Looking to start a fish farm in India with government support? This complete guide covers all major fish farming subsidy schemes including PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, NABARD, and state fisheries programs. Learn about eligibility, documents, loan amounts, and how to apply both online and offline to get financial help for your fish farming business.
🔸 Introduction
Fish farming is one of India’s fastest-growing agribusiness sectors. But for many aspiring entrepreneurs, the initial cost of pond construction, fingerlings, and feed can be a major roadblock.
That’s where the Indian government steps in with powerful subsidy and loan programs to support fish farmers, especially small-scale and first-time ones.
From the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to NABARD’s refinance schemes, there are now structured financial aids that can cover 40–60% of your total project cost—sometimes even more if you're a woman, tribal, or from a northeastern state.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about fish farming subsidies in India:
Major central schemes
Bank and state support
Who is eligible
What documents you need
How to apply, step-by-step
Let’s help you turn your fish farming dream into a funded reality.
1. PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
Launched: 2020
Ministry: Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India
Goal: To increase fish production and provide financial support to boost aquaculture, infrastructure, and employment
1.1 Key Features
Covers both inland and marine fish farming
Offers subsidies for:
Pond construction
Biofloc tanks
Cold storage, ice plants
Feed mills
Transportation & market linkage
1.2 Subsidy Details
CategoryGeneralSC/ST/Women/Northeast
Capital Subsidy40% of project cost60% of project cost
Max subsidy: Up to ₹3–4 lakh for pond-based farming
Biofloc system subsidy: Up to ₹1.2 lakh per unit (depends on state)
1.3 Who Can Apply?
Individual farmers
SHGs, FPOs, Cooperatives
Entrepreneurs
Scheduled caste/tribe, women farmers
Existing fish farmers looking to expand
PMMSY is the most popular and well-funded scheme currently available.
2. NABARD & State Fisheries Department Schemes
2.1 NABARD Fish Farming Subsidy (via Banks)
NABARD provides refinance support to banks that lend to aquaculture projects.
Benefits:
Easier access to loans
Interest subvention on repayment
Tie-ups with local fisheries dept.
You can get loans with low interest (as low as 4%) if you’re eligible under agri/allied sectors.
2.2 State Government Fisheries Subsidies
Many states have additional subsidy programs for local fish farmers.
StateAdditional Schemes
Andhra PradeshFree fish seed, ₹2L pond subsidy, electricity subsidy
West BengalMatsya Mitra Yojana, free training, 50% subsidy
MaharashtraBackward region fish subsidy schemes
Tamil NaduPond construction subsidy + hatchery assistance
Assam & NEBiofloc, tank subsidies up to 75% for tribal youth
Check your state fisheries department website or office—subsidy limits vary regionally.
.png "Subsidy % by Category (General, SC/ST, Women, NE)\"")
3. Eligibility and Documents
3.1 Who is Eligible?
You may qualify for fish farming subsidies if you are:
Age 18+
Resident of India
Owning or leasing land/pond
Willing to invest and submit a project report
From an eligible category (General/SC/ST/Women/Tribal)
3.2 Required Documents
DocumentPurpose
Aadhaar CardIdentity verification
Land/Pond Ownership ProofProof of land rights or lease
Bank Account PassbookFor subsidy deposit
Caste CertificateFor SC/ST benefits
Project Proposal ReportRequired for loan + subsidy
Passport-size PhotosFor application file
Training Certificate(Sometimes required for PMMSY applicants)
Pro Tip: Attend a short fish farming training at your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or Fisheries Office—it boosts approval chances.
.png "Checklist of Documents for Fish Farming Subsidy\"")
4. Loan & Subsidy Amount
4.1 Typical Cost Breakdown (Per Acre Pond Farming)
ItemCost (Approx.)
Pond construction₹2,00,000
Fingerlings₹10,000–₹20,000
Feed (1 year)₹40,000–₹70,000
Equipment₹10,000–₹25,000
Miscellaneous₹20,000
Total Cost₹3.5–₹4 lakh
4.2 How Much Subsidy Do You Get?
Category% SubsidyAmount (Avg.)
General Category40%₹1.4 – ₹1.6 lakh
SC/ST/Women/NE States60%₹2.1 – ₹2.4 lakh
Remaining cost can be financed via bank loan or personal savings
.png "State Government Subsidy Programs for Fish Farmers\"")
5. Application Process (Online/Offline)
5.1 Online Application (for PMMSY)
You can apply through the NFDB or Department of Fisheries portals:
Visit: https://pmmsy.dof.gov.in
Register with your mobile & Aadhaar
Fill in farmer details, pond location
Upload documents + bank details
Submit project proposal (you can get help from local officials)
Wait for approval (takes 20–45 days)
5.2 Offline Process (Alternative)
Visit your District Fisheries Office
Collect subsidy form or request assistance
Attach required documents
Submit your application file
Field officer will verify your land
Approval and funds are disbursed either directly or through bank loan
Many applicants choose both paths—online + offline follow-up—for faster processing.
.png "\"Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Fish Farming Subsidy\"")
Conclusion
Fish farming is a profitable venture, but with rising costs, getting the right government support can make all the difference.
The Indian government is actively encouraging youth, women, and small farmers to enter aquaculture with the help of schemes like:
PMMSY
NABARD support
State-specific fishery subsidies
By preparing the right documents and applying through both online and offline channels, you can access subsidies covering 40–60% of your setup costs—sometimes more in special zones or tribal regions.
Don’t let a lack of capital stop you. The fish are waiting.
Suggested reading
1. Introduction to Beekeeping (Apiculture) – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners in India
2. How to Start Beekeeping at Home or Farm Complete Beginner's Guide
