Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana - Installation of Cage in Reservoir

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Installation of Cage in Reservoir supports inland fish farmers in Gujarat with financial support to scale up fish production through modern cage culture in reservoirs. The component is part of the national Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) rollout for 2026-27 and is being implemented by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. Individual fishers and organised groups such as societies and self-help groups can apply through the I-Khedut portal.

Under this scheme, the Government of India covers 60% of the subsidy amount and the Government of Gujarat covers the remaining 40%. General category applicants get 40% subsidy, while women, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) applicants get 60% subsidy on the approved unit cost of ₹1,500 per cubic meter.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana - Installation of Cage in Reservoir - Introduction

This component helps fish farmers raise their output by using cage culture in inland reservoirs. Cage culture makes good use of water bodies that would otherwise remain underutilised, and creates a regular source of income for people involved in inland fisheries. Both new and experienced farmers can take part, and the support is released as a one-time cash payment against the approved component.

Main aims of the scheme:

• Higher inland fish production - systematic cage culture in reservoirs helps raise the total fish output of the state.
• Steady income and jobs - creates livelihood options for people working in inland fisheries at the local level.
• Better use of water sources - water bodies are put to productive use instead of lying idle.
• New technology - encourages methods like biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems to get more output from small areas.
• Freshwater hatcheries - supports setting up hatcheries to improve overall inland fish farming capacity.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme provides big financial support to help you set up and run cage fish farming. The unit cost includes capital and operational parts calculated at ₹1,500 per cubic meter. The subsidy rate is different for general and reserved categories, as shown below.

Capacity guidelines are mentioned below:

• Minimum area per cage: 100 cubic meters.
• Individual limit: up to 1,800 cubic meters of water area.
• Group limit: 600 cubic meters per member, capped at 7,200 cubic meters total water area.

The subsidy is shared between the Government of India (60%) and the Government of Gujarat (40%). The eligible person gets the amount as a one-time payment for the approved component.

Eligibility

To apply, you have to meet these conditions:

1. You should be an individual, registered society, self-help group, association, or a valid reservoir leaseholder.
2. You must be at least 18 years old.
3. You should have your own active bank account.
4. If your project needs land-based installations, you must show proof of private land ownership or a registered lease agreement valid for at least 10 years.
5. If the land is jointly owned, you need a consent form signed by all co-owners.

The scheme gives top priority to women, SC and ST applicants, who are eligible for the 60% subsidy rate.

Application Process

You can apply online through the official I-Khedut Portal by following these steps:

STEP 1 - Go to the I-Khedut portal and register as a beneficiary by choosing the correct user type such as Farmer or Institutional.

STEP 2 - Fill in your land and bank account details as asked on the registration form.

STEP 3 - Link your mobile number and email to your account, then verify the OTP to complete registration.

STEP 4 - Log in and open the Agricultural Schemes section to find this scheme.

STEP 5 - Click the Apply button, enter your details correctly, and confirm the submission.

STEP 6 - Save the application and take a printout for your records.

If you face any problem, use the official contact directory for support.

Documents

Keep these documents ready before you start the application:

• Proof of identity such as Voter ID, Ration Card, Aadhaar Card or Passport.
• Bank account details along with a copy of the passbook.
• Land ownership documents or a lease agreement valid for at least 10 years.
• Consent form from co-owners, if the land is shared.
• Caste certificate for SC/ST applicants.

References

For detailed scheme rules, check the official Scheme Guidelines on the Gujarat Agriculture Department website.

For national-level information about Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, visit the official PMMSY portal of the Department of Fisheries.

FAQ's

Who can apply for this scheme?

Individuals, societies, self-help groups, associations, private entities and reservoir leaseholders involved in inland fisheries are eligible.

Can women applicants receive a higher subsidy?

Yes, women along with SC and ST applicants are eligible for a 60% subsidy rate, compared with 40% for the general category.

What is the minimum cage size?

Each cage must have a minimum volume of 100 cubic meters.

Do I need a bank account?

Yes, you must have an active bank account in your name to receive the cash benefit.

How is the subsidy paid?

The subsidy is paid as a one-time amount based on the approved unit cost of ₹1,500 per cubic meter.

What if my land is joint property?

You must submit a consent form signed by all co-owners of the land.