PM Modi said the PMMSY will transform the fisheries sector and add strength to the efforts of building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. (Source: Twitter/@BJP4India)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, which aims to double fish exports in three-four years.

Launching the scheme via video-conference, the PM said, “Today the scheme is being launched in 21 states across the country. Over Rs 20,000 crore will be spent on this in the next 4-5 years. Works worth Rs 1,700 crore are being started today. Under the scheme, several facilities have been inaugurated in Patna, Purnia, Sitamarhi, Madhepura, Kishanganj and Samastipur.”

This is the first such comprehensive plan to promote fisheries in the country, he said, adding, “The goal is to double fish exports in the coming 3-4 years.”

After opening his speech in Bhojpuri, Modi switched to Hindi to say: “The thinking behind launching sundry schemes today is to ensure that our villages should become India of 21st century and the strength of Atmnirbhar Bharat.”

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and Union minister Giriraj Singh joined the launch programme from Patna via video-conference.

Under the new scheme, fish producers will get new infrastructure, modern equipment, and new markets will be provided, Modi said. “This will increase earning opportunities through farming as well as other means.” The scheme will boost fish, milk and honey production, paving the way for blue, white and sweet revolutions, he said.

The PM also launched other initiatives for fisheries, dairy and animal husbandry including e-GOPALA app, which will provide information “related to cattle care, from productivity to its health and diet”. The app will enable cattle owners to buy and sell animals, said a statement from the government.

The PM said the Centre was looking at taking IVF technique in rearing calves to every village. “A cow generally gives birth to one calf in a year, but there have been experiments in laboratories getting several calves in a year through IVF technique. We intend to extend this technique to every village.”

Referring to Mission Dolphin, which was announced on August 15, Modi said, “I learnt that Nitish Babu has been quite excited with the project. I believe if the number of dolphins goes up, it would benefit people living by Ganga.” He was referring to the positive impact of rearing dolphins on fishery.

Lauding the work done by the Bihar government, Modi praised Nitish for the scheme to deliver drinking water to every home. “Till four-five years ago, only 2 per cent people were linked to supplied drinking water. This figure has now gone up to 70 per cent and about 1.5 crore households are linked to the scheme,” he said.