Increase in Fish Production

**Executive Summary** Since 2020–21, the Department of Fisheries has implemented the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Odisha, approving proposals worth ₹1,301.30 crore to enhance production infrastructure. This initiative has successfully increased the state's fish production from 8.18 lakh tonnes in 2019–20 to 11.92 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. Key provisions include 60% financial assistance for women beneficiaries and the establishment of extensive cold chain and marketing facilities. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Financial Allocations and Infrastructure Development** * Total approved proposals for Odisha amount to ₹1,301.30 crore, which includes a Central share of ₹481.17 crore. * Funds are directed toward creating and strengthening infrastructure such as hatcheries, ponds, recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), Biofloc units, and cage culture in reservoirs. * **Women’s Empowerment in Fisheries** * The PMMSY provides an enhanced financial assistance rate of 60% specifically for women undertaking individual or group activities. * To date, 14,246 women beneficiaries in Odisha have availed themselves of benefits under the scheme. * **Cold Chain and Processing Units (Annexure I)** * **Storage and Logistics:** Approval has been granted for 32 cold storage/ice plants (10, 20, and 50 ton/day capacity), 10 refrigerated vehicles, 270 three-wheelers with ice boxes, and 700 motorcycles with ice boxes. * **Production and Retail:** The scheme includes 21 fish feed plants, 17 fish retail markets, 42 fish kiosks, and 5 live fish vending centers. * **Financial Scale:** the total project cost for these cold chain and packaging interventions is ₹11,735 lakhs. **Impact Analysis** **Government of Odisha** **Impact** The state has seen a significant rise in total fish production (increasing by approximately 45% since 2019-20) and has secured substantial central funding for sector-wide modernization. **Action Required** The state must continue to oversee the implementation of approved projects and report on production progress and beneficiary enrollment. **Women Beneficiaries** **Impact** Women receive preferential financial support (60% assistance), facilitating greater participation in both individual and group-led fisheries activities. **Action Required** Interested women must apply through the scheme to access enhanced subsidies for fisheries interventions. **Fisheries Infrastructure and Retail Stakeholders** **Impact** Entrepreneurs and operators in the supply chain benefit from the modernization and expansion of cold storage, transport, and retail vending units. **Action Required** Stakeholders must utilize the approved units and vehicles (e.g., e-rickshaws, kiosks, and feed plants) to improve fish vending and reduce post-harvest losses.

Key Entities Referenced