Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Medium Biofloc Establishment

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY-Inland): Medium Biofloc Establishment helps set up a medium biofloc fish farming unit of 25 tanks, each 4 meter in diameter and 1 meter in height, with a cash subsidy. The Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, government of Gujarat, runs this scheme for people, groups and businesses involved in inland fisheries.

The scheme supports biofloc and Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) methods that give higher fish yield in less land and less water. Funding for each unit is shared with 60% support from the government of India and 40% from the government of Gujarat, and applications are submitted online through the I-Khedut portal.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Medium Biofloc Establishment - Introduction

This component under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY-Inland) is aimed at boosting inland fish production in freshwater bodies across Gujarat. A medium biofloc unit consists of 25 tanks, and by using biofloc and RAS methods, more fish can be produced with much less land and water compared to traditional ponds.

The scheme is for individuals, societies, self help groups, associations, reservoir lease holders and private entities working in inland fisheries. It also supports setting up modern freshwater hatcheries, which helps increase the state's fish production capacity over time. The Commissioner of Fisheries of the state government implements the scheme on the ground.

Objective of the scheme:

1. To speed up inland fish farming activity in freshwater bodies.
2. To provide a compact, efficient option for fish farming through Biofloc and RAS, so production can happen in areas with limited space and water.
3. To raise regional fish production capacity by supporting the establishment of modern freshwater hatcheries.

Key Information

Benefits

The total project unit cost for a medium biofloc setup of 25 tanks is fixed at ₹25,00,000. The subsidy you can get depends on your category, and the ceiling is applied on whichever is lower between the unit cost and the actual cost. This support can be availed only once in a lifetime.

For example, if a general category applicant spends ₹25,00,000 on the setup, the subsidy can go up to 40% of the cost. If a woman or an SC or ST applicant invests the same amount, the subsidy can reach 60%. Please note that this money help can be taken only once in a lifetime per beneficiary.

Eligibility

The following conditions must be met to qualify for the scheme:

1. Applicant should be an individual, society, self help group, association, reservoir lease holder, or a private entity involved in inland fisheries.
2. Applicant should be at least 18 years of age.
3. A valid personal bank account is required.
4. Applicant must own private land or hold a registered lease agreement for at least 10 years; if the land has multiple owners, a consent form from all co-owners is needed.
5. Valid identity documents such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card or Passport are required.
6. SC or ST applicants must provide a valid caste certificate to get the higher subsidy rate.

Application Process

Application is done fully online through the official I-Khedut portal. Follow the steps given below.

STEP 1 - Visit the official I-Khedut Portal and click on 'Login' at the top right, then choose 'Beneficiary Registration'.

STEP 2 - Select the beneficiary type as Farmer, Institutional or Other, and enter details including company name, address, district, taluka, village and bank account information.

STEP 3 - Enter the mobile number and email, click 'Send OTP', enter the received OTP, create and confirm a password, solve the captcha and click 'Submit' to finish registration.

STEP 4 - Login to the I-Khedut Portal again, go to 'Schemes', choose 'Agricultural Schemes' and locate the biofloc establishment scheme.

STEP 5 - Click 'Apply New', fill the application form, make sure all details are correct, confirm and submit the application.

STEP 6 - Take a printout of the confirmed application and keep it safe for reference.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before applying:

• Valid ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card or Passport.
• Bank account passbook or statement.
• Title deeds or ownership proof of the land.
• Lease agreement for at least 10 years, if the land is leased.
• Consent letter from co-owners for the land, if applicable.
• Caste certificate for SC and ST applicants.

References

The following official resources can be referred to for more details:

• Official Scheme Guidelines
• Application Portal

FAQ's

Who is eligible to apply for this fisheries scheme?

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

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, you must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

Can I apply if I am from the SC or ST community?

Yes, the scheme encourages applications from women, SC and ST categories and provides a higher subsidy rate for them.

What is the land requirement to get the subsidy?

You need to own the land or hold a lease agreement of at least 10 years to be eligible for the support.

Do I need a bank account?

Yes, having your own bank account is required to receive the subsidy.

Can I get the subsidy more than once?

No, this help can be availed only once in a lifetime.

How is the subsidy funded?

The total subsidy is shared between the government of India (60%) and the government of Gujarat (40%).

What benefit does a biofloc system offer?

A biofloc system allows you to produce more fish with less land and water compared to traditional ponds.