Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY-Inland): Backyard Ornamental Fish Rearing Unit - Gujarat
40% subsidy on backyard fish rearing units · Gujarat fishers · up to ₹16,000 per unit
This Gujarat state scheme under PMMSY-Inland provides subsidies for setting up a backyard ornamental fish rearing unit — a small-scale fish farming setup using tanks at or near your home. The project cost is Rs 3 lakh, with a 40% subsidy for general category applicants and 60% for women, SC, and ST beneficiaries. Applications are made online through the I-Khedut Portal at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
About This Scheme
This Gujarat state scheme under PMMSY-Inland provides subsidies for setting up a backyard ornamental fish rearing unit — a small-scale fish farming setup using tanks at or near your home. The project cost is Rs 3 lakh, with a 40% subsidy for general category applicants and 60% for women, SC, and ST beneficiaries. Applications are made online through the I-Khedut Portal at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
Full official description
The scheme “Backyard Ornamental Fish Rearing Unit” is a component under the “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY-Inland)” scheme, implemented by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. The scheme aims to promote the rearing of ornamental fish and accelerate inland fish farming activities in freshwater bodies, also increasing inland fish production. The scheme also employs people involved in inland fisheries activities. The scheme is implemented by the Commissioner of Fisheries of the State Governments, with 60% contribution from the Government of India and 40% from the Government of Gujarat.
Objective:
- Assistance is provided for accelerating inland fish farming activities in freshwater bodies, increasing inland fish production and boosting inland fisheries.
- Except for water bodies or ponds, in less land, less water, Biofloc with source as well, Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). By creating fish tanks with this method, more fish production can be obtained in less land and less water. If more beneficiaries get the benefit of the subsidy of this scheme, more fish production can be achieved with less water sources and less land.
- Inland fish production capacity can be increased by the establishment of freshwater hatcheries.
Benefits
- Project unit cost: Rs 3,00,000 per backyard ornamental fish rearing unit
- General category: 40% subsidy (up to Rs 1,20,000)
- Women, SC, and ST categories: 60% subsidy (up to Rs 1,80,000)
- Benefit can be availed only once in a lifetime
- Funded jointly: 60% from Government of India, 40% from Government of Gujarat
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Aquaculture startups in Gujarat: PMMSY's backyard fish rearing subsidy is creating a base of small-scale fish farmers who need feed supply, technical advisory, and market linkage — all of which are unmet needs a startup can address with a subscription or marketplace model.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an individual, self-help group, society, association, reservoir lease holder, or private entity involved in inland fisheries activities in Gujarat
- Must be above 18 years of age
- Must have a personal bank account
- Must own private land or hold a minimum 10-year lease for the land (if applying for construction-related assistance)
- If the land is co-owned, a consent form from co-owners must be submitted
- Valid identity proof required: Voter ID, Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, or Passport
- SC/ST applicants must provide a caste certificate to access the higher subsidy rate
Exclusions
- Not available to applicants who have already received PMMSY assistance for the same type of unit
- Does not cover ornamental fish production units under this specific component
How to Apply
- Contact your local Fisheries Department office or visit the Gujarat Fisheries Department portal.
- Submit an application with details of the proposed unit location and beneficiary information.
- Get a site inspection done by the department to confirm eligibility.
- Once approved, construct the backyard rearing unit as per department specifications.
- Submit completion certificate and photographs.
- Subsidy is released to your bank account after verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility criteria for the scheme?
To be eligible, you must be an individual, a society, a Self-Help Group, an association, a reservoir lease holder, or a private entity involved in inland fisheries activities. You must be over 18 years old and possess either your own land or a land lease agreement for a minimum of 10 years.
What is the age limit for applicants to get benefits under the scheme?
The applicant must be above 18 years of age to be considered for the benefits of this component.
Do I need to have my own land to get benefits under the scheme?
Yes, you must either own the land or have a land lease agreement that is valid for a minimum of 10 years to avail of assistance related to construction on the land.
What if my land has multiple owners; can I still apply for the benefits under this scheme?
Yes, in the case of co-owners, you must submit a consent form from all co-owners along with your application.
What is the subsidy amount provided to general category applicants for the scheme?
General category applicants are eligible for a subsidy of 40% of the unit cost, which amounts to ₹1,20,000/-.
What is the subsidy amount for women, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) applicants for the scheme?
Women, SC, and ST applicants are eligible for a higher subsidy of 60% of the unit cost, which is ₹1,80,000/-.
Is the subsidy for the this scheme fully funded by the central government?
No, the assistance is paid with a 60% contribution from the Government of India and a 40% contribution from the state governments.
How many times can I avail the benefits for the scheme?
You can receive the benefit for this specific component only once in your lifetime.
What kind of identity proof do I need to submit to apply for the scheme?
You must submit either a Voter ID, Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, or Passport as proof of identity.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card
- Land ownership or lease documents
- Bank account details
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
- Quotations from suppliers for tanks and equipment