Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 10 launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the e-Gopala App through video conferencing.
Both these schemes are set to boost the primary sectors of farming and fisheries.
PMMSY
This scheme will prove most beneficial for fishermen who live in the coastal regions like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Odisha etc.
The PMMSY is a program designed and developed for the fisheries sector in the country with an estimated investment of ₹20,050 crores for its implementation during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories, as a part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Package.
This is the largest amount that has ever been invested in this important industry that is responsible for the daily livelihood for lakhs of fishermen. There is a proposal for ₹12340 crores for beneficiary-oriented activities in Marine, Inland fisheries and Aquaculture and about Rs 7710 crores investment for Fisheries Infrastructure.
This scheme is set to increase the fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25, increasing fisheries export earnings to ₹1,00,000 crore by 2024-25. This would lead to the doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers, reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10% and generation of additional 55 lakhs direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in the fisheries sector and allied activities.
PMMSY will address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernization and strengthening of the value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishers’ welfare.
PM Modi also announced the establishment of Fish Brood Bank at Sitamarhi, and of Aquatic Disease Referral Laboratory at Kishanganj, for which assistance has been provided under PMMSY.
These top lab facilities will help in enhancing production and productivity of fish by ensuring timely availability of quality and affordable fish seed for the fish farmers and address the need for disease diagnosis as well as water and soil testing facilities.
e-Gopala App
The Prime Minister also launched e-Gopala App, a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for direct use of farmers.
At present, there exists no digital platform for farmers to manage livestock. Buying and selling of disease free germplasm in all forms, availability of quality breeding services and guiding farmers for animal nutrition, treatment of animals using appropriate medicine are challenges that livestock farmers face.
The e-Gopala App will help livestock farmers in all these aspects.
It will also send alerts on due date for vaccination, pregnancy diagnosis and calving among other issues and inform farmers about various government schemes and campaigns in the area.