomes and employment for fishing communities. This information was provided by the Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in the Lok Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A scheme that has approved the implementation of multiple fisheries-related activities, including ice-plant units.
Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying: The government department that approved the proposal for fisheries ice plants.
Lakshadweep: The Union Territory where the fisheries ice plants are being implemented and where fish production has significantly increased.
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh: The Minister who provided information about the fisheries ice plants in the Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Fisheries Ice Plants
Posted On: 10 MAR 2026 1:46PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of
India, has approved the proposal of the U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep under the Pradhan Mantri
Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at a total cost of ₹62.43 crore, with a central share of ₹44.20 crore,
for implementation of multiple fisheries-related activities including four ice-plant units.
The U.T. Administration has informed that no proposal exists for containerised ice plants in Chetlat,
Kiltan, or Bitra. A 5 tones/per day block ice plant is already operational at Bitra. Additionally, 5 tones/per
day Direct Expansion (DX) block ice plants for Chetlat and Kiltan have been sanctioned under PMMSY,
each with an allocation of ₹68.44 lakh, and tenders for procurement have been issued. Power supply for
these facilities is ensured through the Union Territory’s diesel-based generation system, while options for
integrating renewable energy, including solar power, are being actively explored.
While no standalone government study has been conducted on the specific impact of ice plants on fish
preservation or fishermen’s livelihoods, broader sectoral improvements under PMMSY indicate positive
outcomes. Fish production in Lakshadweep has increased from about 500 tonnes in the 1960s to around
20,000 tonnes annually in the recent years. These trends indicate that improvements in preservation and
processing infrastructure have enhanced product quality, contributing to higher incomes and expanded
employment opportunities for fisher communities. This information was given by Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairy Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Lok Sabha today in
response to a question asked.
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JP
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