In a significant boost to Maharashtra's marine fisheries sector, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated two state-of-the-art deep-sea fishing boats under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Mumbai on Thursday.
Transforming Coastal Economies
The advanced fishing vessels were formally handed over to fishing cooperatives from Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, marking a pivotal moment in the government's efforts to modernize India's fishing industry. This initiative represents a crucial step toward harnessing the untapped potential of India's exclusive economic zone.
Boosting Blue Economy Infrastructure
These deep-sea fishing boats are equipped with modern technology that enables fishermen to venture further into the ocean and increase their catch capacity significantly. The vessels feature:
- Advanced navigation and fish-finding equipment
- Modern preservation facilities for better catch quality
- Enhanced safety features for fishermen
- Increased storage capacity for longer fishing expeditions
Strategic Importance of PMMSY
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, launched with an investment of ₹20,050 crore, aims to revolutionize India's fisheries sector by addressing critical gaps in the value chain. The scheme focuses on sustainable development while increasing fish production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25.
During the ceremony, Amit Shah emphasized that these initiatives are not just about providing boats but about creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports fishermen from "catch to consumer." The modern vessels will help fishermen access richer fishing grounds beyond traditional coastal waters.
Economic Impact on Coastal Communities
This development is expected to have far-reaching effects on Maharashtra's coastal economy by:
- Increasing income levels for fishing communities
- Creating additional employment opportunities
- Reducing post-harvest losses through better preservation
- Enhancing export quality standards
The initiative aligns with the government's vision of strengthening the blue economy and achieving the scheme's target of generating 55 lakh additional employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.
