The well-being of fishermen in India is a multifaceted and crucial aspect of the country’s socio-economic fabric, given the significant role that fisheries play in providing livelihoods, food security, and economic sustenance for millions of people. Fishing communities in India are diverse, with various coastal regions and inland water bodies supporting a wide array of fishing practices. Acknowledging the importance of fishermen, the Odisha Government has launched the Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana. Under this scheme, 16 welfare programs have been introduced. Let’s look at the scheme in detail.
What is Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana?
On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) for the welfare of fishermen in the state through a video conference. This scheme encompasses 16 welfare programs for fishermen, with a budget of Rs 448 crore allocated for implementation in the current financial year. The primary goal is to enhance the financial well-being of over 1 lakh fishermen in the state.
The Chief Minister’s Fishery Welfare Scheme is expected to benefit more than 11,000 women self-help groups, 50,000 fish farmers, and over 1 lakh fishermen. CM Naveen underscored the government’s commitment to the welfare of fishermen and the economically disadvantaged, citing ongoing efforts to ensure social security, food security, employment, and nutrition for all.
| Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana 2023 Key Highlights | |
| Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana Launch Date | November 22, 2023 |
| Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana Official Website | MMKY Official Website |
| Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana Budget 2023-24 | Rs 448 Crore |
| Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana Beneficiaries | Fisherman, women self-help groups fish farmers |
| Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana Number of Beneficiaries | 16 welfare programs |
| Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana No. of Beneficiaries | 1,61,000 |
| Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana Helpline Number | (0674) 2536985,2322960 |
Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana Objective
The scheme focuses on various objectives, including increasing fish production, generating employment opportunities, empowering women, and boosting the state’s economy. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged fishermen and women self-help groups to take full advantage of the scheme, emphasizing its potential contribution to both individual prosperity and the state’s overall development.
Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana Programs List
The Chief Minister announced a fourfold increase in fish production in Odisha over the past two decades, highlighting a noteworthy achievement in the state’s fisheries sector. Emphasizing the success of the implemented policies, he mentioned that Odisha has emerged as a leader, with marine fish exports contributing a significant Rs 4,500 crore to the state’s economy. The Chief Minister underscored Odisha’s pioneering role in the adoption of the Odisha Fisheries Policy 2015 and Odisha Reservoir Policy 2012, aimed at stimulating fish production. Additionally, he proudly stated that Odisha has achieved self-sufficiency in fingerling production, showcasing a comprehensive and successful approach to bolstering the state’s fisheries industry.
Here is the complete list of 16 welfare programs that have been launched under the Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana.Â
| Sr. No. | Name of the Scheme/Service |
| 1 | Financial Assistance for New Boat, Engine & Net under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 2 | Motorization of Traditional Crafts under State Sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 3 | Livelihood Support to Marine Fishermen during Fishing Ban Period under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 4 | New Tank Excavation under Brackish Water Aquaculture under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 5 | Promotion of Reservoir Fishery Production under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 6 | Popularization of Fisheries Machineries – Equipments under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 7 | Assistance to Network of Seed Growers under Early Breeding Programme under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 8 | Assistance to Fish Seed Hatcheries for Early Breeding Programme under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 9 | Machha Chasa Pain Nua Pokhari Khola Yojana under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 10 | Promotion of Intensive Aquaculture through Biofloc Technology under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 11 | Reactivation of Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 12 | Input Assistance to Farmers for taking up Fish Farming in Farm Ponds under the state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 13 | Scholarship to Meritorious Students of Fishers Family under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 14 | Revolving Fund for WSHGs involved in Fisheries Activities under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 15 | Promotion of Intensive Aquaculture through Biofloc Technology by WSHGs under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
| 16 | Input Assistance to WSHGs under state sector Umbrella Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) |
