CONTENTS
- Boosting India’s Blue Economy: New Initiatives Launched at PMMSY’s 4th Anniversary
- BHASKAR Platform
Boosting India’s Blue Economy: New Initiatives Launched at PMMSY’s 4th Anniversary
Context:
On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced a range of new initiatives aimed at transforming the fisheries sector.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Key Initiatives in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector
- PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched in 2020 to bring about Blue Revolution through the sustainable development of the fisheries sector over a period of five years (2020-2025).
- It is an umbrella scheme to develop the fisheries sector with a total outlay of Rs. 20050 crores.
It has two components
- The Central Sector Scheme (CS) component with a non-beneficiary-oriented scheme and a Beneficiary oriented scheme (Central Assistance for General Category – 40%; SC/ST/Women – 60%).
- A Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS) component also with a non-beneficiary-oriented scheme and Beneficiary oriented scheme. The different break-ups of funding are: Central Assistance for Northeastern States – 90%, Other States – 60%; and UTs – 100%.
The areas expected to be covered by the PMMSY are:
- Fish production
- Fisheries productivity
- Quality of fisheries and aquaculture sectors
- Post-harvest infrastructure and management
- Modernization of value chain
- Welfare of the fishers and fish farmers
- Fisheries management framework
Insurance coverage:
The insurance coverage provided under the PMMSY includes
- Rs.5,00,000/- against accidental death or permanent total disability,
- Rs.2,50,000/- for permanent partial disability
- Hospitalization expenses in the event of accident for a sum of Rs. 25,000/-.
The objectives of the PMMSY are:
- Develop fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
- Harness the potential of fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner
- Efficient use of land and water resources to enhance fish production and productivity.
- Modernize value chain considering post-harvest management and quality improvement.
- Double fishers and fish farmers’ incomes
- Generate employment in the fisheries sector.
- Enhance fisheries sector’s contribution to overall agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and exports.
- Provide social, economic and physical security to fish farmers and fishermen.
- Develop a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.
Key Initiatives in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector
- National Fisheries Development Program Portal: A central portal for the fisheries community to register, access information, and receive support services.
- PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) Guidelines: Provides a detailed framework for the implementation of the PM-MKSSY, aiming to enhance the livelihoods of the fishery community.
- Rangeen Machhli App: An application designed for the ornamental fisheries sector, providing resources and support for hobbyists, aquarium enthusiasts, and fish farmers.
- Amrit Catla: Introduction of a genetically enhanced variety of Catla fish to increase its distribution and accessibility to farmers nationwide.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): Established for pearl cultivation, ornamental fisheries, and seaweed cultivation, focusing on sector-specific growth and sustainability.
- Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs): Guidelines released for transforming 100 coastal villages into climate-resilient hubs.
- Pilot Project on Drone Technology: Employs drone technology for the transportation and monitoring of inland fisheries, aiming to boost efficiency and sustainability.
- Centres of Excellence: Designation of the Mandapam Regional Centre of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) as a center for excellence, specifically for advancing seaweed farming and related research.
- Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs): Set up to improve seed quality through genetic enhancements of vital marine and inland species.
- Integrated Aqua Parks: Established in five states—Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, and Nagaland—to promote aquaculture activities and regional economic growth.
PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
- The PM-MKSSY is a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the broader Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
- Objective: The scheme is designed to formalize and invigorate the fisheries sector by supporting micro and small enterprises, thereby enhancing the entire fisheries value chain.
Key Components of PM-MKSSY:
- National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP): Implementation of digital identities for approximately 40 lakh small and micro-enterprises in the fisheries sector.
- Financial Support: Allocation of financial aid to 6.4 lakh micro-enterprises and 5,500 fisheries cooperatives.
- Incentives for Expansion: Offers up to Rs 25,000 per hectare for agricultural expansions for farm sizes up to 4 hectares.
- Performance Grants: Provides performance-based grants of up to 25% of the total investment, with a ceiling of Rs 35 lakh for the general category and up to 35%, or Rs 45 lakh, for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women-owned enterprises.
- Safety and Quality Incentives: Encourages small enterprises to implement safety and quality assurance systems.
Funding and Duration:
- The program is backed by an investment of Rs 6,000 crore spread over four years, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27, covering all Indian states and Union Territories.
Beneficiaries:
- Direct Beneficiaries: Includes fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, and vendors actively involved in the fisheries value chain.
- Target Enterprises: Focuses on aiding proprietary firms, partnerships, companies, cooperatives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and startups within the fisheries sector.
BHASKAR Platform
Context:
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform BHASKAR.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
BHASKAR Platform Overview
- BHASKAR stands for Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry.
- Part of the Startup India movement aimed at reinforcing the startup ecosystem in India.
Purpose and Functionality
- Centralization: The platform is tailored to centralize and streamline interactions among various participants in the entrepreneurial ecosystem such as startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government entities.
- Objective: Aims to create the largest digital registry for stakeholders involved in the startup ecosystem globally.
Key Features
- Connectivity: Facilitates seamless connections across different sectors by bridging gaps between startups, investors, and mentors.
- Resource Accessibility: Provides immediate access to essential tools and knowledge, thereby accelerating decision-making and enhancing the efficiency of scaling operations.
- Personalization: Assigns a unique BHASKAR ID to each stakeholder to offer personalized interactions and tailored experiences on the platform.
- Search and Collaboration: Incorporates advanced search functionalities that allow users to quickly find relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities.
- Global Outreach: Enhances India’s position as a global innovation hub, facilitating easier cross-border collaborations for startups and investors.
