PMMSY: Support for Acquisition of Deep Sea Fishing Vessels for Traditional Fishermen - Gujarat
₹48–₹72 lakh subsidy for deep sea fishing vessel · traditional fishermen in Gujarat under PMMSY
Traditional fishermen in Gujarat can receive major financial support to acquire a deep-sea fishing vessel, enabling them to fish further offshore and significantly increase their catch and income. The subsidy is 40% (up to ₹48 lakh) for general applicants or 60% (up to ₹72 lakh) for women/SC/ST, against a unit cost of ₹1.2 crore. Apply online via the I-Khedut portal at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
About This Scheme
Traditional fishermen in Gujarat can receive major financial support to acquire a deep-sea fishing vessel, enabling them to fish further offshore and significantly increase their catch and income. The subsidy is 40% (up to ₹48 lakh) for general applicants or 60% (up to ₹72 lakh) for women/SC/ST, against a unit cost of ₹1.2 crore. Apply online via the I-Khedut portal at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
Full official description
The scheme “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)” with the component of "Support for Acquisition of Deep Sea Fishing Vessels for Traditional Fishermen", introduced by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat, aims to modernise cold chain infrastructure to preserve fish health, uplift fishermen, and enhance value chain efficiency. Through this scheme, financial support is provided to fishermen and related beneficiaries for constructing ice plants or storage units with a minimum capacity of 30 tonnes, ensuring hygienic fish storage and better returns. The scheme is implemented by the Commissioner of Fisheries of the State Governments, with 60% contribution from the Government of India and 40% contribution from the State Government.
Objective of the scheme
- Marine production in the Gujarat state is one of the leading in the country. The state lags behind in exports due to non-norms. So cold storage/ice plant modernization is necessary to keep the fish in healthy condition.
- Insulated vehicle, three wheeler with ice box including e-rickshaw, and live fish vending center to deliver the fish in hygienic condition to the consumer, so that the consumer (customer) can get fresh and clean fish from the local area and get good returns to the sellers.
- Around 27,000 small and large boats are operating in the state. To strengthen the safety and security of the fishermen and increase the income of the boat owner, replacement of the existing boats is necessary to increase the sea growth of the existing boats.
Benefits
- General category: 40% of unit cost = up to ₹48,00,000
- Women / SC / ST category: 60% of unit cost = up to ₹72,00,000
- Unit cost: ₹1,20,00,000 per deep-sea fishing vessel
- Benefit available once in a lifetime
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Deep-sea fishing ventures in Gujarat face the highest upfront vessel costs — at ₹1.2 crore per vessel, the PMMSY subsidy of up to ₹72 lakh for women/SC/ST operators makes ownership achievable where bank lending alone would be prohibitive. Blue-economy startups should map cooperatives already eligible for this.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a native and resident of Gujarat
- Must have a fishing boat registered under Real Craft software
- Must hold a valid fishing license
- Must complete online registration on the I-Khedut portal
- Must obtain in-principle approval before any purchase
- Must have a personal bank account
- Women, SC, and ST applicants qualify for 60% assistance
How to Apply
- Register at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in — click Login → Beneficiary Registration and select your beneficiary type (Farmer, Institutional, or Other).
- Select District, Taluka, and Village, enter your bank account number and name, solve the captcha, and click Save and Next.
- Enter your mobile number and email, click Send OTP, verify with the received OTP, create a password, and click Submit.
- Log in again, click Schemes → Fisheries Schemes, find this scheme, and click Apply.
- Click Apply New to start a new application and fill in all required details.
- Use Update Application to correct any errors, then confirm the application.
- Take a printout of the confirmed application for your records.
- Check application status anytime by logging in to your iKhedut account at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for support to acquire a deep sea fishing vessel?
The applicant should be a native of Gujarat state, have a registered fishing boat under Real Craft software, and possess a valid fishing license.
Is there any requirement for bank details before applying?
Yes, the beneficiary must have their own bank account to receive the assistance.
Where should I register to apply for this benefit?
You must do online registration on the iKhedut portal at https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
Do I need approval before purchasing the vessel?
Yes, in-principle approval must be obtained before purchasing the floor plan for the vessel.
Is the benefit amount fixed or does it depend on government targets?
The benefit will be available as per the target (category) allocated by the Government of India.
How is the contribution shared between the Centre and State Government?
60% contribution is provided by the Government of India and 40% by the State Government.
Can a beneficiary avail this benefit more than once?
No, the benefit can only be availed once in a lifetime.
Is there a specific time limit to reclaim this benefit?
Yes, there is a minimum time limit of 1 year to reclaim the benefit.
How many boats are currently operating in the state?
Around 27,000 small and large boats are operating in the state.
Why is support for acquiring deep sea fishing vessels necessary?
It helps strengthen the safety and security of fishermen and increases the income of boat owners.
Does the scheme also aim to modernize fishing practices?
Yes, it focuses on modernization to enhance safety, efficiency, and income of traditional fishermen.
What is the main goal of providing assistance for deep sea vessels?
The main goal is to provide fishermen with safer, modern vessels that increase income and strengthen marine production.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card
- Fishing licence copy
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph
- Quotation from supplier