AI SummaryPMMSY: Establishment of open Sea cages (100-120)m3 vol. is a supportive government scheme for fishermen and entrepreneurs across Gujarat to install modern open sea cages. It offers cash support that encourages sustainable cage-based aquaculture, which increases fish production and boosts income for fishing communities.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) component helps set up open sea cages with a capacity of 100 to 120 cubic meters for marine fish farming. The scheme helps adopt advanced aquaculture methods, maximize yields, and use marine resources sustainably. Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation, Government of Gujarat implements it, with 60% of the funds coming from Government of India and 40% from State Government.
PMMSY: Establishment of open Sea cages 100-120 m3 volume - Introduction
Open sea cage farming lets fishermen raise fish in the open sea without putting extra pressure on coastal resources. Under this scheme, financial support is given to construct ice plants or storage units with a minimum capacity of 30 tonnes, so the catch stays fresh and fetches better market returns. Commissioner of Fisheries runs the scheme at the state level.
Gujarat is one of the leading states in marine production, yet it lags in exports because of poor cold chain facilities. Modernizing cold storage and ice plants keeps fish in healthy condition. Around 27,000 small and large boats operate in the state, and replacing aging boats improves safety for fishermen and increases income for boat owners.
Main aims of this scheme:
- To keep Gujarat leading in marine production by modernizing cold storage and ice plant facilities so the catch stays fresh and healthy.
- To support insulated vehicles, three-wheelers with ice boxes, e-rickshaws, and live fish vending centers so consumers get fresh, hygienic fish and sellers get better returns.
- To increase the income of boat owners and improve safety by encouraging replacement of aging boats, which helps expand sea growth capacity.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PMMSY: Establishment of open Sea cages (100-120)m3 vol. |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Gujarat |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Fishing and hunting |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department |
| Implementing Agency | Commissioner of Fisheries |
| Tags | Construction of Plant, Storage, Fishermen, Fish Seller |
Benefits
Under this scheme, financial support is shared between Central and State governments in a 60:40 ratio. General category applicants get 40% of the unit cost, while women, SC, and ST applicants get 60% of the unit cost, subject to a cap. The unit cost for one sea cage of 100 to 120 cubic meters is fixed at ₹5,00,000.
| Category | Financial Support |
|---|---|
| General Category | 40% of the unit cost or ₹2,00,000 (whichever is less) |
| Women / SC / ST Category | 60% of the unit cost or ₹3,00,000 (whichever is less) |
This benefit can be availed only once in a lifetime. All support is subject to the specific targets allocated by the Government of India.
Eligibility
To get the benefit of this scheme, an applicant should meet the following conditions:
- Must be a native and permanent resident of Gujarat state.
- Must own a fishing boat registered under the Real Craft software and hold a valid fishing license.
- Must complete online registration on the iKhedut Portal and obtain in-principle approval before starting any construction or purchase.
- Must have an active personal bank account in the applicant's name.
Women, SC, and ST applicants qualify for 60% support, while general category applicants get 40% support.
Application Process
Application for this scheme is done online through the iKhedut Gujarat portal. The process is divided into registration and application submission.
STEP 1 - Visit the official iKhedut Portal and click on 'Login' at the top right. Select 'Beneficiary Registration' and choose the beneficiary type from 'Farmer', 'Institutional', or 'Except For the Farmer'.
STEP 2 - Enter company or personal details, select district, taluka, and village, choose the type of account holder, and enter the account number and name. Solve the captcha and click 'Save and Next'.
STEP 3 - Enter the mobile number and email address, click 'Send OTP', enter the received OTP, create and confirm a password, solve the captcha, and click 'Submit' to complete the profile.
STEP 4 - Log in with the credentials, click on 'Schemes' and then 'Agricultural Schemes'. Find the relevant scheme and click 'Apply'.
STEP 5 - Click on 'Apply New' to submit a fresh application or 'Update Application' to add corrections. Once the application is complete, confirm it and take a printout of the confirmed application for records.
For any further help, view the contact directory here.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying so the process goes smoothly:
- Aadhaar Card and Identity Card.
- Bank passbook or a cancelled cheque.
- Caste Certificate, if applicable.
- Copy of a valid fishing license and fishing boat registration certificate from the Real Craft software.
- Recent passport size photographs.
- Price quotations for the required equipment and Ration Card.
References
For official updates and deeper details, refer to the following resources:
Official scheme guidelines are available on the Commissioner of Fisheries website. The scheme is also listed on the Government Scheme Portal.
FAQ's
What type of financial support is provided for establishing an open sea cage unit?
For establishing an open sea cage unit of 100 to 120 cubic meters, financial support is given as a percentage of the unit cost, depending on the category of the beneficiary.
How is the contribution for financial support divided between governments?
The support is shared, with 60% contributed by the Government of India and 40% by the Government of Gujarat.
Is there a limit on how many times a beneficiary can get financial support for a sea cage unit?
Yes, financial support for establishing a sea cage unit is available only once in a lifetime.
Are there any specific targets for support under the sea cage component?
Yes, benefits are provided as per the target allocation decided by the Government of India.
What kind of support is given for cold storage and ice plant modernization?
Support is provided to modernize cold storage and ice plants to keep fish in a healthy and marketable condition.
What facilities are supported for transporting and selling fish hygienically?
Support is given for insulated vehicles, three-wheelers with ice boxes, e-rickshaws, and live fish vending centers so fresh fish reaches consumers.
How do insulated vehicles and vending centers benefit consumers and sellers?
They help consumers get fresh and clean fish locally and enable sellers to get better returns.
Where should beneficiaries register to apply for support?
Beneficiaries should register and submit their application online through the iKhedut Gujarat portal.
How is the support amount paid to the beneficiary?
After verification and approval, the financial support is credited directly to the beneficiary's bank account.
What additional documents are required for reserved categories?
A caste certificate is required for SC/ST beneficiaries, and relevant proof is needed for women claiming the higher support tier.
What documents are needed related to fishing activities?
The applicant must provide a copy of a valid fishing license and the fishing boat registration certificate from the Real Craft software.