PMMSY: Upgradation of existing fishing vessels for export Competency - Gujarat
₹6–₹9 lakh subsidy to upgrade fishing vessel for export standards · Gujarat PMMSY
Gujarat fishermen can receive a subsidy to upgrade their existing fishing vessels to meet export quality and safety standards, opening access to international fish markets and higher prices. The subsidy is 40% (₹6 lakh) for general applicants or 60% (₹9 lakh) for women/SC/ST, against a unit cost of ₹15 lakh. Apply online via the I-Khedut portal at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
About This Scheme
Gujarat fishermen can receive a subsidy to upgrade their existing fishing vessels to meet export quality and safety standards, opening access to international fish markets and higher prices. The subsidy is 40% (₹6 lakh) for general applicants or 60% (₹9 lakh) for women/SC/ST, against a unit cost of ₹15 lakh. 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 "Upgradation of Existing Fishing Vessels for Export Competency", 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 in exports due to non-norms. So, cold storage/ice plant modernisation is necessary to keep the fish in a healthy condition.
- Insulated vehicle, three-wheeler with ice box, including e-rickshaw, and live fish vending centre 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 ₹6,00,000
- Women / SC / ST category: 60% of unit cost = up to ₹9,00,000
- Unit cost: ₹15,00,000 per vessel upgradation
- Benefit available once in a lifetime
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If your seafood export startup sources from Gujarat fishermen, helping your key suppliers access this vessel-upgrade subsidy directly lifts the hygiene and quality standards of your catch at the source — giving you a stronger position for EU or US export certifications without funding the upgrade yourself.
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 financial assistance under this component?
Any beneficiary who is a native of Gujarat, holds a valid fishing license, and has a boat registered under Real Craft software is eligible.
Is there a requirement for a bank account to receive the benefit?
Yes, the beneficiary must have his or her own active bank account to avail the assistance.
Can I apply more than once for this assistance?
No, the benefit can only be claimed once in a lifetime.
What is the unit cost considered for upgradation of fishing vessels?
The unit cost is fixed at ₹15.00 lakhs.
How much assistance is given to a general category beneficiary?
A general category beneficiary can receive 40% assistance, which amounts to ₹6.00 lakhs.
What percentage of assistance is provided to women, SC, and ST beneficiaries?
Women, SC, and ST beneficiaries are eligible for 60% assistance, which amounts to ₹9.00 lakhs.
Who decides the allocation of benefits under this component?
The benefit is provided as per the category-wise target allocated by the Government of India.
What is the contribution pattern between the central and state governments?
The central government contributes 60% and the state government contributes 40% towards the assistance.
Is it mandatory to get approval before purchasing or upgrading the vessel?
Yes, in-principle approval must be obtained before purchasing the floor plan for upgradation.
Where should I register to apply for this assistance?
Beneficiaries need to do online registration through the iKhedut portal at https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
Are small boat owners also eligible for this benefit?
Yes, both small and large boat owners can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
What is the minimum time limit fixed for reclaiming the benefit under this component?
The minimum time limit prescribed for reclaiming the benefit is once in a lifetime, with no repeat claims allowed.
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