Gujarat is making significant strides in the fisheries sector with a recent grant of Rs 50 crore approved under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for the fiscal year 2025-26. This financial boost is set to further strengthen Gujarat’s marine fisheries infrastructure, technological capacity, and sustainable production practices. The state has simultaneously emerged as India’s second largest marine fish producer, projected to harvest approximately 10.36 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25, signaling its increasing contribution to the country’s Blue Revolution ambitions.
Key Highlights of Gujarat’s Fisheries Growth and PMMSY Support
The Government of India has sanctioned Rs 50 crore to Gujarat in the current financial year under PMMSY, a central scheme aimed at the sustainable and inclusive development of the fisheries sector across all Indian states, including Gujarat.
Under PMMSY, this grant is earmarked for enhancing coastal and marine fisheries infrastructure, strengthening post-harvest management, supporting fishers and fish farmers, and modernizing the fisheries value chain.
Gujarat’s proactive fishery initiatives have resulted in the state producing over 10.3 lakh metric tonnes of marine fish, ranking it as the second largest marine fish producer nationwide, a notable jump in recent years.
The projected production figures for 2024-25 underline Gujarat’s capacity to sustain and grow commercial fisheries, combining traditional fishing with aquaculture innovations.
This performance contributes substantially to India’s fisheries sector goals, which aim to increase fish production to 22 million metric tonnes by 2024-25 and double fishers’ and farmers’ incomes.
Strategic Importance of the PMMSY Support
The Rs 50 crore grant will be utilized to develop critical infrastructure including fishing harbors, fish landing centers, cold storage facilities, quality improvement in fish processing, and value addition units to reduce post-harvest losses.
Gujarat’s coastal communities and fishing workforce (fishers and vendors) stand to benefit from strengthened social security, skill development, and better market linkages, aimed at boosting livelihood and sustainable income generation.
The support aligns with PMMSY’s objectives to modernize fisheries by integrating scientific resource management and adopting eco-friendly and climate-resilient practices.
The scheme also promotes entrepreneurship within the fisheries value chain, encouraging private sector participation and technological adoption for improved efficiency.
Broader Context on Gujarat’s Fisheries Sector Growth
Gujarat’s coastline spans over 1,600 kilometers, offering diverse marine biodiversity and rich fishing grounds that underpin its sizeable production cache.
The state has adopted advanced fishing technologies, including mechanized boats and GPS-enabled navigation, contributing to higher catches and safer marine operations.
Fisheries contribute significantly to Gujarat’s rural economy, providing employment to a broad section of coastal populations and enhancing food and nutritional security.
The government’s focus on aquaculture and inland fisheries complements marine production, enhancing overall output and export potential.
Gujarat’s rise in fish production adds momentum to India’s positioning as a global seafood exporter, diversifying markets and boosting foreign earnings.
PMMSY and National Blue Revolution Aspirations
Launched in 2020, PMMSY envisages a Rs 20,050 crore investment over five years to bring about a transformative Blue Revolution through sustainable fisheries development, infrastructure modernization, and capacity building.
The scheme targets doubling of fish production and export earnings, reduction in post-harvest losses, and generation of 55 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.
PMMSY benefits all stakeholders including fishers, fish farmers, cooperatives, start-ups, and entrepreneurs, with both central and state government collaboration and funding structures.
Key national targets include increasing per capita fish consumption from 5 kg to 12 kg and boosting the fisheries sector’s contribution to agricultural gross value added (GVA) to about 9% by 2024-25.
Looking Forward: Opportunities and Challenges
Gujarat’s continuation of marine production growth supported by PMMSY funds will enhance its competitiveness and resilience amid changing climate and economic conditions.
Investment in cold chains, sustainable fishing methods, genetic improvements in aquaculture stock, and digital fishery services are expected to transform Gujarat’s fisheries landscape.
Ensuring inclusive growth with gender empowerment, social security, and environmental conservation remains critical to long-term success.
Strengthening market access domestically and internationally through improved standards, branding, and exports will further integrate Gujarat’s fisheries with global value chains.
In essence, Gujarat’s Rs 50 crore grant under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is a pivotal stimulus consolidating its status as India’s second-largest marine fish producer. Supported by strategic infrastructure development and livelihood enhancement, Gujarat is poised to play an even more important role in India’s fisheries growth story and Blue Revolution vision.
Sources: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Official, Gujarat Government Department of Fisheries
