Role of PMMSY in empowering Women through entrepreneurship and Livelihood opportunities

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at the holistic development of the fisheries sector. One of the primary objectives of this scheme is to empower marginalized communities, particularly women. Under PMMSY, women beneficiaries are provided with financial assistance of up to 60%.
From FY 2020-21 to 2024-25, projects worth ₹3,049.91 crore were approved under PMMSY, benefitting 56,850 women, including 11,642 women from Tamil Nadu. Seaweed farming in Tamil Nadu has been promoted in a mission mode under this scheme. Financial, marketing, and logistical support have been extended to ensure income and welfare for small fishers, particularly women and women-headed fisher households.

Contribution of Women Beneficiaries:

Women beneficiaries play a crucial role in the fisheries value chain. Under PMMSY, they receive financial assistance for various activities, including fish farming, hatcheries, seaweed farming, bivalve cultivation, ornamental fisheries, fish processing, and marketing. These activities provide women with opportunities to participate in different aspects of the fisheries value chain, from production to post-harvest management.

Training and New Opportunities for Over 5,000 Women:

PMMSY has facilitated training and capacity-building programs for women. Projects aimed at enhancing women's participation, providing entrepreneurial resources, skill development, and livelihood generation have been approved based on state proposals. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has organized workshops and training programs focusing on women entrepreneurship models. These programs encourage women to establish startups and develop innovative, integrated business models. Over 5,000 women have been trained through various institutions, universities, and colleges across the country.

Financial Assistance and Livelihood Improvement under PMMSY:

Under the Central Sector of PMMSY, women are provided with financial assistance of up to 60% of the total project cost. This subsidy amounts to ₹1.50 crore for projects with a ceiling cost of ₹5 crore. Approved and implemented projects are monitored by district-level officials in the states to ensure effective utilization. Additionally, the implementation and fund utilization are tracked through physical and financial progress reports from the states.

PMMSY has significantly contributed to empowering women by improving their livelihoods and socio-economic conditions. Through this initiative, women in marginalized and rural communities engaged in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture have found avenues for sustainable growth and entrepreneurship.