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

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is a Central Sector Sub-scheme launched by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, on 8 February 2024 that provides aquaculture insurance incentives, performance grants, and institutional credit access to fishers, fish farmers, and fisheries enterprises across India. The scheme runs from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs. 6,000 crore.

Introduction of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana: A Brief Insight

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on 8 February 2024 with a total outlay of Rs. 6,000 crore for four years, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27. The scheme is being implemented across all States and Union Territories.

PM-MKSSY aims to strengthen India’s fisheries sector by improving access to formal financial services, aquaculture insurance, institutional credit, and value chain support. It also promotes digital registration of fishers and fish farmers, helping them access government benefits more efficiently.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, implements the scheme through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP). This platform allows beneficiaries to register, obtain a digital identity, apply for aquaculture insurance, access institutional credit, and claim performance-based grants under different PM-MKSSY components.

Under Component 1-B, eligible aquaculture farmers can receive an incentive of 40% of the insurance premium paid, up to a maximum of Rs. 1,00,000 per farmer for farms with a water spread area of up to 4 hectares. Eligible SC, ST, and Women beneficiaries receive an additional 10% incentive over the General Category rate.

Components 2 and 3 provide performance-based grants to eligible fisheries enterprises. General Category microenterprises can receive grants of up to Rs. 35 lakh, while SC, ST, and Women-owned microenterprises can receive up to Rs. 45 lakh. Eligible small enterprises under Component 3 can receive grants of up to Rs. 75 lakh for the General Category and up to Rs. 1 crore for SC, ST, and Women-owned enterprises.

Individual beneficiaries, including fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, fish vendors, and aquaculture farmers, can apply under the relevant components of the scheme. Eligible organisations such as Cooperatives, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), LLPs, Companies, MSMEs, and Startups engaged in fisheries or aquaculture activities can also avail the benefits.

Applicants must first register on the NFDP portal or through the official NFDP mobile app to obtain their NFDP Registration Number (NRN). Registration is completely free and can also be completed through the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). Once registered, applicants can log in to their dashboard and apply for the relevant PM-MKSSY component online.

Beneficiaries who also want financial assistance for developing fish ponds, hatcheries, fishing vessels, cold storage facilities, or other fisheries infrastructure can also explore the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which provides financial assistance of up to 60% for eligible SC, ST, and Women beneficiaries under various approved activities.

Readers interested in similar initiatives can also explore our Central Government Welfare Schemes section, where we regularly publish verified information about welfare schemes, subsidies, financial assistance programmes, and livelihood initiatives launched by the Government of India.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Component 1-A: Formalisation and Institutional Credit Access

• Digital identity through registration on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP)
• Improved access to institutional working capital and bank credit
• Reimbursement of eligible loan processing charges
• Financial literacy and capacity building support
• Support for strengthening fisheries cooperative societies into Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs)

Component 1-B: Aquaculture Insurance Incentive

• One-time incentive of 40% of the insurance premium paid
• Pond-based aquaculture: Up to Rs. 25,000 per hectare for a maximum water spread area of 4 hectares, subject to an overall limit of Rs. 1,00,000 per farmer
• Intensive aquaculture systems such as cage culture, RAS, biofloc, and raceways: Incentive of 40% of the insurance premium, subject to a maximum of Rs. 1,00,000 per farmer for unit sizes up to 1,800 m³
• Eligible SC, ST, and Women beneficiaries receive an additional 10% incentive over the General Category rate
• Basic insurance covers losses caused by natural calamities, floods, cyclones, pollution, riots, and structural damage
• Comprehensive insurance includes all benefits available under the Basic Insurance plan and also covers crop losses caused by diseases

Component 2: Value Chain Performance Grants for Microenterprises

• General Category microenterprises can receive 25% of the project cost or Rs. 35 lakh, whichever is lower
• SC, ST, and women-owned microenterprises can receive 35% of the project cost or Rs. 45 lakh, whichever is lower
• Village Level Organisations, SHG Federations, FFPOs, and Cooperatives can receive 35% of the project cost or Rs. 200 lakh, whichever is lower
• Job creation incentive of Rs. 15,000 per year for each woman employee and Rs. 10,000 per year for each man employee, subject to a maximum of 50% of the total eligible performance grant

Component 3: Safety and Quality Assurance Performance Grants

• General Category microenterprises can receive 25% of the project cost or Rs. 35 lakh, whichever is lower
• SC, ST, and women-owned microenterprises can receive 35% of the project cost or Rs. 45 lakh, whichever is lower
• General Category small enterprises can receive 25% of the project cost or Rs. 75 lakh, whichever is lower
• SC, ST, and women-owned small enterprises can receive 35% of the project cost or Rs. 1 crore, whichever is lower
• Village Level Organisations, SHG Federations, FFPOs, and Cooperatives can receive 35% of the project cost or Rs. 200 lakh, whichever is lower
• Eligible enterprises also receive the same job creation incentive available under Component 2
• Performance grants are released only after the investment is completed and verified. No upfront financial assistance is provided.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

For Individual Beneficiaries

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• Applicant must be working as a fisher, fish farmer, fish worker, fish vendor, or aquaculture farmer.
• Applicant must register on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) before applying for any PM-MKSSY benefit.
• The applicant must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

For Component 1-B (Aquaculture Insurance Incentive)

• Applicant must complete NFDP registration before applying.
• For pond-based aquaculture, the total water spread area must not exceed 4 hectares.
• For intensive aquaculture systems such as cage culture, RAS, biofloc, and raceways, the maximum eligible unit size is 1,800 m³.
• The aquaculture insurance policy must be purchased through the NFDP platform.
• The insurance incentive is available only once for each crop cycle under the eligible activity.

For Micro and Small Enterprises (Components 2 and 3)

• The enterprise must be legally registered in India and should operate in the fisheries or aquaculture sector.
• Eligible organisations include Proprietary Firms, Partnership Firms, Companies, Societies, LLPs, Cooperatives, Federations, SHGs, FFPOs, FPOs, and Startups.
• The organisation must register on NFDP before applying.
• The investment must be completed before applying for the performance grant. No upfront financial assistance is provided.
• Each applicant can claim the performance grant only once for each eligible activity.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Non Indian citizens.
• Applicants who are not registered on NFDP.
• Aquaculture farmers with a pond area of more than 4 hectares under Component 1-B.
• Applicants trying to claim the same benefit more than once for the same eligible activity.
• Enterprises that have not completed the required investment before applying for performance grants under Components 2 and 3.

Documents Required to be Attached

For Individual Beneficiaries (NFDP Registration)

• Aadhaar Card
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
• Aadhaar-linked bank passbook or bank account statement
• Recent passport-size photograph

For Component 1-A (Institutional Credit Facilitation)

• NFDP Registration Number (NRN)
• Loan sanction letter issued by a recognised bank or financial institution
• Proof of loan disbursement
• Self-declaration form, if applicable

For Component 1-B (Aquaculture Insurance Incentive)

• NFDP Registration Certificate
• A land ownership document or a valid lease agreement for the aquaculture farm
• Aquaculture insurance policy document obtained through the NFDP platform
• Self-declaration form, if applicable

For Organisations (Cooperatives, SHGs, FFPOs, Companies, LLPs, and Startups)

• Organisation registration certificate
• PAN Card of the organisation
• Bank account details of the organisation
• Aadhaar Card of the authorised signatory
• Board Resolution or authorisation letter

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Applicants can apply for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) online through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP). Registering on the NFDP portal is the first and mandatory step. After successful registration, applicants receive an NFDP Registration Number (NRN), which is required to apply for any PM-MKSSY component. Registration on the portal is completely free.

Method 1: Apply Through the NFDP Portal

Step 1: Visit nfdp.dof.gov.in and click on Register. Enter your mobile number, verify it using the OTP, and choose your applicant category as Individual or Organisation.

Step 2: Fill in the registration form with your personal or organisation details. Upload the required documents, such as Aadhaar Card, bank account details, photograph, and other documents applicable to your category.

Step 3: Submit the registration form. After successful registration, the portal generates your NFDP Registration Number (NRN) and Registration Certificate. Keep these details safe, as you will need them while applying for scheme benefits.

Step 4: Log in to your NFDP account and select the PM-MKSSY component for which you want to apply, such as Component 1-A, Component 1-B, Component 2, or Component 3.

Step 5: Complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents, such as land or lease documents, insurance policy, invoices, bills, or other documents required for the selected component.

Step 6: The concerned department will verify your application and documents. If your application is approved, the eligible financial assistance or insurance incentive will be released according to the applicable PM-MKSSY guidelines.

Method 2: Apply Through the NFDP Mobile App

Step 1: Download the official NFDP App from the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Register, log in, and complete the same application process available on the NFDP portal by uploading the required documents and submitting your application online.

Method 3: Apply Through a Common Service Centre (CSC)

Step 1: Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) with all the required documents. The CSC operator can help you complete your NFDP registration and submit your online application.

Step 2: Registration on the NFDP portal is free. If you need any clarification, you can contact the Department of Fisheries or call the official helpline before making any payment for the registration process.

For more information, visit nfdp.dof.gov.in or call the toll-free helpline 1800 425 1660.

Difference Between PM-MKSSY and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

If you want a digital fisheries identity, easier access to institutional credit, aquaculture insurance, or performance-based grants, you should apply under PM-MKSSY. However, if you are planning to build a fish pond, hatchery, cold storage facility, fishing vessel, or other fisheries infrastructure with government financial assistance, you should explore the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Important Links Available

• National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) – Register and Apply for PM-MKSSY Benefits
• NFDP Mobile App – Download on Google Play Store
• Cabinet Approval Press Release – PM-MKSSY, Press Information Bureau
• Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying – Official Website

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Department: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries,
  Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
• Toll-Free Helpline: 1800 425 1660

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana?

Ans. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, implements the scheme. The Union Cabinet approved it on 8 February 2024 with a total outlay of Rs. 6,000 crore for the period from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27.

Q. What is the difference between PM-MKSSY and PMMSY?

Ans. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) mainly supports the development of fisheries infrastructure such as fish ponds, hatcheries, fishing vessels, cold storage facilities, and processing units. PM-MKSSY is a sub-scheme under PMMSY that focuses on digital registration, institutional credit, aquaculture insurance, value chain development, and performance-based grants.

Q. Who can apply for PM-MKSSY?

Ans. Indian citizens working as fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, fish vendors, or aquaculture farmers can apply. Eligible organisations such as Proprietary Firms, Partnership Firms, Companies, Cooperatives, SHGs, FFPOs, LLPs, and Startups engaged in fisheries or aquaculture activities can also apply.

Q. What is the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP)?

Ans. The National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) is the official online platform for PM-MKSSY. Applicants can register, obtain an NFDP Registration Number (NRN), apply for different scheme components, access aquaculture insurance, and apply for performance grants. Registration on the NFDP portal is mandatory before applying for PM-MKSSY benefits.

Q. Is NFDP registration free?

Ans. Yes. Registration on the NFDP portal is completely free. Applicants can also visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) for assistance. If anyone asks for registration charges, applicants should contact the Department of Fisheries for clarification.

Q. What is the aquaculture insurance incentive under Component 1-B?

Ans. Eligible aquaculture farmers can receive an incentive of 40% of the insurance premium paid. For pond-based aquaculture, the maximum benefit is Rs. 25,000 per hectare for up to 4 hectares of Water Spread Area, subject to an overall limit of Rs. 1,00,000 per farmer. Eligible SC, ST, and Women beneficiaries receive an additional 10% incentive.

Q. What types of aquaculture insurance are available under PM-MKSSY?

Ans. PM-MKSSY supports two types of aquaculture insurance. Basic Insurance covers losses caused by natural calamities, floods, cyclones, pollution, riots, structural damage, and similar risks. Comprehensive Insurance includes all Basic Insurance benefits and also covers crop losses caused by diseases.

Q. What performance grant is available under Component 2?

Ans. General Category microenterprises can receive 25% of the eligible project cost or Rs. 35 lakh, whichever is lower. Eligible SC, ST, and women-owned microenterprises can receive 35% of the eligible project cost or Rs. 45 lakh, whichever is lower. Village Level Organisations, SHG Federations, FFPOs, and Cooperatives can receive up to 35% of the eligible project cost or Rs. 200 lakh, whichever is lower.

Q. Are performance grants paid before starting the project?

Ans. No. The Department of Fisheries releases the performance grant only after the investment is completed and verified. PM-MKSSY does not provide upfront financial assistance under these components.

Q. Is there any job creation incentive under PM-MKSSY?

Ans. Yes. Eligible enterprises can receive an additional incentive of Rs. 15,000 per year for each woman employee and Rs. 10,000 per year for each man employee, subject to the applicable scheme guidelines.

Q. How can I apply for PM-MKSSY?

Ans. Register on the NFDP portal or download the official NFDP mobile app. After completing your registration and obtaining your NFDP Registration Number (NRN), log in to your account and apply for the relevant PM-MKSSY component. You can also visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) for assistance.

Q. What is the toll-free helpline number for PM-MKSSY?

Ans. Applicants can call the official toll-free helpline 1800 425 1660 for help with registration, application, or other PM-MKSSY-related queries.

Q. What is the total outlay of PM-MKSSY?

Ans. PM-MKSSY has a total outlay of Rs. 6,000 crore. The scheme is implemented as a 100% Central Sector Scheme across all States and Union Territories.

Q. How many people have registered on the NFDP portal?

Ans. According to the latest official information available, the NFDP portal has received more than 27 lakh registrations, showing the growing adoption of digital services in India’s fisheries sector.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.