"Wave of Excitement: Establishment of 5 Mega Aqua Parks Boosts PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Uplifting Fisheries Sector"

The recent budget announcement's emphasis on strengthening the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has injected fresh momentum into the seafood and fisheries sectors, foreseeably elevating production levels. The pivotal move involves the establishment of five mega integrated aqua parks, introducing a new era in the industry marked by heightened product quality, improved cold chains, diversified product offerings, and noteworthy recreational facilities.

Kerala, renowned for its vast potential in fisheries and aquaculture, stands poised to contribute significantly to the government's aspirations for the development of these sectors. T Pradeepkumar, the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), emphasized the state's crucial role in realizing the government's vision for fisheries and aquaculture advancement.

G Pawan Kumar, the National President of the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), expressed enthusiasm for the government's dedicated focus on the sector. This comes at a time when seafood exports recorded a substantial business of ₹65,000 crore in the previous fiscal year. Kumar noted that given the existing production capacity, further investments in the aquaculture sector may not be immediately necessary.

The expansion of PMMSY and the establishment of mega aqua parks are expected to not only boost production but also contribute to the overall development and sustainability of the fisheries and aquaculture industries in India.

HBL