Government Schemes

PM Matsya Sampada Yojana โ€” Fish Farming Subsidy 40-60%

PMMSY gives 40-60% subsidy on fish farming, aquaculture ponds, boats, and equipment. Apply via your state fisheries department. SC/ST/women get 60% subsidy.

CitizenNest Editorial Team5 min read
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

What is PM Matsya Sampada Yojana?

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the Government of India's flagship fisheries scheme to transform India's fisheries sector โ€” boosting fish production, fishermen's income, and creating 55 lakh employment opportunities.

Key features:

  • 40โ€“60% subsidy on fisheries activities (60% for SC/ST/women)
  • Covers: aquaculture ponds, fish farming equipment, fish feed mills, cold storage, boats, fishing nets
  • Budget: โ‚น20,050 crore (2020โ€“2025)
  • Implemented by state fisheries departments
  • Both freshwater and marine fisheries covered

Subsidy Structure

Beneficiary Category Subsidy (Central + State)
General category 40% of project cost
SC / ST / Women 60% of project cost
Farmer Cooperatives / SHGs 60%

The remaining cost is borne by the beneficiary โ€” either from savings or via bank loan (MUDRA, NABARD, or commercial bank loan).

Activities Covered Under PMMSY

Activity What's Funded
Fish pond construction New freshwater aquaculture ponds
Cage culture Net cages in rivers/reservoirs for fish
Shrimp/prawn farming Brackish water aquaculture
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) Indoor high-density fish farming
Fishing boats Motorised boats for marine fishermen
Fishing nets Gill nets, seine nets, cast nets
Cold storage / ice plants Post-harvest infrastructure
Fish feed mill Feed manufacturing for aquaculture
Ornamental fish Aquarium fish production
Seaweed cultivation Coastal seaweed farming
Fish retail outlets (kiosks) Fish market infrastructure

Who is Eligible?

  • Fishermen โ€” both inland (freshwater) and marine fishers
  • Fish farmers โ€” individuals with land for aquaculture ponds
  • SC/ST/women fishers (get higher subsidy)
  • Self Help Groups (SHGs) of fisherfolk
  • Cooperatives of fishermen
  • Entrepreneurs setting up fish processing units
  • FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) in fisheries sector

Landholding or lease document for the land where fish pond/activity is planned is needed.

How to Apply โ€” Step by Step

PMMSY is implemented by state fisheries departments:

  1. Visit your State Fisheries Department website or office:

  2. Find the PMMSY scheme section

  3. Fill the application form โ€” activity type, land details, project cost estimate

  4. Attach supporting documents

  5. Submit to District Fisheries Officer (DFO)

  6. DFO inspects and recommends to state fisheries department

  7. If approved: subsidy released after completion / in stages

OR apply via the central PMMSY portal: pmmsy.dof.gov.in โ€” check your state's online application option.

Documents Required

  1. Aadhaar card
  2. Land records (patta/khasra/khatauni) or lease agreement for land to be used
  3. Caste certificate (SC/ST for higher subsidy)
  4. Bank account details (for subsidy credit)
  5. Project proposal โ€” description of proposed fish farming activity
  6. Fishing license / fisherman card (for marine fishers)
  7. Photographs of the land/existing facility

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't own land but want to do fish farming on leased land. Am I eligible?

Yes โ€” leased land with a registered lease agreement of at least 7 years (in most states) is acceptable for PMMSY pond construction. Check your state fisheries department for the minimum lease period required.

Can I get both PMMSY and MUDRA loan?

Yes โ€” PMMSY is a subsidy (reduces project cost), while MUDRA is a loan (covers remaining cost). You can use MUDRA/NABARD loan for the non-subsidised portion of the project.

My application was approved but subsidy not released. What to do?

Visit your District Fisheries Officer (DFO) office with your approval letter. Delays are common โ€” follow up persistently. Also check if the pond/activity has been inspected and certified as complete by the DFO.

Is PMMSY available for ornamental fish (aquarium fish)?

Yes โ€” ornamental fish culture is specifically listed as an eligible activity under PMMSY.

  • PMMSY portal: pmmsy.dof.gov.in
  • Department of Fisheries: dof.gov.in
  • Apply via: Your state fisheries department portal
  • Helpline: 1800-425-1660 (National Fisheries Development Board)

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