AI SummaryAgriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat has launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY-Inland): Establishment of Medium RAS Culture System to help fish farmers increase production through modern technology. This scheme supports setting up medium-scale Recirculating Aquaculture System units with 6 tanks, each having a minimum capacity of 30m³, targeting an output of 10 tonnes per crop at a total unit cost of ₹25 lakh.
The program provides financial assistance to individuals, societies, self-help groups, and private entities active in inland fisheries. With a funding split of 60% from the Government of India and 40% from the Government of Gujarat, eligible applicants can receive subsidies ranging from 40% for general category to 60% for women, SC, and ST categories. Applications are accepted online through the I-Khedut Portal.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana - Establishment of Medium RAS Culture System
This Gujarat state scheme under PMMSY-Inland helps inland fisheries operators set up efficient fish farming systems using minimal land and water resources. Recirculating Aquaculture System technology filters and recycles water continuously, allowing higher fish density in controlled environments. The scheme aims to boost inland fish production and create employment opportunities for people involved in freshwater aquaculture activities.
The program operates through the Commissioner of Fisheries office in Gujarat, which handles implementation and subsidy disbursement. Beneficiaries must establish their RAS units according to specified technical requirements, including tank dimensions, water quality standards, and fish species selection guidelines. The scheme encourages use of improved fish breeds and modern feeding practices to maximize yield.
One important condition is that beneficiaries can claim this benefit only once in their lifetime. The subsidy amount varies based on applicant category, with higher support reserved for socially disadvantaged groups. All applications undergo verification processes including site inspections before final approval and payment release through direct benefit transfer mechanisms.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY-Inland): Establishment of Medium RAS Culture System Gujarat |
| Launched By | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat |
| Beneficiaries | Individuals, Societies, SHGs, Private Entities |
| Subsidy Benefit | 40% General / 60% Women, SC, ST |
| Unit Cost | ₹25,00,000 per medium RAS unit |
| Tanks Required | 6 tanks, minimum 30m³ each |
| Production Target | 10 tonnes per crop |
| Funding Pattern | 60% Central, 40% State |
| Application Mode | Online via I-Khedut Portal |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department |
Benefits
The scheme offers substantial financial support for establishing medium-scale RAS units. General category applicants receive 40% of the unit cost as subsidy, which amounts to approximately ₹10 lakh per unit. Women, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries get enhanced support at 60% of unit cost, equaling around ₹15 lakh per unit. In both cases, the subsidy is calculated on actual expenditure subject to the ceiling limit.
Beyond monetary benefits, the scheme provides access to technical guidance from fisheries departments, training programs on RAS operation and maintenance, and connections with input suppliers for quality fish feed, fingerlings, and equipment. Successful implementers often report faster returns compared to traditional pond-based farming due to controlled growing conditions and multiple cropping cycles possible within a year.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, check whether you meet these basic requirements:
- You must be an individual farmer, registered society, self-help group, association, reservoir leaseholder, or private company engaged in inland fisheries operations in Gujarat state.
- Your age should be at least 18 years at the time of application submission.
- You need to maintain an active savings or current bank account in your name or entity name for receiving subsidy payments.
- You should own suitable land for setting up the RAS facility or hold a registered lease agreement valid for minimum 10 years from application date.
- Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Passport must be available for verification purposes.
SC and ST applicants must possess valid caste certificates issued by competent authorities to avail enhanced subsidy rates. Women entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to apply under this scheme as they qualify for maximum subsidy percentage.
How to Apply Online
The application process happens entirely online through the I-Khedut Portal operated by the Gujarat government.
STEP 1 - Visit the official I-Khedut website at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in and click on the Login button located at the top right corner of the homepage. If you are a new user, select Beneficiary Registration option and choose your category as Farmer, Institutional, or Other based on your profile type.
STEP 2 - Fill in your personal or organizational details including full name, district, taluka, village address, and bank account information with IFSC code. Upload scanned copies of required documents if prompted during registration. Complete mobile number verification using OTP sent to your registered number and create a secure password for future logins.
STEP 3 - After successful registration, log in to your account using credentials created earlier. Navigate to Schemes section and select Agricultural Schemes from the menu. Search for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Medium RAS Culture System Gujarat and click the Apply button to start filling the application form.
STEP 4 - Enter all required information accurately including land details, proposed location for RAS installation, estimated project cost breakdown, and expected production targets. Attach scanned copies of identity proof, bank passbook, land ownership documents or lease agreement, and caste certificate if applicable. Review all entries carefully before final submission and download the confirmation page for your records.
Required Documents
Keep these documents ready before starting your application:
- Identity proof including Aadhaar Card, Voter ID card, Ration Card, or Passport copy in clear scanned format.
- Bank account passbook or recent statement showing account holder name, account number, branch details, and IFSC code.
- Land ownership documents like title deed, tax receipt, or mutation extract proving your ownership rights over the proposed site.
- If you do not own the land, provide a registered lease agreement covering minimum 10-year period along with consent letter from landowner authorizing construction activities.
- Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe certificate in prescribed format for availing enhanced subsidy benefits.
Additional documents may include NOC from co-owners if land is jointly held, technical feasibility report prepared by qualified engineer, and business plan outlining operational strategy for commercial fish farming activities.
References
For complete scheme rules and detailed guidelines, visit the official scheme page on Agriculture Department website. You can also find contact information for scheme officials on the I-Khedut contact page. For national-level PMMSY updates, refer to the Department of Fisheries official portal.
FAQ's
Who can apply under this scheme?
Individuals, registered societies, self-help groups, associations, reservoir leaseholders, and private companies involved in inland fisheries operations in Gujarat can submit applications.
What is the total cost of setting up a medium RAS unit?
The standard unit cost approved under this scheme is ₹25,00,000 which covers six tanks each with minimum 30m³ capacity designed to produce 10 tonnes of fish per crop cycle.
How much subsidy will I receive?
General category beneficiaries get 40% of unit cost as subsidy amounting to ₹10 lakh. Women, SC, and ST applicants receive higher subsidy at 60% equaling ₹15 lakh per unit.
Can I apply if I have leased land?
Yes, leasehold farmers can apply provided they hold a registered lease agreement valid for at least 10 years from the date of application submission.
Is there an age restriction for applicants?
Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of applying. There is no upper age limit specified under this scheme.
How many times can I avail this benefit?
The subsidy under this component is available only once per beneficiary throughout their lifetime. Duplicate applications will be rejected.
Where can I get technical guidance for RAS setup?
Technical assistance is provided by the Commissioner of Fisheries office in Gujarat. Contact details are available on the Commissioner of Fisheries website.