CONTENTS

1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana
2. Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

Context:

The Department of Fisheries organised a meeting to discuss the recently implemented Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Relevance:

GS II- Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana
2. About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana:

• The Union Cabinet has approved Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana, a Central Sector sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada for the fisheries sector.
• The scheme will be implemented for 4  years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 across all the States and UTs.

Aim:

• The scheme will help to formalize the fisheries sector and enhance access to institutional credit.

Fund Allocated:

• A total of 6000 crore rupees have been earmarked for the scheme over the next 4 years.

Finance:

• About 3,000 crore rupees will come from public finance including the World Bank and the AFD external financing, and the remaining 50 percent will be contributed by the beneficiaries from the private sector.

Significance:

• The initiative will support 6.4 lakh micro-enterprises and 5,500 fisheries cooperatives, providing access to institutional credit.     
• This sub-scheme will help to create a National Fisheries Digital Platform to provide 40 lakh small and micro-enterprises work-based identities.        

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.

-Source: PIB

Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Context:

Recently, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW) launched the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, aiming to empower 14,500 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) initiative through drone technology for agriculture services. 

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Overview of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme

The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is an innovative government initiative aimed at empowering Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through technology. The scheme facilitates the use of drones to apply fertilizers and pesticides, enhancing crop yields and reducing operational costs for agricultural practices.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Financial Assistance: The scheme offers substantial central financial assistance, covering 80% of the drone cost, up to Rs. 8 lakhs.
• Additional Funding: Further funding is available through the Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF), providing ample financial support for participants.
• Equipment and Warranty: Beneficiaries receive a comprehensive package that includes a drone equipped with essential accessories such as batteries, spray equipment, tools, and a one-year warranty.
• Training Programs: A mandatory 15-day training session is provided to one member of each participating women’s SHG to become certified drone pilots. Additional training on the agricultural application of drones for nutrient and pesticide dissemination is also provided.

Governing Agencies

• Central Level: An Empowered Committee of Secretaries oversees the program, involving multiple departments:
  • Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Wildlife (DoA&FW)
  • Department of Rural Development
  • Department of Fertilizers
  • Ministry of Civil Aviation
  • Ministry of Women and Child Development
• State-Level Implementation: At the state level, Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) play a pivotal role. They coordinate with state departments and SHGs to ensure effective drone distribution and utilization.

Impact and Implementation

This scheme not only promotes the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies among women-led groups but also aims to foster gender empowerment in rural areas. By equipping women with modern tools and skills, the Namo Drone Didi Scheme sets a precedent for integrating technology with traditional farming practices, potentially revolutionizing the agricultural landscape and empowering women economically and technologically across India.