Development of cold water fisheries

Why in news

The Department of Fisheries is implementing flagship schemes and dedicated funds, has approved projects, and issued Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold Water Fisheries to address infrastructure gaps and promote development in the sector.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Economy, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying implements the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
2. PMMSY involves an investment of Rs 20,050 crore and is implemented in all States/Union Territories.
3. PMMSY aims to address critical gaps in fish production, productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, value chain modernization, traceability, fisheries management framework, and fishers’ welfare, including in cold water fisheries.
4. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) is implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, since financial year 2018-19.
5. FIDF has a fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore and aims to address infrastructure gaps in fisheries and aquaculture.
6. The Department of Fisheries has approved various fisheries developmental projects for Himalayan and Hilly States for an amount of Rs.706 crore, which includes projects for cold water fisheries development.
7. Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold Water Fisheries were issued on 14th March, 2026, to support States in developing coldwater fisheries and its associated infrastructure.

Prelims pointers

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship scheme for fisheries development.
• PMMSY includes objectives related to cold water fisheries development.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) is a dedicated fund for fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure.
• Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold Water Fisheries have been issued by the Department of Fisheries.

Mains practice question

Examine the role of government initiatives and dedicated funds in promoting the development of cold water fisheries in India. Discuss their potential impact on the socio-economic landscape of Himalayan and Hilly States.

Static linkage

Fisheries sector development, Blue Revolution, economic development of Himalayan and Hilly States, infrastructure development in allied agricultural sectors.

Significance

These initiatives are significant for enhancing fish production and productivity, modernizing the fisheries value chain, improving post-harvest infrastructure, ensuring welfare for fishers, and promoting regional economic development, particularly in cold water regions. The guidelines provide a structured framework for development.

Way forward

Not specified in source