Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi
Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)

Introduction 

The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is a major fisheries and aquaculture scheme launched by the Government of India in 2024. This central initiative aims to improve incomes and quality of life for fish farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and small aquaculture entrepreneurs across India. The scheme was launched to address long-standing problems in the fisheries sector, such as low productivity, limited technology access, and poor market linkages, which have limited growth and farmer benefits. By promoting modern fish farming, digital platforms, better infrastructure, and training, the PM-MKSSY supports both rural and coastal communities and helps make aquaculture a sustainable income source. The policy responds to the need for inclusive agriculture schemes that reach remote areas and vulnerable groups, making application, eligibility, and scheme benefits transparent and accessible to all stakeholders. Overall, the Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana reflect India’s commitment to boosting the fisheries sector for better livelihoods and national food security.

Overview of the Scheme

The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is a central government scheme launched by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. Implementation is carried out mainly by the Department of Fisheries at central and state levels, aided by state fisheries departments and other approved agencies. The scheme’s goal is to strengthen the fisheries sector, support fish farmers, and promote sustainable aquaculture across India.

The funding pattern of PM-MKSSY varies according to beneficiary and region, generally using a split between the central and state governments. Typical shares are 60:40 for most states, 90:10 for northeastern and hill states, and 100% central funding in Union Territories. For example, if a farmer from Maharashtra applies for support, both central and state governments together contribute to the cost, making the scheme affordable and accessible.

Components and Coverage

• Inputs and machinery: Support for fish seeds, feed, and equipment.
• Value addition and infrastructure: Funding for cold storage, transportation, processing units.
• Training and capacity building: Knowledge and skills for fish farmers and SHGs.
• Credit and insurance: Financial services and risk coverage for beneficiaries.
• Digital platforms and market linkage: National Fisheries Digital Platform to boost market access.

PM-MKSSY is ongoing as of 2025 and has been integrated with national missions for the Blue Revolution, aiming to double farmers’ incomes and improve food security. The scheme’s robust support structure makes it easier for farmers, SHGs, and entrepreneurs to benefit from multiple components in fisheries and aquaculture.

Objectives 

The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) aims to modernize and support India’s fisheries sector through targeted objectives that strengthen value chains, help small enterprises, and improve the livelihoods of people dependent on fisheries. The goals below reflect official scheme intent in everyday language.

• Increase formalization of the unorganized fisheries sector by registering fishers, farmers, and workers on a national digital platform for better service delivery.
• Support micro and small fisheries enterprises with easier access to institutional finance and small grants.
• Promote aquaculture insurance by giving one-time incentives for farmers to buy insurance, reducing risks in fish farming.
• Incentivize adoption of safer, higher-quality practices in fish and fishery product handling to improve food safety and job creation.
• Boost overall sector efficiency, sustainability, and welfare by improving technology access and market linkages.
• Empower marginalized communities, including women, SC, and ST beneficiaries, with additional scheme incentives.
• Facilitate digital identity creation for fish workers to make delivery of schemes and benefits easier.
• Encourage innovation and new technologies in fish production, storage, and processing, making fisheries a reliable source of income.

By focusing on these objectives, PM-MKSSY sets out to transform fisheries into a vibrant part of the agriculture sector, ensuring better income, risk protection, and support for millions of Indians.

Key Features

The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) offers a comprehensive set of features and benefits for fish farmers, microenterprises, and allied workers. These scheme components focus on risk protection, sector formalization, financial access, and inclusivity, with special advantages for marginalized groups. Below are the official highlights explained in plain language.

• Insurance Subsidy for Fish Farmers

Get a one-time incentive covering 40% of the aquaculture insurance premium, up to ₹25,000 per hectare of farm (maximum ₹1 lakh for up to 4 hectares).

Example: A small aquaculture farmer with a 2-hectare pond can claim up to ₹50,000 for insurance premium costs.

• Extra Benefit for SC, ST, and Women

Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and women beneficiaries receive an additional 10% incentive on top of the standard subsidy.

Example: An SC woman with a 1-hectare farm can get 50% coverage on the insurance premium.

• Support for Advanced Aquaculture Systems

Intensive methods like Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), cage culture, raceways, and biofloc units also qualify for the insurance incentive (40% with a limit of ₹1 lakh, for unit size up to 1800 m³).

• Formalization through Digital Identity

Fish farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs register themselves on the National Fisheries Digital Platform for better access to scheme benefits and services.

Example: A worker in Maharashtra registers digitally to get updates and direct transfers.

• Facilitated Access to Bank Finance

Small fisheries enterprises get support to access institutional working capital loans, grants, and sector credit with easier approvals.

Example: A fish processing start-up applies for a small loan through an approved bank channel.

• Performance Grants for Quality & Safety

Micro and small fishery enterprises receive grants for adopting better safety, hygiene, and value addition in products.

Example: A SHG setting up cold storage receives help for quality certification costs.

• Job Creation and Livelihood Support

The scheme helps beneficiaries maintain and create jobs by rewarding improved practices and formalization.

Example: A coastal co-op increases employment by joining PM-MKSSY.

• Coverage for Marginal and Tribal Farmers

Under special regional interventions, tribal and marginal farming groups get targeted assistance for assets and technical support.

Example: A tribal group receives technical kits for fish rearing.

• Technology and Infrastructure Upgrade

Grants and assistance available for purchasing modern equipment (e.g., aerators, smart feeders) and developing storage, processing, and transport facilities.

Example: A micro-enterprise in Goa installs new feed machines using scheme funds.

• Support for Single Crop Cycle Insurance

Incentive applies for insurance purchased covering only one crop cycle, making risk protection accessible for seasonal farmers.

• Inclusivity and Wide Coverage

PM-MKSSY is available to citizens in all states and Union Territories, regardless of enterprise size.

With these impactful benefits, Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana make fisheries safer, more productive, and financially secure for farmers and microenterprises. Every feature is designed for practical use and real-world impact, bringing tangible improvements to the sector.

Eligibility Criteria 

The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) sets clear eligibility rules for who can apply and benefit from its schemes, ensuring targeted support and transparency for all applicants. These criteria are grouped by beneficiary type so every eligible participant knows what is required.

• Farmers (Fish/Aquaculture farmers)

Must be engaged in aquaculture or fish farming with a legal right to the land/waterbody (up to 4 hectares for insurance incentive).

Applicants must be registered on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP).

Valid identity documents such as Aadhaar, land/waterbody ownership/lease records, and bank account passbook are required.

Minimum age and residency requirements follow general scheme guidelines (usually 18+, Indian citizen).

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Must be officially registered, actively functioning, and have bank linkage.

SHGs should participate in fisheries activities or allied operations and provide their registration certificate and status as proof.

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)/Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs)

Must be registered as Producer Companies or Cooperatives with active fisheries or aquaculture operations.

Require valid registration certificate, membership roster, operational documents, and proof of recent fisheries activity.

Document minimum member count if specified in guidelines (typically 10–20, but check official FPO requirements).

• Entrepreneurs, Startups, MSMEs

Registration under MSME or UDYAM, or possession of valid GST and business documents as required.

Must be involved in fisheries, aquaculture, or value chain activities; provide proof of registration, business activity, and operational status.

Require supporting documents such as DPR (Detailed Project Report), quotations for equipment/services, and bank details for fund transfers.

• Women, SC/ST, and Special Categories

Extra incentives are assigned to registered women, Scheduled Caste, or Scheduled Tribe applicants; they must present a category certificate if applying under these groups.

NE/Hilly state beneficiaries follow state-specific eligibility if outlined officially.

• Not Eligible

Ineligible activities and duplicate benefit claims are not allowed (for example: non-fisheries businesses, unregistered/defunct groups, or claims for activities already covered by other schemes).

• Mandatory Documents

Valid Aadhaar, bank account passbook, land/waterbody ownership/lease records, group/company registration certificate, DPR, and quotations as specified in scheme notifications and application calls.

Every applicant must meet these criteria and provide required documents to ensure smooth verification and claim processing under the [Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)] scheme. This organized approach helps farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and microenterprises get timely support and scheme benefits.

Application Process

Applying for benefits under the PM-MKSSY scheme is mostly digital and designed to be straightforward. Here is a clear step-by-step guide based on official instructions:

• Where to Apply

Visit the official National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) portal at https://pmmkssy.dof.gov.in or the National Fisheries Sector Digital Platform for all application-related services.

• Registration/Login

First-time users must register by creating a digital ID on NFDP using Aadhaar and basic personal details.

Returning users log in with their credentials to access the dashboard and apply for scheme components.

• Filling Application Form

Complete sections with:

• Beneficiary personal details (name, contact, Aadhaar).
• Land/farm/fishery details including water spread area or enterprise info.
• Selection of scheme components applicable (e.g., insurance subsidy, performance grant).
• Bank account details for direct benefit transfer.

• Documents to Upload

Upload these mandatory documents:

• Aadhaar card for identity verification.
• Land or waterbody ownership or lease proof.
• Bank passbook or a canceled cheque.
• Registration certificates for SHGs/FPOs/MSMEs as applicable.
• Quotations or DPRs for equipment or investment support, if requested.

• Application Fee

There is no fee to apply under PM-MKSSY.

• Acknowledgment & Application ID

On submission, the system generates an application ID. Save this for future reference and tracking.

• Verification and Field Inspection

The respective state fisheries or agriculture department may conduct field visits or document checks before approval.

• Approval and Assistance Release

Once verified, assistance is usually released via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the registered bank account within specified timelines as per component guidelines.

• Offline Application Option

Some states allow offline application through local agriculture offices, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ATMA, or Block offices. Visit these centers with documents to get guided help if online access is difficult.

• Helpline and Support

For queries, use the helpline number (011) 24303714 or email support-myscheme[at]digitalindia[dot]gov[dot]in for assistance.

State fisheries department offices also provide support in many regions.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Always ensure name and Aadhaar details match exactly to avoid rejection.
• Upload clear, valid documents; blurry or expired papers slow approval.
• Fill bank details carefully to avoid delays in scheme fund transfers.
• Submit applications before deadlines; late applications may not be accepted.

By following these guided steps, applicants can smoothly apply online or offline for the Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) benefits, helping fish farmers and enterprises gain valuable assistance quickly and securely.

Challenges or Limitations 

The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is a promising scheme, yet it faces some common challenges and limitations that applicants and administrators often encounter. Recognizing these issues along with practical solutions can help beneficiaries make the most of the scheme’s benefits.

• Challenge: Verification Delays

Verification of documents and field inspections can take time, slowing down approval and fund release.

→ What to do: Keep all land, identity, and registration documents updated and ready before applying to reduce delays.

• Challenge: Limited Budget Availability

The scheme has a total budget of ₹6,000 crore from FY 2023-24 to 2026-27, which may constrain support if demand is very high.

→ What to do: Apply early in the financial year and stay informed of state-specific funding windows to secure grants or subsidies.

• Challenge: Seasonal Application Windows

Certain components like aquaculture insurance or infrastructure grants depend on specific cropping or financial cycles.

→ What to do: Plan applications as per notified deadlines and cropping seasons to ensure eligibility.

• Challenge: Document Mismatches and Errors

Common mistakes include name mismatches between Aadhaar and bank accounts, expired certificates, or unclear documents.

→ What to do: Double-check all documents for consistency and quality before submission.

• Challenge: Digital Access and Familiarity

Not all fish farmers and small enterprises may be comfortable using online platforms for registration and application.

→ What to do: Use local agriculture offices, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), or ATMA centers for offline assistance and guidance.

• Challenge: Coverage Gaps

Some small-scale, artisanal fishers or informal sector workers may miss out due to lack of registration or proof of activity.

→ What to do: Register early on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) and maintain proper records of work or enterprise operations.

• Challenge: Complex Component Choices

Multiple scheme components with varied eligibility and documents can confuse applicants.

→ What to do: Seek help from official helplines or fisheries department staff to understand component-specific requirements.

• Challenge: Market and Infrastructure Bottlenecks

Improving fisheries post-harvest infrastructure requires coordination beyond individual applicants, sometimes slowing progress.

→ What to do: Engage with local fishery cooperatives and state schemes that complement PM-MKSSY.

These challenges are typical of large government initiatives but can be managed with awareness, proper preparation, and timely action. By understanding these limitations and the ways to navigate them, beneficiaries can maximize the benefits from the Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is closely linked with other major agricultural and fisheries schemes to create a strong, integrated support system for fishers, farmers, and allied enterprises. PM-MKSSY operates as a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the broader Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which runs with a ₹20,050 crore outlay for 2020–25, while PM-MKSSY itself has a dedicated ₹6,000 crore budget from 2023–24 to 2026–27.

This convergence is designed to offer multiple benefits through coordinated support for technology adoption, insurance, credit access, and infrastructure development. For example, a fish Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) can use PM-MKSSY funding to formalize digitally via the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), gain insurance subsidies, and simultaneously leverage credit schemes like Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) or Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) for processing units. This combined approach strengthens the entire fisheries value chain – from production to post-harvest and marketing – offering better economic security and growth opportunities.

Looking ahead, official updates reflect a commitment to long-term fisheries sector transformation, with focus on sustainable, technology-driven growth aligned to national goals like “Viksit Bharat @2047.” The scheme supports women, tribal communities, and other marginalized groups through special projects under umbrella initiatives like Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, ensuring inclusive development.

In summary, the roadmap for PM-MKSSY and related schemes emphasizes convergence, modernization, and empowerment as the key strategies to realize the Blue Revolution’s full potential for India’s fish farmers and micro-entrepreneurs.

Conclusion 

The Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) plays a key role in formalizing India’s fisheries sector and supporting small fish farmers, microenterprises, and allied workers. With a dedicated budget of ₹6,000 crore for 2023–27, it targets improved insurance coverage, easier credit access, and promotion of quality and safety in fisheries products. The scheme benefits fish farmers, self-help groups, FPOs, and startups by helping them access subsidies, grants, and institutional finance. To apply, interested individuals and organizations should first check eligibility and register on the official National Fisheries Digital Platform (https://pmmkssy.dof.gov.in), preparing required documents like Aadhaar, land or waterbody records, and bank details. It is important to stay updated on the latest application deadlines and scheme details via the portal or official helpline. By understanding eligibility and applying correctly, beneficiaries can take full advantage of the [Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)] benefits toward sustainable fisheries growth and livelihood improvement.

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.