The Union Government has allocated ₹2,500 crore for the fisheries sector under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in the Budget Estimates for 2026–27, marking the highest allocation so far under the scheme.
The information was shared in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
Budget Support for Fisheries Sector Increasing
The minister said the allocation reflects steady growth in budgetary support for the fisheries sector over the years.
Under the PMMSY scheme, the government allocated:
- ₹2,352 crore in 2024–25
- ₹2,465 crore in 2025–26
- ₹2,500 crore in 2026–27
The scheme aims to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, increase fish production, and improve the livelihoods of fishers and fish farmers across India.
Financial Assistance to Tamil Nadu
Responding to a parliamentary question, the minister also provided details of assistance extended to Tamil Nadu under the scheme.
Between 2020–21 and 2024–25, the Centre approved projects worth ₹1,240.95 crore for the state under PMMSY, with a central share of ₹479.73 crore.
Out of the approved amount, ₹202.05 crore has been released so far to the Tamil Nadu government for implementing fisheries and aquaculture development projects.
Funds Released During 2025–26
During the financial year 2025–26, the Centre initially released ₹50 crore in April 2025 to Tamil Nadu under PMMSY.
Later, following a request from the state government, an additional ₹20 crore was released in February 2026, taking the total central release to ₹70 crore for the year.
The state government has so far utilised ₹48.32 crore from these funds for approved fisheries and aquaculture development projects.
Welfare Support for Fishers
The PMMSY scheme also provides welfare assistance to traditional fishers and small-scale fish farmers across the country.
Financial support is provided for:
- Purchase of new fishing boats and nets
- Upgrading fishing vessels
- Providing financial assistance during the annual fishing ban period to offset income loss
Promoting Sustainable Fisheries and Alternative Livelihoods
The scheme also supports several modern and climate-resilient aquaculture activities, including:
- Sea cage farming
- Seaweed cultivation
- Ornamental fish farming
- Pearl farming
These initiatives help generate alternative livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
Training and Ecosystem Restoration Initiatives
The government is also promoting mariculture activities such as cage culture and seaweed farming, along with training and capacity-building programmes to enhance fishers’ skills and encourage adoption of modern fishing technologies.
Additionally, artificial reefs are being deployed in coastal areas to replenish fish stocks and restore marine ecosystems, supporting sustainable fishing practices in the long term.
