The Central Government has established 213 women-led coastal fisheries cooperative societies in Andhra Pradesh since April 2021, benefiting 27,447 women engaged in fisheries, seaweed cultivation, and marine fish processing. The initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and aims to strengthen women’s participation in India’s fisheries sector through institutional support, financial assistance, and capacity building.
The information was shared by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
213 Cooperatives Established Across 12 Districts
According to the minister, the women-led fisheries cooperative societies were established between April 1, 2021, and June 15, 2026, covering 12 coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Kakinada.
These cooperatives have enabled thousands of women involved in fisheries-related activities to organise themselves into formal institutions, helping improve access to government schemes, training, and financial support.
Women associated with these cooperatives are engaged in a range of livelihood activities, including marine fisheries, seaweed cultivation, fish processing, and value-added seafood production.
Financial Support Through PMMKSSY
To further strengthen women-led fisheries cooperatives, the Centre is encouraging societies to register on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP).
Registration on the digital platform makes eligible cooperatives for performance-based grants of up to ₹2 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), a sub-scheme of PMMSY designed to improve the performance and sustainability of fisheries cooperatives across the country.
The initiative aims to improve governance, financial management, and business opportunities for cooperative societies while supporting long-term livelihood development.
Priority for Deep-Sea and High Seas Fishing
The government has also announced measures to encourage greater participation of women-led cooperatives in marine fisheries.
According to the minister, women-led fisheries cooperative societies are being given priority in the issuance of Access Passes for fishing operations in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Letters of Authorization (LoA) required for high seas fishing.
To make deep-sea fishing more accessible, the Centre has reduced the application and renewal fee for Letters of Authorization from ₹25,000 to ₹5,000, lowering the financial burden on eligible fishing entities.
NFDB Plans 12,000 Fisheries Cooperatives Nationwide
As part of the Government of India’s Blue Economy strategy, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has prepared an action plan to establish 12,000 fisheries cooperative societies across the country.
The plan includes the formation of women-led coastal fisheries cooperatives in villages and gram panchayats where such institutions do not currently exist. The objective is to strengthen community-based fisheries management, improve market access, and expand livelihood opportunities for coastal fishing communities.
Support for 5,500 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies
The government is also implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY) to strengthen 5,500 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies (PFCSs) nationwide.
Under the scheme, cooperative societies receive support through capacity building, mentoring, institutional strengthening, and need-based financial assistance. Women-led fisheries cooperatives have been identified as one of the priority categories under the programme.
The initiative is expected to improve the operational efficiency of fisheries cooperatives while enhancing income opportunities for members engaged in fisheries and aquaculture-related activities.
Strengthening Women’s Role in the Fisheries Sector
Women’s participation has become increasingly important across India’s fisheries value chain, extending beyond traditional fish processing to aquaculture, seaweed farming, value addition, marketing, and cooperative management.
The establishment of 213 women-led fisheries cooperative societies in Andhra Pradesh reflects the government’s broader effort to promote inclusive growth within the fisheries sector by improving access to institutional support, finance, digital platforms, and market opportunities.
As PMMSY and PMMKSSY continue to expand, women-led cooperatives are expected to play an increasingly significant role in strengthening coastal livelihoods, improving community participation, and supporting the sustainable development of India’s fisheries sector.