Tamil Nadu has received a major boost for its fisheries sector under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). From 2020 to 2025, the Government of India approved ₹1,158.54 crore worth of fisheries development projects in the state. Out of this, ₹258.46 crore of central funding has already been used to support various activities.
One of the main highlights is the promotion of seaweed farming, especially for coastal women and self-help groups (SHGs). To support this:
- ₹77.31 lakh was given for 8,595 seaweed rafts
- ₹123.84 lakh for 2,580 monolines
- 750 fisherwomen were trained in seaweed cultivation
In a first for India, a Multipurpose Seaweed Park has been approved in Tamil Nadu at a cost of ₹127.71 crore. This park is expected to generate jobs for 18,000 people, especially women and SHG members.
Support was also given for cold chain and infrastructure:
- ₹334.55 lakh for ice plants
- ₹15.06 crore for insulated vehicles
- ₹1.44 crore for refrigerated vehicles
In total, around 1.83 lakh beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu—including many women—have received support under PMMSY.
Though the selection process is gender-neutral, special awareness programs have helped many fisherwomen benefit from the scheme.