PIB Summary- 17th September, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Boosting India’s Blue Economy: New Initiatives Launched at PMMSY’s 4th Anniversary

Context

On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced a range of new initiatives aimed at transforming the fisheries sector.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched in 2020 to bring about Blue Revolution through the sustainable development of the fisheries sector over a period of five years (2020-2025).
• It is an umbrella scheme to develop the fisheries sector with a total outlay of Rs. 20050 crores.

It has two components

• The Central Sector Scheme (CS) component with a non-beneficiary-oriented scheme and a Beneficiary oriented scheme (Central Assistance for General Category – 40%; SC/ST/Women – 60%).
• A Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS) component also with a non-beneficiary-oriented scheme and Beneficiary oriented scheme. The different break-ups of funding are: Central Assistance for Northeastern States – 90%, Other States – 60%; and UTs – 100%.

The areas expected to be covered by the PMMSY are:

• Fish production
• Fisheries productivity
• Quality of fisheries and aquaculture sectors
• Post-harvest infrastructure and management
• Modernization of value chain
• Welfare of the fishers and fish farmers
• Fisheries management framework

Insurance coverage:
The insurance coverage provided under the PMMSY includes

• Rs.5,00,000/- against accidental death or permanent total disability,
• Rs.2,50,000/- for permanent partial disability
• Hospitalization expenses in the event of accident for a sum of Rs. 25,000/-.

The objectives of the PMMSY are:

• Develop fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
• Harness the potential of fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner
• Efficient use of land and water resources to enhance fish production and productivity.
• Modernize value chain considering post-harvest management and quality improvement.
• Double fishers and fish farmers’ incomes
• Generate employment in the fisheries sector.
• Enhance fisheries sector’s contribution to overall agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and exports.
• Provide social, economic and physical security to fish farmers and fishermen.
• Develop a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.

Key Initiatives in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

• National Fisheries Development Program Portal: A central portal for the fisheries community to register, access information, and receive support services.
• PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) Guidelines: Provides a detailed framework for the implementation of the PM-MKSSY, aiming to enhance the livelihoods of the fishery community.
• Rangeen Machhli App: An application designed for the ornamental fisheries sector, providing resources and support for hobbyists, aquarium enthusiasts, and fish farmers.
• Amrit Catla: Introduction of a genetically enhanced variety of Catla fish to increase its distribution and accessibility to farmers nationwide.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): Established for pearl cultivation, ornamental fisheries, and seaweed cultivation, focusing on sector-specific growth and sustainability.
• Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs): Guidelines released for transforming 100 coastal villages into climate-resilient hubs.
• Pilot Project on Drone Technology: Employs drone technology for the transportation and monitoring of inland fisheries, aiming to boost efficiency and sustainability.
• Centres of Excellence: Designation of the Mandapam Regional Centre of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) as a center for excellence, specifically for advancing seaweed farming and related research.
• Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs): Set up to improve seed quality through genetic enhancements of vital marine and inland species.
• Integrated Aqua Parks: Established in five states—Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, and Nagaland—to promote aquaculture activities and regional economic growth.

PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)

• The PM-MKSSY is a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the broader Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• Objective: The scheme is designed to formalize and invigorate the fisheries sector by supporting micro and small enterprises, thereby enhancing the entire fisheries value chain.

Key Components of PM-MKSSY:

• National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP): Implementation of digital identities for approximately 40 lakh small and micro-enterprises in the fisheries sector.
• Financial Support: Allocation of financial aid to 6.4 lakh micro-enterprises and 5,500 fisheries cooperatives.
• Incentives for Expansion: Offers up to Rs 25,000 per hectare for agricultural expansions for farm sizes up to 4 hectares.
• Performance Grants: Provides performance-based grants of up to 25% of the total investment, with a ceiling of Rs 35 lakh for the general category and up to 35%, or Rs 45 lakh, for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women-owned enterprises.
• Safety and Quality Incentives: Encourages small enterprises to implement safety and quality assurance systems.

Funding and Duration:

• The program is backed by an investment of Rs 6,000 crore spread over four years, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27, covering all Indian states and Union Territories.

Beneficiaries:

• Direct Beneficiaries: Includes fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, and vendors actively involved in the fisheries value chain.
• Target Enterprises: Focuses on aiding proprietary firms, partnerships, companies, cooperatives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and startups within the fisheries sector.

BHASKAR Platform

Context

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform BHASKAR.

BHASKAR Platform Overview

• BHASKAR stands for Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry.
• Part of the Startup India movement aimed at reinforcing the startup ecosystem in India.

Purpose and Functionality

• Centralization: The platform is tailored to centralize and streamline interactions among various participants in the entrepreneurial ecosystem such as startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government entities.
• Objective: Aims to create the largest digital registry for stakeholders involved in the startup ecosystem globally.

Key Features

• Connectivity: Facilitates seamless connections across different sectors by bridging gaps between startups, investors, and mentors.
• Resource Accessibility: Provides immediate access to essential tools and knowledge, thereby accelerating decision-making and enhancing the efficiency of scaling operations.
• Personalization: Assigns a unique BHASKAR ID to each stakeholder to offer personalized interactions and tailored experiences on the platform.
• Search and Collaboration: Incorporates advanced search functionalities that allow users to quickly find relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities.
• Global Outreach: Enhances India’s position as a global innovation hub, facilitating easier cross-border collaborations for startups and investors.